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Oct 6, 2008 7:42 pm US/Eastern
Consumer Report: Bargain Hunting Tips
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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The big time bargain hunters know how to strike the best deal by beating retailers at their own game.
CBS
Before you get ready to shop, there are five secrets you should know that will help you gain the upper hand and save yourself money.
Sure, you could hit the sales rack or clip a coupon. But the big time bargain hunters know how to strike the best deal by beating retailers at their own game.
"One of the things that stores hate the most is a well-informed consumer," Kelli Grant, of SmartMoney magazine, said.
Grant says it's important to start shopping at home by researching prices online. Make the store match or beat the lowest price you can find. But don't fall for the next ploy!
They want you to buy all the accessories and the extended warranty.
Savvy shoppers will buy cables, batteries and extras online for deep discounts. And as for those warranties?
When you're offered an extended warranty, should you bite or say no thanks?
Research shows most items break inside the manufacturers warranty period. Use a credit card to pay for it and the card issuer frequently doubles that warranty.
And always save the receipt!
"Do you hold on to your receipts and get your price adjustments?" Ann Marks, of West Islip, asks. "Always, always! Hold on to your receipts and get your adjustments."
"Stores allow if you bring in a receipt when the price has gone down – usually it's 14 days to a month for some stores – and they will give you a one-time price adjustment," Grant said.
And in the grocery store, you see all those ads offering multiple products for one low price?
If you see a sign that's 2 for $5, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to buy 2.
Buy only as many as you need, and save the rest of your money.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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