When it comes to life’s big purchases, chances are, you’ll want to spend as little money as possible. Despite needing things like a new car, a new TV or even a new home, they are huge financial investments and you may feel uncomfortable handing over that much cash for something you aren’t one hundred per cent sure that you will end up loving. Luckily there are a few ways that you can save money on life’s biggest purchases.
Learn To Negotiate
First of all, learn to negotiate. Accepting the first price that’s offered to you is the best way to spend far more than you really need to. First of all, make sure that you know other prices that the object you want may go for at other places. Some stores may price match, but others may not, particularly if the other store is online only. This means that if you’re going to a traditional shop, they may have more overhead costs like rent and sales staff, so you need to be aware that the cost of your item will also cover them and you’re paying for customer service as well as the item itself. Secondly, remember to stay reasonable. There isn’t any point in asking to pay a sum vastly below the offering price, and this may also be seen as rude. Thirdly, get the person with whom you’re talking to name a price first so that you can negotiate from there.
Go Used Or Refurbished Instead Of New
With items like cars, it’s a great idea for used instead of brand new – and the same goes for many electrical items like laptops and mobile phones. Refurbished items are every bit as good as brand new ones. Regarding cars, it’s a good idea to talk to a dealership like https://www.universal-car-credit.com which will be able to help you find the correct vehicle within your price range. Dealerships are generally a better idea than buying cars from private owners – although it may be cheaper, dealerships vet their cars extremely carefully before you purchase them, so you are also paying for added safety and often a warranty that will cover the vehicle for a certain amount of time. Make sure you negotiate for extra items to be thrown in like breakdown cover, floor mats and so on.
Compare Prices
Finally, make sure that you have done your research so that you can compare prices and decide where exactly you should go. Different places will have different deals on at different times – for instance, the prices of a lot of home appliances tend to fall in the latter half of the year. Make sure that you save all the coupons that you can, and never pay face value for something expensive. You can usually get money off or at least something free, even if that is just shipping. Remember that every little count.
Saving money on big-ticket items is a whole lot easier than you might have thought it was!
You can make such a big saving if you take the time to shop around and compare prices! I’ve been doing a lot of shopping in the summer sales recently and it’s sometimes surprising where the cheapest price is 🙂
I totally agree, my Mum shops most days in her lunch hour and she gets some amazing bargains!
Negotiation is key! It may be awkward but unless you overcome the embarrassment of negotiating you are always going to end up paying more than you should.
Eeek this is me, I’m useless at negotiating face to face 🙁
Great tips. I very rarely buy brand new of anything. Negotiating is something I struggle at but I usually get my grandad to help me out with that!
I don’t mind negotiating when it comes to buying something like a car, I think I got that from my Grandad x
I always felt uncomfortable with the idea of negotiating price, until I tried it! It worked and I never looked back!
Sometimes it’s easier to treat it as a game on your first attempt.
I have to say I’m no good at negotiating but I am good at comparing and we do buy second hand.
I agree it isn’t always easy but it is so worth it.
We often spend so much time researching different options and prices that we are then paralysed by indecision. It’s definitely good to be informed though and not just jump on the first best thing.
You’re so right, I am currently trying to teach my daughter this but money burns a hole in her pocket!
I always look around for prices and it’s shocking how much difference there is. I am buying a new kitchen soon and the price is amazing how much I can save in places too
I hear you completely, it’s actually quite obscene how different the prices can be.