Saving Money by Being Friendly (Again)

Several years ago I suggested that we all could save money by being friendly -- by making friends with store clerks who could then open the doors to savings for us. Well, I recently applied this tip again and it saved me a decent amount.

A couple weeks ago I was in the process of looking for new car tires. I started by considering two main options:

• Costco -- I have purchased tires at Costco several times because 1) they have usually been the best price (both the base price as well as they offer regular tire promotions) and 2) they offer Michelin tires, which I like. This said, there are also reasons not to choose Costco, mainly: 1) they don't allow you to make appointments to get your tires put on or rotated (which can be a huge time suck if you don't get there at the right time) and 2) they are not located anywhere close to my house/work (which makes #1 all the worse -- I drive 15 miles to wait two hours!)


• Belle Tire -- They just opened a brand new store (garage?) a few blocks from my house. It's between my house and work and near where I swim (so I drive by it four times almost every day). In other words, it's very convenient. I wasn't sure how they were on price but thought they might match competitors.

BTW, I did consider Discount Tire for a bit since they had been so great fixing my tire for free. But I was sure the best they would do was match Costco and they were not as convenient as Belle Tire (though more convenient than Costco). So my strategy was to compare Costco's price with Belle's and if Costco was way cheaper, then see if Discount Tire could get at least close to Costco's price. But it didn't get that far.

My first stop was Belle Tire. I chatted with the assistant manager and we hit it off. While he looked at tires for me on the computer we talked sports, their new store, and, of course, the weather. He then quoted me a 65k Michelin tire for $949 for my Highlander. I thanked him and told him I'd be back in touch. I then went to Costco a few days later (while on a shopping trip) and got their quote for the same tire: $937. I asked the attendant if they had a planned rebate because they regularly do with Michelin tires, and he said they did -- a $70 rebate that would be offered in a few weeks.

I emailed the Belle Tire guy and asked if he would 1) match the Costco price and 2) match the Costco rebate. He said they would match the price plus they had their own $70 Michelin rebate coming up as well, so I could take advantage of that. So Belle ended up the same price as Costco and was way more convenient (I am, after all, going to be getting the tires rotated there every 5k miles for the next 65k miles). Sold! I was going with Belle.

I stopped in a few days later to order the tires and set up an appointment. The assistant manager was there and greeted me and we chatted a bit more. I asked when they were able to put the tires on my car and he said something like, "I'm not supposed to be telling people this yet, but starting this Saturday we will be offering a $50 off Belle Tire coupon. It can be combined with other offers. So if you wait until Saturday, you'll get the price match, the $70 Michelin rebate, and the $50 Belle Tire coupon. Your price will go down to $817."

How cool was that? By simply being friendly and working with him I landed an extra $50. Cool!

I ordered the tires, set an appointment, dropped the car off that Saturday, and an hour later, my new tires were on the car.

So consider this yet another reminder of the fact that you can save money simply by befriending store workers and being nice to them. And not only that, being nice and friendly is a much better way to go through life IMO. :)

Comments

[Lance @ Money Life and More]

It is amazing what deals you can get when you're nice. A lot of people take negotiating as a I win you lose situation and when you do that it is much less likely you're going to get a deal. Show some interest in the other person and get them to like you is definitely your best shot.

[TL]

Tires already! Didn't you just by that Highlander, or have I been reading this forum for that long?

[Jake]

Check out "Love is the Killer App" and/or the "Likeability Factor." Both are pretty easy reads (if you can get past the "cutesy" terms they use) on why personal relationships are valuable.

[Matt]

My wife is much better at this than I am.

She always gets good deals.

[Rich@MoneyWisePastor]

Ah, the "likeability factor" at work! I bought those high-mileage Michelin tires for my Honda Pilot last year at Sam's Club. I was in the middle of a trip out east, was driving in a major rain storm, and realized my tires needed to be replaced. They were the original tires and I had 80,000 miles on the car. I discovered that Sam's had free wi-fi, so I worked on my computer for about an hour while I waited, and enjoyed a pretzel and a Coke.

When I'm at home, I usually buy tires from my regular mechanic, who gets me high quality tires without the name brand price.

[Squeezer @Personal Finance Success]

I've saved money on tired by ordering them online, and then taking them to a local store for mounting and balancing. The markup on tires is extreme in many cases.

[JZ]

Just curious...does Belle also offer the other perks that you get from Costco or BJ's? Free lifetime tire balance/rotation and the flat repair/replacement warranty? Those always drew me to stick with the club tires...from what I've seen balance and rotate is like $10/tire at most shops.

[JZ]

disregard my last post...went to the link you had for Belle's Tire. Wow, I don't know how the clubs could beat them...great deal.

[FMF]

TL -

The car is less than two years old but has about 40k miles on it!

[Charlotte @ HIMMB]

It's smart to consider how close the store is for the return trips to rotate before you buy your tires. You could burn up any savings going back and forth. I'm always friendly with people I deal with. I find it makes it easier for me and them.

[Veronica @ Pelican on Money]

Have you checked out tire rack? I got my last tires there and was pretty happy with the service.

Great job shopping around and waiting for the right deal! Patience does pay off hehe.

[Luann]

I am sure your interest in this person was genuine and not self serving. IMO genuine interest in people during transactions is important and the by product is that you do score some good deals sometimes and a developing friendship sometimes. However a fake interest can be spotted a mile off....just a little emotional intelligence advice for those that feign interest but really just want the deal. The important part was you planned enough ahead that you weren't stuck making a hasty decision with a flat tire. Congrats.

[Kelly@FinancialBailoutNews]

Um, thats pretty awesome! Do you think you would have tried to haggle a little if the Belle tire people said they couldn't match the Costco tired price? I'm always pleasant and friendly with people, especially those in customer service, because you never know the other kinds of people they've dealt with throughout the day, and how much they appreciate (and give) to people who aren't complete jerks to them.

[FMF]

Kelly --

I'm not sure, but knowing me I would have tried. :)

[greg]

I must be out of it. HOW much are your tires?
$817? You have GOT to be kidding.

[FMF]

Greg --

Two issues:

1. Toyota Highlander (larger vehicle)

2. Top-of-the-line 65k Michelin tires (we live in Michigan and need good tires)

[Jimmy Ruiz]

In my opinion, befriending clerks, but being honest about that, is a good way to save some money.