Monday, June 11, 2012
Time to Find Dad the Right Gift...by Austin the Realtor
1. Know what you are buying – When you go to purchase that chainsaw, do you know what a chainsaw normally costs? Just because it says sale doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. It will benefit you to check online first before venturing out to see what the average price of the item you plan on buying costs. This way, you are ready to go and you know what makes the difference between a good deal and a no deal!
2. Threaten to walk away and Do It – They want your business. If they feel you have to buy from them, they will stick to their guns. Let them know you saw it cheaper. If they say go and get it, then go. Even if you didn’t see it cheaper, if you feel it’s not a good deal, walk away. I recently priced a car navigation system and planned to have the store install. I told them I saw it cheaper and asked if I could buy it on my own and bring it to install. They paused…said yes…paused again…and then said they will price match!
3. Know who to speak to – In store or on the phone, the salesperson may not have the authority to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to say, "Okay, now I understand you can't help me. May I please speak with someone who can?" Managers are usually the route you will need to go to get the scales tipped in your favor. Also, be nice. As a manager, I am more willing to help you if you are not a jerk and you act like you “deserve” a discount. If the answer is still “no,” there is nothing lost by asking and now you have the opportunity to decide to purchase or shop elsewhere.
4. Patience and Persistence – The trick to negotiating is less is more. As a Realtor, I have found in any negotiation, make an offer, then shut up….and wait. Let them respond and then plead your case if need be. If they say no, be persistent. In your nicest voice say, “Are you sure that nothing can be done?” If it's still no, see if you can get more for the same price. Ask for free shipping, free installation or free accessories for that power drill. Anything to make it worth the purchase.
5. Timing – Plan ahead and you can score some great deals. Dad has been wanting some really comfy winter boots. Buy them in July. You are likely to get some really good deals when buying out of season. Also, end of month quotas may be a bit short...so to make the deal - they may be willing to listen more attentively. Use this to your advantage. Looking to spring for a new car for Dad? Wait until one of the best times to shop for a car………New Year’s Eve!
Share some of your “Let’s make a deal” tips!
-Austin
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16 comments:
First, Beeees!
First Bitches!!!!
My dad is the hardest person in my life to buy a gift for, so I will have to be creative.
I think Batman's mission in life is to be first on all the Blogs!
Ant, I've found that "time" is getting more and more popular. Not sure if your dad is located where you are but if its possible, incorporate some time spent.
I, as a dad, appreciate some good bonding over a gift any day.
I hate Batman.
I have NO idea what to get my dad,
I have even less of an idea what to get my husband.
WINNING.. Austin the Realtor just gave me permission not to buy him a gift. LMFAO...
Batman never comments, he only wants to be first!
I always used to buy my dad a gift certificate to a store he liked - until I found out he always forgot he had it and never used them. Men are so hard to shop for.
But I agree, time spent is always nice - especially now that we're older. Usually dads don't want to spend ANY time with the kids on that day, but my daddy always seems happy to see me :-)
Hey Stef...
This is a great blog!!! Even just to shop period. People can also use some of these tips when going to a flea market! You can bargain all day out there!
Another tip is to use coupons if the store has them in the newspaper, online, etc. One time I forgot my coupon to one of my favorite stores and they actually still gave me the discount (talk about great customer service)!
Happy Early Father's Day to all of the men on the blog!
I just need quiet for Father's Day - that's it.
You're easy to please Cable Guy! :)
I agree with Serena, this is a good list for tips on buying ANYTHING, not just a Father's Day gift. I find that most men don't look for Father's Day gifts - they just want an "I love you daddy" (if they're not deadbeats) and some peace and quiet - maybe a day of golf or watching the game :)
Women on the otherhand, want the WORLD for Mother's Day, LOL!! Why is that??? I mean, I know mothers do ALOT of work, but so do alot of men. It's so crazy how much mothers are revered and men are forgotten during both "holidays."
@Serena,
I'm easy :-)
@Courtney,
Unfortunately, there are alot of men out there who don't put in the same amount of work as mothers, so Father's Day is an afterthought. As involved as I am in my kids' lives, I don't do NEARLY as much as their mothers do. I can admit that. It doesn't mean I love them any less, but they have physical custody of them, so they automatically do more by default.
@Cable Guy,
Have you ever wanted full custody? I think most men DON'T - they're happy being weekend dads.
@Courtney,
I'd love to see my kids more, and I do see them more than just on weekends. I work alot of hours and have some side hustles that allow me to take care of my kids, so seeing them as much as I'd like is difficult.
Also, I have a daughter, and I feel girls should be raised by their mothers - provided they're good women. Not to say men can't raise good girls, but I'm lucky that my daughter has a good woman as a mother, and I trust her judgment. My kids' mothers don't keep them from me, they're very accommodating, so I'm lucky in that regard. I do see my sons more since I want to make sure they have a male influence, but not THAT much more. I try to see them equally.
My kids know who I am and they know I love them, and right now that makes me happy.
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