Where oh where do I find a deal and how do I know if it is one?
We got some tips and some warnings to guide you.
That’s looks like a great deal on that TV, computer, LED bulb, tool, appliance, coat, pair of shoes, etc. Is it one?
It very likely could be. A few things to check:
1. The model number. If may look and smell like that awesome TV or other product, but often with high priced items there are lower cost alternate items. That may be perfectly fine for what you need but look up that model number so you don’t get buyers remorse. Amazon is great for this since you can search by model number and refers you to similar items. The manufacturers website should also let you search by model number. Websites like Consumer Reports, JD Power, Consumer Search, Rtings.com (all easily searchable through insitefo.com) will also help check out model numbers.
2. Competitor Prices. If it is this price here, I wonder if other stores are selling it at a discount as well?? Hmmm. Good point. Compariton options: Amazon.com (typically very competitive. Insitefo.com Amazonornot.net (quickly search multiple stores and compare prices; suggest using the model number if possible for big ticket items), Google it, Dell.com (often very competitive for all not just Dell electronics including TVs, cell phones, etc.), PriceGrabber (look at all the sellers in the wild west web now matter who they be).
3. Price Match. To go along with checking competitor prices, if you find a better price, before you leave the store you’re standing in, see if they will price match. May save you the gas, electric, or whatever runs your transporter. Amazonornot.net has a list of stores that price matches Amazon to help you out.
4. Open Box, Refurbised, Damaged, Last Model Year. Some really good deals can be had here. A warning though:CHECK THE MODEL NUMBER! Too often open box items can be incorrectly labeled especially if they are sitting out of the box. It may look like $500 off that TV displaying dazzling images behind you but often it is not. Make sure it comes with the full warranty. Pay with a credit card that automatically extends the warranty (they’re usually up to 1 additional year but get a little familiar with the terms to make sure they don’t exclude certain items). If it looks like the box was dropped you may want to pass it up unless they throw in a free extended warranty. If it is just cosmetic damage or missing items, it may be a great deal since many will pass up that poor ugly duckling. If it is missing some pieces do a quick search on Amazon or Monoprice (for cables and TV mounts) to estimate replacement costs.
5. Price vs Value. With big ticket items, wallets can look rather small so spend wisely. If something is shown to be a reliable item that most are happy with your wallet may prefer that direction.
Rebate debit cards – Use them up at Amazon
For a while it was a mystery how to use up all the money on those rebate debit cards, until we came across the tip that you can buy an Amazon gift card for any amount you want. So just buy yourself an Amazon gift card and apply it as a credit to your account. This does assume that you are a frequent enough Amazon shopper that you know it will be used but that is most people.
Amazon subscribe and save
If you only need it for one or two times you can still sign up. When you do, just set an alarm on your phone to cancel.
Things connected to your home or car electrical – UL tested is a must
In the world of billions of things that are made in China or who know where with who knows what quality control, watch out for anything that is connected to your home, expesive electronics, or car electrical system. With the simplest defect in an internal electrical connection, that light switch, bulb, tool, toaster, toy, etc. could overheat quickly and cause a safety hazzard. Word of advice, check that the product is UL tested. Underwriter Labratories tests a wide variety of products for fire safety. You may even be able to look up a product on their site: markshub.ul.com/
Credit Card Benefits
For a recurring discount get a bit familiar with your credit card benefits.
- Citibank has recently been giving greater cash back on specific types of stores for specific months. Worth making note of. You gotta activate it for it to apply but it is pretty straight forward when you go in online to pay you bill.
- Citibank also has a thank you rewards network. If you go through the thank you rewards website to get to specific stores you can get greater % cash back. Some of the highest ones is flower stores (FTD, etc.)
- Do some shopping around for the best deals on credit card cash back and rewards. There are some good ones for groceries (Chase), retirement accounts (Fidelity), and just consisten cash back (Capital One).