Posts Tagged ‘Purchase’

After giving up my life in Tokyo and moving to the tropical island of Miyakojima, I have had a whole new household of items. Since I may be planning to move again after a year, Keeping everything to a minimum budget has been the main goal. Below are two of the methods that I have used to get better prices and save money. Using these methods I was able to buy a brand new car (2006 ford focus) and then sell it at $1000 under the blue book price a year later and still make $2000 on the sale.

One very easy way to save money is to NOT pay the marked price for products. Of course it is always best to purchase items that are on sale whenever possible. However, there are many items you have to purchase that may never go on sale. After working higher end sales for over 7 years (scuba diving store selling expensive equipment) and through my own purchasing, I have found that people who ask for discounts and better deals usually get a better price. But the thing that surprised me the most, is that it was usually the people who had a lot of money who would want a better deal. There are a number of ways to negotiate price, but two that I have found work very well, the sympathy method and the direct method.

The Sympathy Method

In order to make the sympathy method work you must spend a little more time with the salesperson and try and create a bond or relationship. Try to get all the information about the product and seem interested, but hesitant to purchase. Try to make your hesitation obvious by looking at the price, sighing, and by being silent for long periods of time. Let the salesperson know that you are interested, but that you hadn’t planned to spend that much money. At the same time try to be friendly and kind so the salesperson wants to help you.

The ideal situation is for the salesperson to offer you a better price. If he doesn’t, then ask if he can give you a better deal. Let him/her know you want to buy. Lastly, be willing to walk away. The ability to walk away gives you a lot of bargaining power. Especially if you have spent a lot of time with the salesperson, they will be more likely to offer you a better deal rather than lose the time they have spent.

The Direct Method

The direct method is a way to try and get the best deal while at the same time saving your time. The direct method works well for places that sell in high volume and especially where the salespeople are paid on commission. There are certain types of businesses (automobiles, furniture, etc) that plan on the customer bargaining for a better price. They may mark there products at full price or sometimes higher, but generally have a set percentage or price they are allowed to drop the price to. The trick is to find that mark. I generally recommend that you do the research to find out what other people are paying for the same or similar product.

Once you know the price you would like to pay (and that they can sell for), let the salesperson know. Say that you would like to save both of your time and help them make a quick sale. Ask them directly what’s the best price they are willing to give you. Always do this first since they may give you a better price than you will ask for. If they give you a higher price, then make an offer lower than what you had planned to achieve (you may get it). If you don’t, then it gives you some negotiating room to get your price. And the same as before, be willing to walk away. You can always go to their competitor and ask them to beat the price you were offered.

Additional tips

1. Look at overall value- If it’s a product that requires service or someplace where you shop often, then consider the knowledge and quality of service.

2. Do your research- A few hours of research on the internet can save you thousands of dollars and hours of time. This is especially true for cars.

3. Practice on small things to improve your skills and work your way up to large things

4. Buy before you need it- This makes it much easier to walk away and find a better deal

5. Set your budget- Salespeople are pros and getting you to upgrade. Setting your budget helps keep you from purchasing something you can’t afford. Either get a lower price or a better product at the same price.

6. Ask for things not for sell or display units. They will often go for cheap. I was able to purchase a brand new sofa for $50 by using this method.

7. Know when the sales and seasons are- why buy a swim outfit at the end of spring when it will be 60% off at the end of summer. Think ahead as much as possible.

In part one I talked about measuring wealth in time and freedom. In part two I will be discussing 5 ways to get started. As a quick note, I would like to mention I wrote this post on my itouch while commuting on the Tokyo metro.

1. Assess your bills and eliminate

Learn to live with less. Look over your expenses and eliminate anything that is not a necessity. When you think necessity, think stranded on an island and what you need to survive. You can always add things back later, but after some time without most things you will find they really aren’t that important.

2. Use cash/get rid of credit cards

Some people might disagree with this so let me explain. Credit cards allow you to spend money you don’t have. Stop carrying them with you. Set a monthly budget including lunch, gas, and spending money. Pull this amount out and don’t go over it. If it helps, only keep the daily amount in your pocket.

3. Create a want/dream list

Figuring out what you want and how much it costs will not only help you set some saving goals and focus your efforts, it also brings to light the things you purchase that aren’t important. Check out The Four Hour work Week for a dreamline template.

4. Make your money make money

There are a lot of things to invest in. Find something that interests you and learn about it. Talk to successful people who are investing in the fields you are interested in and learn from them. And don’t forget, one the best investments you can make is in yourself and your own education

5. Find cheap fun

Learn to enjoy life and have fun without spending money. You can find one list on cheap fun here. But don’t limit yourself to that list. Find something you enjoy and then find a way to do it cheaply. Or better yet get paid for it.

Sit back and watch your money grow! It seems difficult at first, but after you do it for a month then it gets much easier…and eventually fun.