Comments on thrifty little blog: How I Saved by Speaking Up...

Beautiful countertops! I have had no luck attempti...

2009-11-22T08:52:45.561-06:00

Beautiful countertops! I have had no luck attempting to haggle in the past at box stores, maybe it is time to try again.

My friend haggled over a chair at Crate and Barrel...

2009-11-19T20:18:15.255-06:00

My friend haggled over a chair at Crate and Barrel and saved a hundred bucks!

Those black countertops are going to look FAB. W...

2009-11-18T19:18:44.383-06:00

Those black countertops are going to look FAB.

We got free delivery from Lowe's on our appliances just by asking.

Great tip! I find that being nice (and resonable)...

2009-11-18T11:55:40.604-06:00

Great tip! I find that being nice (and resonable) will go a long way when trying to negotiate. I know I've mentioned it before (so sorry for mentioning it again) but I used to work in retail and being cool headed goes a looong way to those making the decisions. I've received discounts on furniture delivery and protection plans by simply asking "is that the best offer or can you do better?".

Heck, yes! I ask for discounts whenever possible,...

2009-11-18T10:58:40.970-06:00

Heck, yes! I ask for discounts whenever possible, and I will also ask contractors to 'do better' when they give me a price. I recently ordered custom windows and got $100 off the invoice price just by asking, a discount he offered in exchange for a cash payment.

Thank you so much for linking up to my party. We m...

2009-11-18T10:39:17.356-06:00

Thank you so much for linking up to my party. We must be on the same wavelength because this is the perfect post. I love how you got the discount without asking for the discount, but canceling your order.

I'm glad you spoke up! The black counters are ...

2009-11-18T10:33:47.720-06:00

I'm glad you spoke up! The black counters are going to look reall nice

You know, at some point I need to just grow some c...

2009-11-18T10:14:39.903-06:00

You know, at some point I need to just grow some coconuts. I really have a hard time speaking up and everyone is always telling me I need to just stand up for myself.

I film promotional videos for my company that we post on youtube and other viral sites and we bought a new camera recently. Long story short, I had to send in the corporate check before they sent us the camera. They waited until they received our check to let me know the camera I had JUST ordered the week before (that they had sent me an invoice for) was suddenly discontinued and the next model up was going to be 100 dollars more.

My boss made me stand up to them, and before I knew it, we got the camera we wanted for 100 dollars less than they had originally quoted. I must say that it felt pretty good!

You seemed to know exactly how to handle it. Thanks for the Friday tip!

Good Job! My mom always said, "Kill them wit...

2009-11-18T05:34:23.028-06:00

Good Job! My mom always said, "Kill them with kindness", and it usually works. But I do find that Home Depot, by us, is not as willing and helpful as Lowe's with this sort of stuff.

Btw, LOVE the countertops! I was considering the black granite because the contrast was awesome against white cabinets.

I would have done the same thing if I were in your...

2009-11-17T20:47:35.344-06:00

I would have done the same thing if I were in your position.

My haggling strategy involves offering to pay in full with cash; from furniture stores, car repairs, to gym memberships. And I always make sure I get a receipt. ^_^

Good for you! I've saved tons of money hagglin...

2009-11-17T17:24:38.916-06:00

Good for you! I've saved tons of money haggling for wedding stuff. Things are needlessly expensive and vendors often don't offer discounts unless you ask!

Good job haggling! That there is an IKEA kitchen ...

2009-11-17T17:14:57.407-06:00

Good job haggling!

That there is an IKEA kitchen - Stat cabinets. I know IKEA kitchen stuff from sight - it's a sickness.

I tend to leave the outright haggling to my husban...

2009-11-17T14:23:09.674-06:00

I tend to leave the outright haggling to my husband, who is a world class bargainer. I have been able to get discounts on slightly damaged items in big box stores and though it doesn't relate to homes, I have resolved to never eat another bad, expensive meal again. I've sent dishes back all over America and it makes me a much happier diner when I splurge on a pricey night out.

I always speak up. If you're not rude, the wor...

2009-11-17T13:39:44.227-06:00

I always speak up. If you're not rude, the worst that will happen is they will say no. You're right about being calm- it is much more effective. But you also have to show that you know what you want. Even when I'm in the wrong (like once with an $80 overdue library fine- yikes) I still call and politely ask if they can help me out a bit. Same with parking tickets, etc. They usually at least knock off half. Of course, lately I have been learning to just avoid those types of fees in the first place!

Love the black countertops - can't wait to see...

2009-11-17T12:52:40.151-06:00

Love the black countertops - can't wait to see them installed! They'll look great!

Hello! I really like the black countertops. I wa...

2009-11-17T12:21:41.821-06:00

Hello! I really like the black countertops. I was thinking of doing that at some point. Thanks for all the great info. Good luck! ~jamilyn