DeaL or NO DEAL!

Dude! So you seriously want to pay full price for that!? There I got that out of my system. This is a topic I am quite passionate about. And if I had to leave one legacy in this world it would be to basically get every man and women to stop paying full price. Its just nonsense, for me it’s just a starting point to haggle. You ask for a lower rate on a mortgage, why not everything else?  With a bit of research and a little patience mixed with perseverance, you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars yearly. I am not kidding!

Let me start with a story which I am very proud of, I have many of these stories but this one should prove the point. I apologize in advance, once you become as frugal and have a “don’t take any shait attitude”, you get excited on what possible deal can you get next. Yes I need help but I sleep well at night knowing I didn’t get hosed for an extra 500 bucks that the seller lined his pockets with.

It was about a year ago or so and I was doing some research on fridges, ours was about to die, the prognosis was either replace the compressor at 600 bucks (includes labor) or get a new one. Well I had a few months to look so I decided to look for a new fridge.  Plus old one was 14 years old and who know what else would have went.

Now as you know now a days, there are so many manufacturers of fridges to choose from. But I managed to narrow it down to three. Was not an easy task, but as you look on how these appliances are built they basically are copies of each other with a fancy shell. All of them get there parts pretty much from the same parts manufacturer. At least I am convinced they are. 

Next was to find places that sold these specific models so I signed up for some eflyers and any other type of advertisements on pricing.  You name it big box stores, wholesalers, warehouse, even departments stores. So now it was basically a waiting game to see who would be offer the best deal. To be honest with this technique you still need to keep your eyes open and do the odd hunting.

Well it finally happened after a few months noticed my big box store near me knocked off 400 dollars on one of the fridges I liked. Well what I did next was printed a copy of the flyer and headed over to the opposite direction from the big box store to a department store where I know so well. They have a match and beat the competitors by 10% deal all the time. They did so now I have 500+ dollars off and used the extra cash to get an extended warranty.

We all know, now a day appliances break down faster then we can plug them in.  Plus I am comfortable with the store they always provided me great service, especially on the warranties and what the heck! You need to take advantage of the situation when it arises! Oh yes I have to mention it’s an Energy Star product so I save by swapping my old fridge for a more efficient one. It’s a double win situation and I pocketed 550 bucks. I can’t complain.

Now the moral of the story is. “ DON’T EVER PAY FULL PRICE!”, think about it, say you buy that item at full price knowing very well you have seen it for 500 dollars cheaper. Those 500 bucks could have been used for another item you want, but now can’t afford and have to wait till the next paycheck(s). Or even worse you now have to work overtime just to make the 500 bucks to by the product, where you could be at home relaxing and enjoying them instead.  Only makes sense to me.

I am not implying that you become a cheap skate; in fact it’s the contrary pay only what its worth or the best price you can get. In my case I had time on my side for the price reduction, but just a little digging I would have easily found it for 250 cheaper.  Plus you “REALLY” want your money to work for you. It only smart money sense. Purchasing both for the price of one, Why not? You work hard for your money don’t you? I know I do. So why should we let some guy jack up the price four times the original manufacturer’s quote, just to line his pockets. I don’t think so! Neither should you!

should not be construed as advice but more of a learning tool. Please discuss your specific needs with a qualified professional in its respected field is always recommended.