How to Save with Hidden Deals

What ordinary girl doesn't like a good bargain? Get in touch with your inner savvy shopper and score great shopping deals with a few of my favorite shopping strategies below. Have any great tips, send them to me and I'll post them! Let's share the wisdom!

Get the inside deals. Many stores periodically offer 10-20% discounts to friends and family of sales associates. Ask a sales associate for the timing of the next sale, or check websites that track these deals such as (http://www.fatwallet.com/; http://www.dealmaker.com/; or http://www.pricetracker.com/)

Shop before the Sale Starts. It takes alot of time and effort for a store to get ready for a markdown sale. My favorite merchants typically start the afternoon prior to the sale. So, I often make it a point to stop the afternoon/evening the day before the sale starts to purchase a specific item. If it's not marked down, I'll ask if I can get the discount today rather than travel back tomorrow.

Hold the Item and Save Yourself a Hassle! Start shopping a few days prior to the sale. Find the items you want. Ask the Sales associate to hold the items until the sale starts. Get yourself the gift of a better choice of the inventory while you purchase your items at the sales price.

Ask when the item goes on sale. Nothing worse than purchasing an item one day, only to discover that on the next day the item is on sale. Sales associates are often empowered to provide you with the sales price in advance of the sale.

Barter for the bargain. Ask the sales associate the simple question"Is this the best price you can do?" Often times, a sales person can knock an additional 10-15% off an item. Never hurts to ask.

Matching the lowest price. Know the competition's pricing. Check your favorite retailer's pricing policies. In many cases, retailers advertise the low price guarantee - they'll match and beat the another retailer's price on an item.

Use a competitor's coupons to get a deal. Retailers will often accept a competitor's coupon if the product you're purchasing is also available at their store.

Refunds by the Retailer. Watch the flyers after you purchase the product, you just might be entitled to a refund. Several retailer's pricing policies will give you a refund if the same model/item goes on sale within a predetermined period of time (usually 30 days).