Deals are everywhere. Most of us simply go after the published specials or discounts. These low price offers can be found on signs, in circulars, or online. We rely on these price indicators to determine what is a real bargain versus a sales gimmick to get you into the store. It's how we know the "real" price of the products that we want and need. While these offers are wonderful and much needed, they only represent some of the actual discount opportunities that exist. The others that are out there are usually only available on an "ask for" basis. In other words, they exist but no one will tell you about them unless you ask!
In some cultures, asking for a discount is expected. It is as if no one expects to pay the ticket prices. However, with the economic issues that many nations are facing, asking (or even haggling) for lower prices is becoming more common and much more accepted. Here are a few industries in which you can ask for lower prices and be confident that you could actually receive them:
1. Hospitality Industry - Hotel discounts can be found all over the place. But, some of the deepest discounts can be obtained by simply calling and speaking with a customer service representative. Often, if the hotel is not booked or it is a slow season, hotel representatives and managers may offer you great price just to get something on a room. Your discount request does not have to be limited to one room either. If you need a few rooms, the manager may be even more inclined to give you a price break.
2. Local and National Restaurants - You can always expect to find coupons available for dining out. Most national pizza chains and other fast food restaurants always have a special going on. Many of these offer discounts such as 2-for-1 specials or even free items! In addition to the advertised specials, most restaurants have their own in-house specials or unpublished deals that you can only get when you ask for them.
3. Planes, trains, and automobiles - Most travel companies offer discounts either through their frequent users travel programs or through haggling based websites such as Priceline.com. From upgrades to "buy one, get one" to free future travel deals, people can usually expect to buy for cheap when it comes to the travel industry if they make effort to ask for the best possible price. In an economic crisis like we are currently in, people will most likely be doing less traveling. So, there should be plenty of opportunities for families to get cheaper prices.
4. Telecommunication Companies - We all see the ads everywhere, but the real deals are available by communicating directly with the company that you want to give your business to. All that you have to do is call them, ask about the possibility of combining your services into a package deal, and watch them come up with a package to fit in your family's budget.
It's only natural to ask for the things that we want in life. Why not use asking as purchasing power also? The deals abound and your family can experience the saving, cost reductions, and perks that one can expect simply by making an effort to ask.
In some cultures, asking for a discount is expected. It is as if no one expects to pay the ticket prices. However, with the economic issues that many nations are facing, asking (or even haggling) for lower prices is becoming more common and much more accepted. Here are a few industries in which you can ask for lower prices and be confident that you could actually receive them:
1. Hospitality Industry - Hotel discounts can be found all over the place. But, some of the deepest discounts can be obtained by simply calling and speaking with a customer service representative. Often, if the hotel is not booked or it is a slow season, hotel representatives and managers may offer you great price just to get something on a room. Your discount request does not have to be limited to one room either. If you need a few rooms, the manager may be even more inclined to give you a price break.
2. Local and National Restaurants - You can always expect to find coupons available for dining out. Most national pizza chains and other fast food restaurants always have a special going on. Many of these offer discounts such as 2-for-1 specials or even free items! In addition to the advertised specials, most restaurants have their own in-house specials or unpublished deals that you can only get when you ask for them.
3. Planes, trains, and automobiles - Most travel companies offer discounts either through their frequent users travel programs or through haggling based websites such as Priceline.com. From upgrades to "buy one, get one" to free future travel deals, people can usually expect to buy for cheap when it comes to the travel industry if they make effort to ask for the best possible price. In an economic crisis like we are currently in, people will most likely be doing less traveling. So, there should be plenty of opportunities for families to get cheaper prices.
4. Telecommunication Companies - We all see the ads everywhere, but the real deals are available by communicating directly with the company that you want to give your business to. All that you have to do is call them, ask about the possibility of combining your services into a package deal, and watch them come up with a package to fit in your family's budget.
It's only natural to ask for the things that we want in life. Why not use asking as purchasing power also? The deals abound and your family can experience the saving, cost reductions, and perks that one can expect simply by making an effort to ask.
About the Author:
Alexandra Vrugt, who is a recognized connoisseur on saving money in all aspects of daily life, has writwritten many articles on how to get by on less during the credit crunch. For a limited period you can get a free copy of her Ebook on getting organized - which is the beginning of saving money - by visiting her Make Ends Meet Online website.
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