Lofty Matters

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Is getting the best prices one of your current challenges? It is mine these days. Interestingly enough, there has never been a better time to hunt for bargains.

Are you ready for this? Try some haggling! You may be surprised. A Consumer Reports survey has indicated that over 90% of people who tried haggling over furniture, electronics and appliances, floor and demonstration models were able to get a lower price on at least one purchase over the past three years.

As the economy weakens, your haggling power will increase. Retailers are getting desperate for consumers. Big ticket items are the best place to try to haggle yourself a deal. Included would be furniture, mattresses and jewelry. Expensive computers or TVs are another area where consumers may be able to get a good deal.

Where you haggle makes a difference. Stores that sell based on volume will be more receptive to negotiation than niche retailers. The longer merchandise lies around, the better chances you have of getting a deal.

Tips for successful haggling:

• Be polite
• Research your item(s) - know comparable prices
• Inspect the item and look for flaws
• Try offering cash
• Be discreet

Another consideration is shopping at the best times of the year for specific items. Kitchen appliances typically go on sale in September, linens and furniture in January or February. Shopping for groceries on Sunday evenings is supposed to be the best time to find a good deal, and shopping for a new car is best done at the end of the month.

Comparison shopping is very important. Use the internet for this, though. Go to comparison shopping sites like www.shopzilla.com or www.pricegrabber.com. Enter what you’re looking for, and you’ll get a list of prices and stores that sell that product.

If you do order something through the Internet, make sure to use the discounts and coupons available. Go to http://shopping.yahoo.com and click on “coupons.” You’ll get a list of stores that are offering coupons, special sale prices or free shipping.

Identity theft is a scary threat. Most people I know are concerned, and rightly so. I found a company several weeks ago that offers some very interesting services for protecting you against identity theft. It’s called Lifelock and they are worth a look.

If you want to protect your good name and secure your identity from fraud and theft, then this company would be a great way to guarantee your good name. They even offer a $1 million service guarantee. It’s simple. They will pay up to $1,000,000 to cure the failure or defect in their services, per member, per lifetime… There are some limitations, of course, such as not reimbursing special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages (such as lost wages or profits, loss of business, or lost opportunities). Even with the understandable limitations, this is still a great guarantee!