A really good bargain is hard to come by and sometimes it requires a bit of dumb luck! The problem with luck is that it isn’t reliable… That’s why we have put together a list of consistently savvy bargain buying tips to help you increase your chances of getting the best possible deal on whatever it is that you are looking for.
Right off the bat – don’t be intimidated by sales patter; salesmen will often try and talk you into buying an item that they need to move, rather than something you actually want to buy.
Hunting for a bargain takes time and effort and only certain items are worth that effort, you have to weigh up the advantages versus the cost. Set your boundaries and do your research…
Tell your friends what you are looking for
You could be surprised at the reach that your network of friends and acquaintances is capable of. Tell people face-to-face and on social media what it is that you are looking for. You might just get special preference and a great deal on that car that your friend’s uncle’s boss’ sister is looking to sell…
Keep your ear to the ground
Make a habit of being on the lookout for a deal, they are usually snapped up in no time at all. Monitoring the market by constantly checking ads will give you perspective on what a good deal actually is, compared to the regular price range. Stay informed and be astute, but make sure to grab a good opportunity when it presents itself.
Don’t buy junk
Remember that you are looking for value, not a low price tag. Buying a cheap car that requires endless repairs is going to cost you more in the long run. Cosmetic imperfections might be bringing the price down, but make sure that the trouble doesn’t run any deeper than that.
Sales scruples
Be wary of items that have been heavily reduced. Retailers have the advantage of putting pressure on consumers by offering limited time specials. Most of the time products that are on sale weren’t selling well in the first place or the store needs to make room for new stock. Regardless of price, if you aren’t going to end up using that mini-pancake frying pan then it isn’t much of a bargain.
Keep your cool at auctions
An auction can be a dangerous place if you feel emotionally invested in an item, but it can also be a great place to pick up a bargain. You could end up paying much more for something than it is worth, just because you get caught up in the heat of a bidding war. You need to bid with your head and not your heart, it is a gamble after all. Decide on a maximum price that you would pay beforehand, then stick to that price.
There will be a follow-on article with more bargain trading tricks and techniques. But in the meanwhile, happy bargain hunting!
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