Another Example of Saving by Asking for a Discount

Here's another reader success story on how to ask for a discount:

For my wedding registry I requested the usual, including a 12 piece set (48 pieces total) of crystal stemware from a name brand company. Not terribly expensive to start with but still a hefty chunk if we were to purchase it all for ourselves. After the wedding we took stock of what we received and had fulfilled roughly ½ of our requested number of pieces.

We took a trip to the nearby outlet mall (which has this name brand company) to see if they had any of our pattern in stock. We figured it had to be cheaper than the big department store. Well, we hit the jackpot! Not only did they have some, they were on sale for only $10 per glass. HOWEVER, I decided to take a chance and asked the girl what discount she would give me if I paid cash and bought enough to finish off my set. All she could do was say no, right? And even then I’d STILL be getting a deal. Instead she said, “How about 50% OFF the sale price?” That’s right. She sold me my stemware for $5 per piece!! Talk about a saving success!!

Good stuff!

Comments

[MelMoitzen]

Clearly this is not typical. You got a great buy and I don't mean to burst your bubble, but 50% off is not something a retailer routinely throws out to a customer who's probably ready to buy at the listed price. And it's well above the "courtesy" 10-20% discount most managers are empowered to offer. You're in an outlet store, both you and the retailer know you want the items, and that you aren't likely going to find a lower price that will be worth your trouble to buy elsewhere.

It's not unusual for outlet stores to have a table of stuff at 50% off the lowest ticketed price. If I had to venture a guess, the markdown was coming and the (presumably manager) girl knew it. If you came back a few days later, you would have found your stuff on that table. And had you paid "full" or "sale" outlet price, you'd be asking for an adjustment.

The only true leverage a consumer has in securing a discount is how well you're able to convince the retailer that you're ready to walk away without one, or that the discount will lead to additional sales in the future--either from you or those to whom you can influence.

[Maxx]

Thanks for sharing...
Nice story :)

[artdogs]

@MelMoitzen: I think the point of the story is: there's no harm in asking. I guess you could get into quasi-sophisticated economic and consumer behavior arguments -- but sheesh -- it's glasses, not a car.....