Years ago when I was living in New York Joel, my agent, and dear friend came to visit from Paris -specifically to shop. I took him to Bloomingdales (where else!) and I was shocked when he asked the salesman if he could get a discount on a shirt that wasn’t on sale or part of any special promotion. At first I thought his request was something that was lost in translation and I tried to explain to him that we don’t do that “over here” in our department stores.
He looked at me very seriously and asked, “Why not?”
Why not indeed, not only did he get a 25% discount on the shirt, he continued to do this throughout the store (with varying degrees of success) with more than a few of the salespeople telling him it was not “store policy”. He would listen politely then go over their head to the manager of the department and ask again more often than not with positive results.
I learned that day to always ask (politely) if there was something “they could do about adjusting the price down” in any store, anywhere. Bartering was no longer the domain of thrift stores, auctions, etc. Joel taught me to consider all department and specialty stores as “tag sales” and you never have to pay retail.
Like Joel I wouldn’t do this every time for every purchase, like life-you learn to pick your battles but when you do it can be quite satisfying to get a discount knowing that everybody else is paying the price that’s on the tag.
So, a Frenchman gave me this tip more than 20 years ago-maybe I should call this one a “French-tip”
What do you think? Are you going to try it? Are you going to share this info with friends?
I want to hear from you, as I post “Ty Tips” I encourage you to write to me and tell me your experience.
Ty Tips:Luxury living for less 