In the past, we had controls on impulse buying. That is, you actually had to be present in order to make the purchase. But since the late 90s we've broken down those barriers. When you can make purchases from your living room, impulse spending will increase as a rule.
Even when impulse spending, though, we needn't pay more than we have to. Along with online shopping has come a plethora of information and services that allow us to save money on nearly everything. The new mantra: never pay full price. Here are five good reasons you should pay below sticker on everything you buy.
1. You have negotiation skills
Some prices are not negotiable. You might have a good laugh with your friends as they try to haggle over the price of a taco at Taco Bell, but you can lay out the world's most convincing argument and get nowhere. Yet even at big-box retailers such as Walmart, there are many ways to negotiate your way to deal. And that's not to mention the myriad products and, mainly, services that are open for negotiation as a matter of course.
How can you negotiate at a retailer that has ostensibly fixed prices? Look for potentially damaged goods on the shelves. If a box is disfigured, the retailer will typically have to send that out as damaged. They'd benefit more, though, if you bought it at a discounted rate. Take the item to a customer service counter and speak to a manager. You'd be surprised at how willing they are to work with you.
In negotiation for services, you can put collective knowledge to your advantage. There are dozens, even hundreds of books on the art of negotiation. I always recommend Never Lose Again, since it breaks down negotiation into easy to understand morsels.
2. Everything goes on sale eventually
We live in a fast-paced world where people lose focus just as quickly as they see them. This new reality puts a new onus on brands. Even with popular products, they always have to be marketing in new ways. And what type of marketing do consumers respond to the most? Deals. Put something on sale, and you'll sell more items.
These deals don't last forever, and some more popular items will go on sale less frequently. But consider that there are more retailer vying for your attention. At some point or another one of them is going to put your desired item on sale. Chances are many will, though not at the same time. With a little patience you can always find a sale on whatever y
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