Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

Posted by pfadvice
May 13, 2007

Last week I went to book a trip. I had given all the information and was about ready to pay when I asked, is that the best deal I can get? The sales lady took a few minutes to look at prices in her computer and said, “that is the best deal you can get for those dates, but if you are willing to stay and extra night, it will be $150 less.” Since I was staying with friends and knew they would like me to spend an extra night with them, the simple question saved me $150. This is one of the easiest, yet often overlooked ways to save money.

Your willingness to ask is one of the best money saving devices you have and you should have the confidence to ask if there is a better deal available whenever you have the opportunity. When you do ask if there is a better deal, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:

Ask For Help: People like to help others, and when you give them a reason why you’re looking for a better deal, it gives them more incentive to help.

Always Be Polite: Nobody want to help someone who is rude no matter what the reason is. Treat the salespeople as you would want to be treated and they will be much more likely to help you find the best deals.

Higher Is Better: The higher up the person is in the organization, the more power he or she will have. This will make it easier for them to help you obtain the best deal possible.

Point Out The Reason: If there is a reason that you feel that you deserve to have a better deal, let them know the reason. This will let them know that you have a reasonable request for getting a better deal than the standard offer.

Reward Those Who Help: If someone is able to help you find a better deal than you had anticipated getting, make sure to let their boss or the head company know of the great job they did. Not only do they deserve the praise, but they will be likely to help you as much as they can each time you have to deal with them in the future.

In the end, asking if there is a better deal available doesn’t cost any money and can save you thousands of dollars

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Information: May 13th, 2007; 3 Responses

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Categories: Saving Money; Shopping

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Reader Comments

Comment Number:: 1
Written by:: Credit Cards Advice
Posted on:: May 13, 2007 at 8:28 pm

One thing I have done when traveling, especially in Las Vegas, is book the cheapest room but when you arrive to check-in to your hotel room:

Let the clerk at check-in know you plan to spend tons of cash at their resort, slip them 40 bucks or so and ask for a free upgrade to the best room possible.

Voila, an amazing room is yours for a much cheaper price.

Use everything else mentioned here such as being polite. Manners go a long way in getting what you want

Comment Number:: 2
Written by:: green
Posted on:: May 13, 2007 at 11:10 pm

I like asking extra discounts for extra nights:) And many times answer makes me happy.

Comment Number:: 3
Written by:: Viola (Subscribed)
Posted on:: May 14, 2007 at 2:11 am

I have asked for a better rate for more nights myself and that has always worked so far.

Also if you are a ‘regular’ traveller (like me), you get discount vouchers as well as money off for your next stays in sister hotels etc. Sometimes it also helps to get Reward/points cards as they permitt you to have free upgrades as well as special offers.