Excerpt
Bargain Hunting
In general, do not bargain in stores-even when items are on sale. Often, you may bargain if
you are buying from individual sellers.
Special sales
When you go to a store for a sale item, take the ad with you. If the store has no more of that
item, a dealer will sometimes give you a "rain check"; that is, you may buy the item at the same
sale price at a later time.
It is not impolite to ask the salesperson if an item will go on sale soon.
What if I have just paid full price for an item and then see it on sale? Show the salesperson
the item and your receipt; you usually get the discount.
Discount shopping
There are discount stores for almost every kind of item. Pay special attention to the return
policies; sometimes there are no refunds.
Warehouse clubs are huge stores that sell name-brand products at lower prices. The prices are
cheaper- sometimes almost half those in the regular stores.
About 25% of the items in a warehouse club are food products that are frozen, canned, and boxed;
some warehouse clubs do not have fresh food. Most clubs also have office supplies, small
appliances, sporting equipment, household products, clothes, and many other kinds of products.
To shop in a warehouse club, you may need to pay an annual membership fee-around $35.
Discount stores are smaller than warehouse clubs; their prices may not be as low, but you do not
have to buy in bulk or pay a membership fee. You can find discount stores for almost
anything-including clothing, furniture, leather goods, shoes, and sporting equipment. Look at the
ads in the newspaper to find the discount store you want.
Outlet malls get their products right from the factory and sell them for a lower price. Ask if
the item is a "second," or slightly damaged; if it is, look closely to see what could be wrong.
For example, look for stains, missing buttons, loose threads, and holes.
Garage/yard sales are usually in private homes. Most items for sale are used. You may find
antiques, old books, furniture, clothes, or dishes. You cannot return what you buy, but you
can bargain.
Consignment shops sell used items, such as clothing, home lamps, or books. You cannot return
what you buy. Usually, you cannot bargain.
Flea markets are public markets with many kinds of items. Most flea markets are outdoors, but
some larger ones are indoors.
Flea markets usually sell used items, such as furniture, clothes, jewelry, and antiques. As
with yard sales, you cannot return items, but you can bargain.
Words to Know
Bulk: (items) in large quantities. Usually, you get a discount for buying "in bulk."
Classified section: a section of the newspaper that lists items for sale
Consignment shop: a store that sells used items
Defective: having something wrong with it. For example, a defective computer may shut down
frequently. A defective dress may shrink a lot with one washing.
Discount store: a store that sells items at lower prices
Flea market: an open area where people sell items on tables or in tents. Flea markets are good
for items such as antiques, furniture, jewelry, audio and video cassettes, and clothing such as
jackets and hats.
Garage/yard sale: sales in private homes. Usually items for sale are used.
Name-brand product: a product made by a major company with a recognizable name
Outlet mall: a mall with stores owned by the manufacturer (maker of the product). Usually, the
manufacturer is well-known for high-quality and expensive merchandise. Some outlet malls have 90
or more stores.
Rain check: a paper that lets you buy an item for a lower price after the sale is over
Refund: to return money
Second-hand: used
>Warehouse club: a big store that sells items at lower prices
