Home improvement stores have secrets that they don't want you to know. So here are a few things that will give you an idea on how these home improvement chains work:
Want to score a better deal? Sometimes, all you got to do is ask.
Scoring a deal can be done in many ways. You can take advantage of good deals when a store is having a sale; or you can also use the price-match policy that stores have. But what you may not know is that haggling is also an option. This good old fashioned way of making a deal isn't only applicable in flea markets and garage sales. Analysts say that customers may sometimes ask for a discount, especially for expensive items or bulk orders. Bargaining with managers and salesmen may help you get a better deal. Although, stores don't exactly promote this kind of transaction. No chain has advertised that they are flexible when it comes to prices. However, they also have policies that gives their associates the power to give discounts, especially on cases where they have to please a disappointed customer, i.e. a desired item is not available.
One more reason why haggling is possible is that stores wouldn't want to lose you as a customer. Competitions are high - from competitive stores to online sellers, keeping a customer is a necessity for home improvement stores. It's the consumers who benefits from competitions. All you got to do is ask. If they don't give you a discount, you'll lose nothing. If you get what you ask for, then great!
Free stuff doesn't always mean it won't cost you anything
Sometimes home improvement stores may offer free workshops, free consultations, or free design services that will help you improve your home. But before you sign up, keep in mind there is a big chance that you will go out of that free event having to purchase something that will enable you to apply whatever you learn from the workshops and consultations. For example, you might be attracted to attend a free Energy Conservation workshop. They might actually teach you a lot of valuable things, but it's also possible that you end up buying a bunch of light bulbs when you end the workshop.
You only get a fraction of the good deals contractors get
Yes, DIY customers are the key to the success of home improvement stores. But they don't buy items as much as contractors does. Contractors purchase massive amounts of items on a weekly basis which is why they get all the perks at home improvement stores that other shoppers don't, such as discounted pricing, special checkout lanes, and special attention and services from their sales people. This is also why chains keep on wooing contractors by means of additional products.
There are many backgrounds to every story, especially when it involves businesses and purchases. So to make sure that you don't spend more than what you need to, doing some research won't hurt.
