Getting the best price

Sales are so tempting aren't they?  We all love a bargain, and that feeling of victory because we've somehow walked out with something so cheap it was almost free. 

I rarely pay full price for any major purchase and that includes travel, cars, major appliances or furniture and real estate.  How do I manage that?  Well, I almost never buy items when they are on sale and I don't read junk mail.

I've found from experience that you will rarely gain any major discount on an advertised 'special' or 'sale'.  The salespersons view seems to generally be that the price is already discounted and they are less inclined to go much lower.

Here's my tips for getting the best price?

1. Do your research on line and then follow up by calling around stores and visiting only those where you're likely to get a good deal.  For example some stores say they will price match but then when you read the fine print it's only on items in stock and that's no good if item you want has to be ordered in.
2. Do your call around and store visits in the last week of the month or quarter.We saved $9,500 off the list price of GuitarMans car because the salesman wanted the sale before the end of financial year.  We paid for the car on 30 June! 
3. Consider smaller retailers and not just the bigger chains.  Suprisingly they will often have more flexibility as its their business and they have direct relationships with wholesalers and distributors.
4. When you go into a store, travel agent or real estate agent always dress appropriately.  Sales people will respond better and be more open to doing 'business' if you are dressed in a similar manner to them.
5. Always ask "is that your best price you can offer me today" or at the very least "will you include free delivery please".  Please remember to be polite, you'll be more likely to get that free something  included if you are pleasant.  Sales people are there to make a living and you don't need to demean them just so you can save a buck.
6. I know it sounds old fashioned but thank the sales person and shake their hand.  Trust me they'll remember you and you'll get an even better deal next time you go back.  We saved several hundred dollars on a dining table and chairs because the salesman remembered we had bought a bed ensemble from him four years earlier.