Ask and You Shall Receive

With the New Year begins and sale season coming to an end, the retailers are doing everything they can to push their inventories out of the door, making room for the new season. It’s my favorite time of the year…bargain shopping!

Everyone enjoys a good bargain, and in this economy, you don’t have to hunt for one, you can simply ask for one.

Ask for your money back

Scenario: You bought a sweater a week ago, but just found out it has been marked down further.

Tip: Most retailers such as Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Macy’s, or even Neiman Marcus have a price adjustment policy. It’s usually between 7-14 days. So, bring your receipt back and ask for a price adjustment. If you bought it online or too shy to ask in person, call the customer service number.

Match this!

Scenario: You found a pair of shoes that are a must have at retailer A at regular price, but saw them at a lower price online or at retailer B. You could purchase at retailer B but only retailer A has your size.

Tip: Most large retailers have a price match policy. As long as you can bring in a printout with another direct competing retailer, they usually honor the lower price. I find the price match policy most effective over the phone with customer service representatives as they have internet access and can directly assess whether the item presented matches the policy criteria.

No could mean 'Yes'

Scenario: You found a coat on a large retailer website but the screen shows the item is no longer available.

Tip: Don’t give up! Call the customer service number and ask the representative to do a storewide inventory search as some of the online stores have separate inventory system from the retail stores. I find this most effective calling one of the stores directly and work with a sales associate as he/she wants to make a sale and would go the extra mile to find you the item.

Sizes that fit

Scenario: You found the perfect dress at a large department store, but the only problem is you need a different size.

Tip: Ask the sales associate to do a storewide inventory search. If another store has your size, most of the time they will ship the item to you at no extra charge.

Remember, you have every right to ask as a consumer, and the worst thing that could happen is someone telling you ‘no’. But if you don’t ask, then you’ll never get what you deserve!

Please note that information provided above is not heavily advertized, not all retailers have same policies, and only applicable to most large retail chains.