I bought my very first laptop during the summer of 2000. There are cell phones today that have better specs than that laptop, but back then, it was a top-of-the-line machine. Another way to say this: I paid way more than anyone should ever pay for a laptop with a 20GB hard drive. It was …
Tag: negotiating
5 Tips for Better Negotiating (and Getting What You Want)
One of the better books I’ve read in the past several years (since this post was first published in 2013) dealt with the subject of negotiation. Negotiation Boot Camp by Ed Brodow is a great resource if you are looking to improve your negotiating skills (and I don’t know many who aren’t). If you think about it, we …
Try This Tip to Get the Edge On a House Offer
I’m a big fan of negotiating to get a better deal and to save more money. I know it’s not often easy in our society or comfortable – but it can be worth the effort. Like they always say, “it doesn’t hurt to ask“. One of the biggest – and overlooked tactic in negotiating for …
Why Have Auto Dealerships Stopped Negotiating?
This past weekend I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother in her quest to find a new car. We visited a couple of smaller dealerships and each one was singing the same tune: We don’t negotiate. In fact, as soon as we got into the car with the salesman from the second dealership, he …
Always Ask for the Special
This one is going to be short and sweet (I hope). My family and I had the chance to get away from it all this past week and it was a very welcomed break. While we were away, my brother, his son and I hit up a driving range that had a chip and putt …
Using Customer Loyalty to Lower Your Bills – To Be Continued
So I was hoping to report to you today about all the money I saved by using “customer loyalty” as a way to get lower bills. Well, that didn’t exactly happen. And in one case, one company tried to raise my bill. This all started after I saw (yet, again) a few ads running that …
Using Customer Loyalty to Lower Your Bills – Part 1
I don’t know about you – but when I see companies that I use offering special discounts to new customers only – I get a little upset. I realize they need to continually sign-up and be recruiting potential buyers. But what about the loyal base? Aren’t they just as important – if not more – …
5 things you didn’t know were negotiable
This guest post was written by Mike, the owner/operator of CreditCardForum. Not only is it a message board for analyzing credit card offers, but also tips and tricks to beat the banks at their own game. When it comes to negotiating a deal, what do you think of? Perhaps buying a car or even a …
Haggling in the USA
Unlike some asian and middle eastern countries, haggling (bargaining) in the USA is not generally an accepted practice. I’ve actually had a moderate level of success with it here. And, I want to share a few helpful ideas about how it has worked for me in the past. Before you haggle with a vendor, honestly assess …