Money Saving Tip: Get to Know the Staff

Here's a money saving tip that can save you a bundle:

Get to know the staff.

The clerks and other staff at all sorts of stores can be the key to significant savings. They know when items will be coming up for sale, when there will be special sales (like clearance sales), what the store might be willing to take a lower price on and the like. They might even be able to give you a discount themself.

This worked for me the other evening. I had been told by the owner of a local bike shop that he'd offer me a discount on the purchase of bike pedals. When I came in to pick them up, the owner was busy, so I mentioned it to the clerk, a man I knew from previous visits. He said, "Oh, I can give you a discount. Will 15% be ok?" It was ok! I ended up saving almost $20!!!!!!

A friend of mine used to have a clerk at an exclusive men's store who had all my friend's measurements and knew what he liked. When items were placed on sale, the clerk immediately put the things he thought my friend would like in the back and gave my friend a call. My friend would go to the store and almost always buy everything put back for him -- at 30% to 50% off retail price!!!! The clerk got a great deal too as he earned a commission on every sale (and a nice Christmas present to boot).

This tip is easier to implement at smaller stores like the local men's stores or bike shops noted above. But it works at larger chains too. My wife and I often get great tips from one of the sample ladies at Costco as well as a few clerks at our local Walmart. The key is that we've befriended these people, talk to them each time we're in the store, and now they look out for us when we visit.

Comments

[Stu]

Great tip. You're actually creating a relationship based on loyalty which should always end up being beneficial for both parties.

The adverse is true too though. If you don't like the clerk you will more often than not detour away from their store.

Obviously the longer you keep visiting the same store and building the friendship with the clerk or store assistant the more beneficial the relationship will become.

This is definatly a win, win situation. I used to work in retail and the business I was in we worked with customers and it helped to know them a bit. They got a good deal and usually bought more for "stocking up " purposes. We made more money for our quota. I also made a few good friends and quite a bit of aquaintances. I still see some of my old customers out at other places and we all still recognize each other.