Great tips on travel, groceries, books and more
Here are a few tips I received from the B'nai Brith group in Tarzana that I spoke to last week.
+ Visit Yapta.com for low airline prices. The site looks for flights for you based on the preferences you share with the site, then they let you know when there is a price drop so you can get a rock bottom price. If the price drops after you purchase the tickets, Yapta lets you know and helps you claim a refund, if eligible.
+ Veterans are eligible for all sorts of discounts, which you can often get just by asking. Show your VA card for proof.
+ Check your grocery receipt every time you shop. If there is a mistake you can often get the item free, or at least the difference between what you were charged and the correct price.
+ The Encino-Tarzana Public Library sells books for $.50 to $1 everyday that they have volunteers to staff the sales. Call ahead to check hours.
+ Always get the first...
...and last name and employee number when you make a customer service call. If you don't, you may not have proof of the call if there is ever a dispute about something an agent promised but never materialized.
+ Offer cash to get steep discounts at department stores. A cashier may not have the authority to negotiate and decline you, but politely ask for their supervisor. Be nice, ask for a reasonable discount, offer cash, and be prepared to walk away.
+ Some AmEx cards offer a free Costco membership (it's the only credit card accepted at the warehouse.)
+ If you find yourself subsidizing the restaurant tab of your friends who order tons of drinks while you sip water, ask the server upfront to collect cash for any alcoholic drinks ordered so they don't go onto the food tab. This may be easier than getting separate checks.
Thanks, Marsha, Len, and all the others who offered me these great tips!
1 Comments
Leave a comment
About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
My Facebook Profile
The Buena Vista Branch of the Burbank Library has a used book store - paperback books start at $.25 and most hardbacks are $1.00. It's open 7 days a week.