Sister shopper Julia left us a note on Facebook, telling about how asking for a little help saved her some money:
“I’m not sure if this would be useful to many, but I just used the live chat feature on the Sears website when I was searching for replacement parts for a Kenmore grill. The listed price for the parts was nearly $150 with shipping, but through their price-match option and working with their live chat person the total cost was reduced to $110. We know it’s still crazy to have to spend that on parts, but better than $150 and better than having to buy a new grill.”
My husband bought a new pair of shoes last fall, and the soles of them started falling apart after just a few wears. He took them back to the store, where they agreed that they were defective and helped him get a new pair.
At Giant Eagle, I’ve had a few occasions when an OYNO didn’t print, or Bonus Fuelperks weren’t properly credited. A trip to the Customer Service counter or a phone call to the 1-800 number on the receipt resulted in me getting the bonuses I had earned.
Three different examples, but they all show how Customer Service representatives–either online, on the phone, or in person–can be big help with saving you money. They can help you match a price to a different store, or give you a refund for a defective product. They can help you make sure you receive all the bonuses that are coming your way.
More help than you realize might be available, but you need to speak up and ask. Most stores value your business and want to be sure you’re a satisfied customer. Even when you’re making your initial purchase, speak up and see if any discounts are available. The bigger the purchase, the more leeway retailers may have in offering you some kind of deal…but they’re not going to offer it if you don’t ask! Ask nicely, and be kind, courteous, and respectful–the worst they can say is no, but you might end up saving some big bucks!
Do you have an example of a time when speaking up saved you some money? We’d love to hear about it in the comments or on Facebook!
