So Called "0%" financing deals

[poundwise]

Poundwise, what did you negotiate at best buy and sears? What did you negotiate and how much off? What condition?

Best Buy - canister vac, got $20 off just for saying that I was paying cash and would buy it for that price instead of going to shop at a competitor, item was new in the box

Sears - dryer, they wanted a delivery charge unless I used Sears card, spoke to manager, paid cash, got 5% off the price and free delivery to boot, item was new


Worth Noting:

Two-thirds of Americans say they've haggled in a store during the last 90 days. - America's Research Group

Some chain stores have now given floor employees the authority to accept lower prices, especially on electronics. - The Los Angeles Times

Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone - The New York Times

[boosami]

I think the only time 0% is legitimate is a 0% credit card.

Whenever I do 0% financing deals for purchases, I make sure I would get the same price if I were to pay cash on the spot. Usually, I act like I am going to pay cash, find out the price, and then inquire about any 0% deals. If they will give me 10% off up front for cash, that is a better rate of return than investing my cash in a CD or pretty much any vehicle!

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Amazing. Last time i was in best buy to buy the washer and dryer was 2005. No haggling. I asked for free delivery and that was a given. I had ever comparison shopped at Sears. Free delivery and haul away, but no cash deal.

Although I did get great deals for sporting event tickets this year unlike last year. Crazy deals actually below face value.

[MonkeyMama]

Sears appliances - you can definitely haggle there.

If nothing else they will always give you free shipping and no sales tax, if you ask. Since our sales tax is almost 10%, it's a good deal. Probably why it is so common around here - easy for them. (Department stores are less likely to lower price, but it never hurts to ask. They certainly do; and much more likely in this economy).

We bought most our appliances at Sears, over the years.

We always haggle on everything.

BTW, I think there are many instances where the price is "set" and 0% is a good deal. We have taken 0% finance deals, etc. BUT I would certainly ask for a cash discount first before taking 0% finance. & I wouldn't search out an item just for 0% financing. I would immediately think anything for sale with 0% financing had a built-in premium. I would rather haggle on something "regular-priced" than something that is already inflated. It just depends on the particular item, if it is a good deal or not.

[mnpqrd]

Does "cash" here mean dollar bills or credit card?

[disneysteve]

Does "cash" here mean dollar bills or credit card?

I'd say dollar bills. When you pay by CC, the store has to pay the merchant fee of 2-3% of the purchase price so they aren't able to give the same discount.

Also, if you are dealing with a smaller, mom and pop kind of store, cash is often preferred for tax reasons if you know what I mean.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Is that haggling asking for free shipping and sales tax? I thought with all big ticket items that was a standard question.

[disneysteve]

Is that haggling asking for free shipping and sales tax? I thought with all big ticket items that was a standard question.

I'd say that negotiating anything about the purchase price is haggling. If they give you "no sales tax" they are actually discounting the price of the item to account for the sales tax. You are still paying tax, just on a lower amount.

If shipping is not normally free and they agree to give it to you for free, that is haggling as well.