Asking For A Discount

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I learned early in my life, from my father, that you can ask for a discount for anything. My father always did this and seemed to enjoy the challenge of getting discounts on anything he bought. He once got a 10% discount off of a stove because there was a scratch on the back of the stove! It was not visible and certainly not visible once the stove was put into place. But, my father presented the scratch as a defect and wanted a discount.

Having worked in sales for many years before my switch to academia, I know that most people that are selling products have the authority to lower a price or they can find someone that can. I was surprised at how often people simply did not ask for discounts that would have been quite reasonable requests.

I was buying a ream of paper at Staples one day when I noticed that the outer paper cover was torn. Not a single sheet of the 500 in the ream were damaged but when I spotted an assistant manager I asked if I might get a discount for the damaged cover (the cover I would be removing and throwing away when I got home.) The manager marked the ream down 50%.

The more expensive the item the more likely you are to get a discount as there are more profit (margin) dollars available for lowering the price. Even items that are on sale can be discounted by the salesperson or the store manager.

Just ask. The worst possible outcome is that the store employee will say "no." You will be surprised at how often you get discounts. Believe me, the store employees are used to this and they have no problem helping you if they can. In fact, most seem pleased to be able to help you and you should express your thanks and gratitude for the discount as they is the gracious thing to do.

If you have a good discount story please share it here.

discounts

erick99 (rep: 7.85k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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11 Comments

I enjoyed reading this! I often want to ask but I feel embarrassed. I think I will try more often now.

Zoey2011 (rep: 8) posted Feb 20, 2012

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Nice!

Sophialove (rep: 59) posted Feb 20, 2012

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I was shopping at Bebe and tried on a dress missing a button. I asked the manager if I can get a discount and he gave if to me but said final sale. I didn't care, I went home and sewed a button and wore it to a nice dinner out. :)

gangstabarbie (rep: 6.26k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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my dad was a salesman, which made him the worst costumer....

encorez (rep: 5.99k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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I thought that a lot of stores won't give an on-the-spot discount for damaged merchandise because it creates an incentive to deliberately damage merchandise. Instead, they would periodically discount such merchandise when they had accumulated enough.

I remember Radio Shack having a particularly draconian policy of literally smashing to bits even slightly damaged merchandise to prevent the above mentioned activity, and because offering discounts was seen as competing against their own full-priced sales.

fluffy (rep: 1.85k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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I worked part-time at Radio Shack two Christmas' ago and we could discount though it was not encouraged.

erick99 (rep: 7.85k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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fluffy is actually right, i have sister that works for a store. any damage merchandise is sent to be smashed into pieces.

MrBklynW (rep: 103k) posted Feb 20, 2012

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Awesome Article! 50% off on that ream of paper = WOW! I will start trying the asking for a discount practice Every Time I shop from now on! Nothing to loose - but from the sound of it - A LOT to GAIN!

FibroMom (rep: 58.4k) posted Feb 21, 2012

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That is the "culture" in asia. Basically, sellers just mark up the price as they expect buyers sleah it down.

barang_square (rep: 308) posted Feb 21, 2012

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this works at a lot of places..not just for for discounts..but for upgrades too..

nimrodboy3 (rep: 67.6k) posted Feb 21, 2012

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I am sure some stores do destroy damaged product but not every store. But, the point is to get used to asking for discounts because, in the long run, you will come out ahead :)

erick99 (rep: 7.85k) posted Feb 21, 2012

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