There Is Always A Deal
August 31, 2009 by Jim
ww.bargaineering.com/images/in_posts/barcelona-produce-marketplace.jpg" alt="Barcelona Produce Market" class="r" width="240" height="180">I bet you work hard for the dollars in your wallet, I know I do. You don’t spend hours away from your family or your favorite pursuits because you like work more than them, you do it because works pays you money so that you can support yourself and yours and do the things you want to do with your free time. I’m the same way. That’s why whenever I do the paying, I make sure I get the most out of the purchase. I believe there is always a deal to be made and those deals have saved me many hours of work in the process.I believe that whenever you make a purchase of any kind, there is always a deal to be made or found.
Why Look For A Deal?
I think part of the reason is my upbringing. My parents were frugal because they valued being able to fly us all home to Taiwan, from New York, as often as possible to visit our family there. Airfare for a family of four to the other side of the globe is very expensive. We found deals because without a deal, we couldn’t afford to do many of the other things we valued more.
Another reason I look for deals is because it validates how badly I want something. Let’s say it’s a piece of electronic equipment. I will do hours of research to make sure I get the best product for the best price from the most reputable dealer. If I’m not willing to do the work, how badly do I want it? If I don’t want it that badly, then I shouldn’t be buying it in the first place.
Finally, it’s a challenge! MSRP stands for manufacturer’s suggested retail price. When I see MSRP I smile because in that number I see a challenge. There is always a sale, always a coupon, always a vendor willing to sell it for less… there is always a deal out there and the fun is in finding it. Maybe you find a $10 off $100 coupon, couple it with a rebate and find some pencils to get you over the $100 hump. Maybe you find a manufacturer’s rebate and a vendor rebate to get it to you for free. Maybe you find a rebranded version that is identical except for the logo… there are so many possibilities!
Turn Deal Hunting Into A Game
Deal hunting on the internet is a lot easier than deal hunting in person. The art of negotiation is invaluable whenever you are dealing with a person face to face. If you don’t think this happens often, think again. While you might not negotiate with a clerk at a retail store very often, you do whenever you get someone to give you a quote for work on your house or car.
The one lesson you have to learn, above any other negotiation lesson is that there is always a deal. Always. Whether it’s through a coupon or through negotiation, the list price is just where the game starts. Read the rules of what makes Indians successful negotiators and try to remember them. Rule #2 is my favorite – “Try for 70% off — Don’t accept less than 30%.” What is more awkward, overpaying or negotiating a little?
You’ll find that you can save a ton of money just by following a couple of the seven rules on Ferriss’ list and remembering there is always a deal.
(Photo: jasmic)
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