Today we have a guest post from reader WilliamB. Enjoy!
The Frugal Girl has, more than once, told us how some online research and buying parts has saved her money. Here’s another example. (I’m not a funny or pithy poster but maybe someday…)
Part the First:
Last week I bought a VCR/DVR to dup some videos onto DVD. After much back-and-forthing at the store it was established that
– the store had only one model of VCR/DVR in stock
– the floor model was the only one the store had
– the store no longer stocks that model
– the store lost the manual and couldn’t print it out for me
– the store lost the remote
– I could return the machine for any reason.
I used these negative characteristics to negotiate a 40% discount off the original price of $160. I also opened a store account to get an additional 10% off anything bought that first day.
Then I set about finding a remote because despite the “record” buttons on the machine, it can’t record a DVD without the remote. All the used ones I found priced out to about $20 including shipping. That was more than I had in mind but still covered by the discount.
Then my friend suggested I call the manufacturer.
D’oh! Why didn’t I think of that?
The rep told me they could sell me one, $18 including shipping. Well, at least it was new. Then she asked the magic question:
“When did you buy your machine?”
“Yesterday.”
“Then it’s still under warranty. We’ll send you the remote for free.”
“You remember that I told you I know it didn’t have a remote, and got a discount for that?” (because it’s not worth mortgaging my soul for an $18 remote)
“Yup.”
So my new $160 machine will cost me $86.
Part the Second:
At the same time I bought a 22″ LED TV with lots of inputs (Mr. FG would know what I meant) to use as a combined TV & computer monitor for $239. The next day I saw the same item advertised at another store for $180.
Price match time! Another $59 for me.
Because of the way the store processes price matches I don’t know how the first day discount from my store account opening will play out. They’ll charge something between $180 for the TV (no discount because the TV was processed as returned) and $156 (price minus discount, minus price differential). From a moral perspective it should be 10% off $180 = $162. If necessary I will argue with company for $162 – I shouldn’t be penalized for how the store processes price matches.
Part The Summation:
By doing about an hour of extra work I saved $151, or 38% of the upfront price. Even if I have to spend another hour arguing with the credit card company (which I’ll do because that’s the sort of ornery cuss I am) it’ll be $75/hr. Score!
__________________________
Today’s 365 post: Mint is a persistent little bugger.
Joshua’s 365 post: Phew!
Liz
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
Wow, I'm really surprised at all the negative comments and unhelpful critiquing going on here. This is very out of place for this particular blog! I'm disappointed with this, but hope it doesn't discourage Kristen or readers like WilliamB from wanting to continue and participate in this forum.
Suzanne
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I agree! I usually look for William B's responses to posts. I hope this does not discourage Kristen from allowing William B to guest post again!
Lili@creativesavv
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I think William gives an excellent reminder that doing your research can pay big dividends. If you research ahead of a purchase, just what an item is worth (especially with used merchandise), you stand a better chance of getting a good deal, than the guy who walks in off the street with no research to back him up, and just pays whatever is asked.
Good example, and most of us do this, is buying a used car. Everyone knows to look up the Blue Book value. Imagine if you were the guy who didn't do this and you went onto a used car lot and just paid the asking price. Foolish, right?
This works with all kids of things. You collect widgets and you know the going price on widgets in your area. You see a widget you don't have, but want, at a garage sale. Well, you know the going rate on widgets, so you negotiate a price.
If I'm buying something that I notice a small flaw in (that I can fix or live with), I always ask (nicely) if they'll give me a discount because of this flaw. If they say "no", I then make my decision based on the full asking price. But if they say "yes", well then it just may be a good deal. It never, ever hurts to ask. And sellers are accustomed to people "asking", so it's really no big deal, or insult, or thing to be intimidated out of doing. Just remember your manners. Mama always said you catch more flies with honey than vinegar!
Crystal
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I work in guest service for a major retailer.
When someone brings me a flawed item I'm always happy to discount it for them. The only exceptions I've made are the few times I saw people trying to cause a small amount of damage in order to get a discount. These folks have been few and far between, though.
SandyH
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I think this was a smart deal, and the "ornery cuss"remark was totally tongue-in-cheek! No doubt you do deal with a lot of abuse from rude people, and there's no excuse for their behavior....but I feel you should learn from it instead of passing it on, which is what you did.
As Kristen pointed out, the company OFFERED the remote. THEY told William the machine was under warranty. Did you not read that part?
I say, lighten up. This is a lighthearted and nice blog, and I personally can't stand any other kind. There are people who just live for confrontation and (Internet word) "snark". Bah!
Crystal
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I doubt the ornery cuss remark was meant lightly. He said he'd argue with a credit card rep an hour about it (..."which I'll do because that's the sort of ornery cuss I am.")
Delightful attitude.
Shannon
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
Well done WilliamB! When can we see you start blogging anyway? Something to consider about this scenario with regard to ethics: the DVD/VCR was sitting there with no remote and no manual. The store would rather make any amount of money off of that than nothing at all, because most folks would not even think of buying it. And it's better to have an item put to use than trashed. Just my 2 cents...
Lisa Kelley
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I've been a lurker, in fact this is the first time I have ever commented on a blog, but I had to speak up in defense of Kristen. The stores make these "policies" to try to hook you into buying from them, and buy more than you intended. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of their programs and insisting that they honor them. As far as the remote, she was totally honest with the manufacturer's rep. They offered excellent customer service and she accepted. I say, "smart shopping"!
Kristen
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012
I think using a price-match policy is totally fine too. I probably wouldn't argue over the 10% discount related to the credit card (too much trouble, and I'd personally feel like I already got a really great deal!) but I see no problem with the price-match.
(just so you know, it wasn't me that did this shopping...it was a reader, as this is a guest post. :) )