<p>Well - I’m a huge fan of asking for discounts everywhere, even if it seems impossible or unlikely going in; just this weekend, I was in a store, there were some beautiful silk blouses; I asked the manager if I could have a discount on the purchase of more than one, and she immediately offered 25% off, so I bought two. Later the same day, I met D at a national auto repair chain, and asked them to replace all four tires on her car, plus oil change, air filters, alignment, etc. They called an hour or so later, there was a ball joint needing replacement. We had a discussion; I asked for price breaks; bottom line, I got four new tires (excellent name brand), alignment, oil change, air filter, ball joint, good tire mounted on rim so that she would have a real spare and not a donut, new wiper blades, just under $400.00, including labor, tax, etc.</p>
<p>Same weekend I asked for a discount off a beautiful skirt and was offered 15% (didn’t buy it - was too expensive even with the discount).</p>
<p>Ground rules are always ask very politely; never ask in front of other people because it puts the other person in a difficult position; never ever ask for too much or take advantage of a person - some retail businesses are operating on thin margins; always be complimentary with the request. For example, I never ask for discounts for negative reasons - for example, I’ll NEVER say “this has a thread hanging or a stain therefore can you cut the price”, rather, I’ll phrase it very positively: “these blouses are just beautiful; would you consider a discount if I wish to buy more than one?” - etc. There are “fun” ways of asking for discounts too “will you consider a mother-daughter discount” etc. Most people are receptive to positive, pleasant, complimentary statements and questions and so if there’s some trick available to give a price break they’ll generally find it. (With the car, I said something like "the reputation of your shop is so wonderful that I’d really prefer to have you do this work rather than our other mechanic; would you consider…etc.) </p>
<p>Of course, always be very gracious and give something back for the discount (loyalty, bring other friends on the next visit, refer people, etc.). </p>
<p>Also, if the person says “no”, never argue, just accept the answer, smile and thank them. Maybe they cannot do the discount this time but perhaps they will be able to do so next time. Last, I’m always prepared to walk away; there isn’t any item of clothing, or event ticket, or car or house that I’ll die if I cannot have.</p>
<p>As to other stuff, I view time as even more valuable than money - one can always find ways to make more money, however, time is not a renewable resource, and once it’s gone, it’s really gone. Therefore, since I hate seeing my time hemmoraged away in grocery stores, auto repair places, etc., I’ll buy in bulk, take the time to build relationships so that my car or whatever is at the front of the line; I make sure I’m top of the list for loaner cars, etc.</p>
<p>There’s a book called “Millionaire Mind” or something like that - I read it years ago, and it talks about the relationship of time to money re grocery stores, clothing, etc.</p>
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