The BH scores 10% off with one question
I put my own haggling suggestions to the test recently while buying a headlight for my bicycle. Riding through Topanga Canyon at dusk one time without a headlight is risky. Doing it twice is just stupid. And driving isn't nearly as fun.
Which brings me to haggling. I was looking at headlights at Wheel World in Woodland Hills, where I have had made many satisfying purchases. I knew from calling earlier in the day that the store had lights from $15 to $500.
In the store I told the sales guys I was looking for something on the low end and that I needed to attach the light not to my handlebars but to my aero bars (which stick out perpendicular to the handlebars).
He handed me a $40 light that swivels 90 degrees in each direction. It was perfect, but more than I wanted to pay.
"What else do you have that is cheaper?"
He showed me a light slightly bigger than my thumb. It looked like a large insect and...
...made about as much light as a firefly. I pointed this out.
He suggested I reconsider the $40 light. It was what I needed I thought to myself, but I could probably find one $10 cheaper online. However, online I might have to pay for shipping and it would be a pain to return if it wasn't what I wanted.
Plus, I wanted to ride my bike home that day.
"Do you price match?"
It was a gamble. I did not have any price matching printouts from other stores because I did not know specifically which lights Wheel World sold. But I guessed if the sales guy was open to price matching, he might be open to other discounts.
"Yes, for the same product that is in stock and sold in California. We don't compete with retailers in, like, New York."
I hesitated. Might as well try.
"Well, I don't have any price comparison print outs, but I buy a lot of bike gear so how about 10% off for a loyal customer?"
"10% off? I can do that," he said with a smile.
Wahoo! With one question I shaved $4 off my bill and got a pretty cool light. Next time, however, I will have to do a better job of sticking to the bargain hunter's mantra - buy ahead of need - and its corollary - wait patiently for a deal when you have not anticipated need.
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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.
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