I hate face-to-face negotiations.  So, in the past, I’ve paid full price for items that I’m sure I could have gotten for less, simply because I don’t like asking for discounts.  Recently, however, I managed to to make two rather significant purchases, and I negotiated lower prices for both of them.  Here’s how.

Purchase #1 – A new grass trimmer.

I purchased a new grass trimmer from a large retail store.  After deciding on the model that I wanted, I asked to speak to the head of the outdoor power equipment section.  (I’m not sure what his official title is, I just know he works with the outdoor power equipment.)  I told him exactly which model I wanted to purchase, and I told him that I was ready to by, that day, but that I didn’t want to pay full price.  At first, he mentioned that I could get a 10% discount, if I would only apply for a store-branded credit card.  (Click here to read about an interesting conversation I once had with a salesperson about store-branded credit cards.)  I explained to him that I had cash, and that I do not use credit cards.  I then stopped talking and just waited to see what he might say.

At first, he didn’t say anything, and then he decided to speak to his manager.  I assured him that I would wait for him to return, and he headed off to have a conversation.  A few minutes later, he returned, and offered me a 10% discount, no credit application necessary.   At this point, I almost went forward with the purchase, but I really wanted to test my negotiation skills.  So, I simply asked, “Is that the very best you can do?”  (This is an old negotiating tip, and one that many others have been using for years.  For me, this was a first.  Seriously, I do not like face-to-face negotiations.)  He found his manager again, returned, and told me that the absolute best he could do would be a 15% discount.  Not wanting to push things further, I accepted his offer, made my purchase, and now I’m  enjoying my new grass trimmer.

Now, I’m sure that some of you out there are much better at negotiating discounts than I am.  I’ll freely admit, I’m usually a pushover.  So, the 15% discount, while nothing spectacular, was pretty major for a guy like me, who usually avoids the negotiation process all together.

Purchase #2 – The Vacation

This one happened just a few minutes ago.  Last year, we found a really awesome, affordable place for our annual family vacation.  It’s on the beach, it’s secluded, and it’s perfect for our young kids.  This year, while booking our stay, I decided to see if I could get a discount.  I emailed the property manager, mentioned how much we loved our stay last year, and asked for the lowest rate she could give us for an eight-night stay.  A few hours later, she emailed back, with a total that was 10% less than what the property’s website was stating.  Again, instead of jumping on the first offer, I emailed back, and mentioned that we really loved the site, but that we wanted to be sure that we were getting the best possible rate.  A few minutes later, she emailed back, and gave us a 25% discount on the cost of renting the condo.  Not bad, I’d say, for a few clicks on the old keyboard!

There you go.  Two tales of negotiating success.   What about you?  Do you like to negotiate?  (I know lots of guys who do.  I know guys who will negotiate the price of anything!  Me?  I think I’ll save it for major purchases.)  Would you like to become a better negotiator?  With the current economic climate, do you think we’ll see more people negotiating prices?

I’ve just returned from the grocery store – and I may have done irreparable harm to my frugal cred.

First – We were out of everything.

Second – I only had thirty minutes to buy everything that we needed.

Third – I forgot my grocery list.

Fourth – I forgot my grocery price book – and, frankly, even if I had remembered to bring it, I would never have had enough time to consult it.

Fifth – I went shopping on an empty, starving stomach.

Sixth – I entered the store right at 5:oo pm – quite literally the busiest time of the day.

I’ve never zipped through a grocery store so fast in my life.  I honestly have no idea what I purchased.  I feel like I spent twice as much as I should have, and I really do not have the heart to look at my receipt.  In this case, ignorance will be bliss.

Remember that really cheesy television game show… What was it…  Here, let me ask my wife… Oh, yeah… Supermarket Sweep!

Yeah, that was me.  I was just up and and down the aisles, piling things into the cart.  Paying for my haul took ten minutes, and I think I heard my debit card scream in pain as I swiped it though the little card reader.

To all of my frugal pals, please forgive me.  I promise, the next time I go to the store, I’ll be better prepared and I’ll give myself more time to shop!

I love to play golf.  I also love to save money.  Here’s how to save a few bucks when hitting the links.

• Avoid weekend/holiday rates.  Most public courses offer discounted rates when you play on a weekday.
• Share a bucket of range balls with your playing partner.  Spend a few extra minutes on the putting green instead of the range and your scores will improve.
• Bring your own snacks / bottled water / sodas / etc.  You’ll pay far less than you will if you purchase these items at the course.
• Check out state owned and operated golf courses.  Many of these courses offer summer or winter discount packages and proceeds from many of these courses fund education.
• When buying clubs (and other equipment) be sure to check sites like eBay and Craigslist.  If you are a beginner, this is a fun way to experiment with different clubs without breaking the bank.  I purchase practice golf balls in lots of 100 for much cheaper than I could buy them at the local sporting goods store.
• Pay for a few lessons.  Eight years ago for Christmas, my wife arranged for me to have a series of lessons with a local professional.  Those lessons cost a very minimal amount, but they radically improved my game.  I went from scores in the 100’s to scores in the 80’s.  It might cost a few bucks up front, but you’ll more than recover your money in fewer lost balls, fewer headaches, and fewer moments of shear frustration.
• Skip the gimmicks.  Don’t pay for the latest and greatest gadgets.  Simply spend time hitting golf balls, working on your stance, finding a good putting stroke, and your game will improve.
• Walk the course.  Golf can be a frustrating game, or, it can be relaxing.  The next time you go play, especially if you play by yourself, ditch the cart and walk 18 (or 9).  Enjoy every step.  You’ll save a few bucks, get some exercise, and have time to think about your next shot.
• Avoid the course all together.  I recently purchased a set of junior-sized clubs or my four year old.  He loves just hitting golf balls in the yard.  I’ll grab a pitching wedge, and while he’s pounding massive 25 yard drives with his 3-wood, I’ll practice chipping.
• Play late in the evening.  Many courses offer twilight, all-you-can-play-after-a-certain-time golf.  I’ve finished many a round in the almost-dark.  It’s cool to hit the golf ball, wonder where it went, and then find it pin high.

I usually play at our local municipal course or I’ll play with a buddy of mine at a course near his house.  Golf can get very expensive, very quickly, and it’s also a bit addictive.  But, over the past three years, I’ve learned to put it into perspective, enjoy the game, improve my play, and do so in ways that don’t break the bank.

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