MoneySavers get everywhere, and now some of those in the retail trade have turned fifth columnists. They've revealed some tips from hidden knowledge shops don't want us to know. This is the result of MoneySavers response to the Great “What shops don't want us to know” Hunt (included in a past Martin's Money Tips weekly email).
There are other ways to make your money stretch further!
When buying something you really want it's always satisfying to get it at the cheapest possible price; so it's great to remember these little tricks to cut down the cost of your goods.
- Going dotty. In preparation for the sales, shops often put a red or black dot on the laundry label of a garment to secretly indicate to staff that it's going to be lowered in price. If you see this on a full price item you want to purchase, hold back! You'll kick yourself if you buy it and a few days later it's 50% off.
- Every penny counts. Large electrical appliance stores sometimes use a price code to secretly communicate to staff which product models need to be sold as a priority to make way for new stock. The key to this code lies in the last digit of a price. If the price ends in an 8 (i.e. £19.98, £47.88, £109.78, etc) it usually means the particular model has been discontinued by the manufacturer. If the price ends with 7, the item is usually clearance stock, therefore definitely ask for a discount with both.
Haggle, haggle, haggle, should be the sure cry of a MoneySaver. Always ask for a discount, or “can you throw in the batteries/belt/polish?”. There's no harm in trying and often you'll get it; whether it's John Lewis, Comet or even M&S. You'll find a full guide on how to haggle in The Money Diet.
Plus keep your eyes open for places with student discounts, then ask with a twinkle in your eye and they may do it for you too. The following revealed secrets should help you further.
- Warranties… a bargaining tool. Sales staff are often targeted on the amount of warranties they can sell on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis. Reaching this target is often crucial to them; therefore it gives consumers a real bargaining tool to haggle down the cost of products that are suggested to have a warranty.
In addition to buying a product at a cheaper price, you're free to change your mind within 14 days of purchasing the insurance, and are entitled to a full refund on the policy! Therefore, you end up with the item you wanted cheaper and no warranty cost to pay. - But I'm a student too! A student discount isn't necessarily limited to NUS card holders. Many shops promote that the discount's only available “on production of a valid NUS card”, but if you're in further or higher education at an institution that doesn't provide you with a NUS card, double check with the retailer in case they're willing to accept another form of student I.D. Often the decision's at the discretion of the shop assistant.
We're supposed to be a nation of moaners, yet as individuals we let companies get away with providing poor service and wasting our time. Remember these little rules so next time you can make a stand and save a few bob.
- Why speak to the monkey? Go straight to the organ grinder! If you've raised a serious complaint that you feel hasn't been dealt with satisfactorily, ask to speak to the company's highest authority, the Chief Executive. Some retailers are given a target as to the maximum ‘acceptable' number of ‘chief executive complaints' their store/branch/call centre can be associated with. Sometimes this is motivation enough for the issue to be resolved speedily.
- Supermarket error? Get double bubble! If a supermarket over-charges you for an item, don't inform the cashier of the error. Instead, immediately take your receipt and goods to customer services; sometimes not only do they refund the entire amount, they let you keep the goods too!
Read a full article on your consumer rights; including my ‘Sad Fart' rules about when you have a right to complain.
Always remember that your loyalty and possible recommendation are invaluable assets to a company, so they'll do a lot to keep you happy. Don't just accept an apology if you've experienced atrocious service; point out that actions speak a lot louder than words.
- How much is your loyalty worth? As companies are desperate for your loyalty, if you're not content, make them aware and complain. If the complaint is justified, push further (i.e. ask for compensation from a bank, gift vouchers from a shop) and they will reasonably pay out to keep your custom.
Do remember though, if you complain and accept an apology, the company assumes that you're happy with the outcome. - Inconvenience costs. Picture the scene: You've got home and are looking forward to putting on that sexy new dress with those gorgeous matching shoes you've just bought…only to discover the shop's forgotten to remove the security tag from the dress or has given you two left feet!
Inconvenience like this isn't acceptable; there's the hassle of traipsing back to the shop, and you certainly won't be best pleased if the clothes were for a special occasion that particular evening. As soon as you realise, call the shop immediately to complain, or even write a brief letter to its customer services head office. It's not unreasonable to request travel expenses to get back to the store, or even compensation (usually gift vouchers) for your time.
Consumer Rights