The Decision Maker - deal with him

When you deal with a decision maker, you're in the best position for bargaining.

It's one of the main reasons you're well advised to buy from a private party. Chances are good that the one you talk with can make decisions about the sale.

A smart shopper recognizes that private parties are the owners, managers, sales people and clerks all wrapped up into one. They don't have to ask for permission or "go see the boss" before they can strike a deal with you.

They can name you a price, consider your offer, make you a counter-offer, and provide inducements to purchase – all right on the spot. If you have a question, they have the answer. There is no need to consult with another person at a technical or management level.

At the same time, you are also the decision maker on the buyer’s end. You can make or modify or walk away from the deal as you see fit. It is much more likely that you can operate in a manner and on a schedule that is comfortable for you, the smart shopper.

There are no phony store policies to get in your way. There is only what you and the seller think are reasonable ways of conducting the sale. Anyway, that's the way it should work in a perfect world.

Smart shoppers will focus on doing business with private parties because that's where you're going to find a wealth of sellers that are also the ones who can make decisions on-the-spot. It's a convenient and efficient way to do business, and that makes it more enjoyable. It's also more likely that you can negotiate your sales to be much more aligned with frugal living objectives like saving money.

Done with Decision Maker, back to Frugal Shopping