You Paid What?

With the economy the way it is and people counting every single penny, I’ve decided to share a few tips on how you can save some money. 

Next time you go shopping, ask for a deal or a discount, nine out of ten times they will give you a better deal. All you need to do is ask and you shall receive- try it. I do all the time and I hardly ever pay full price for anything. Seriously. Here are a few other ideas on how you can save some $$$.

Parking/Speeding tickets: Did you know that Toronto City Hall takes anywhere between 6-8 months on average to receive a court date? I have seen it where people have been waiting for more then 2 years. More then half the tickets get expunged or thrown out. My friend hired me once to go fight his two speeding tickets  so I went on his behalf and it got thrown out because the officer who issued it didn’t show up to court.

Movies: Sign up for Scene cards (Cineplex, Famous Players), or Movie Watcher (AMC), which can get you collecting points so you can get you free movie passes or concession discounts. Also by being a Mystery Shopper you’ll get eight free movie passes and $40 towards concession and all you need to do is ask a few questions to the employee and report back to the company doing the surveys. Easy huh?

Hair: Most people don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on their hair. Hairdressing schools like Marvel or Aveda offer haircuts starting at $6, colors and highlights $30, updo’s $15, blowdry/flat iron $5. When I was in hairdressing school I always wondered why more people didn’t know how cheap it was, and didn’t come in.

 Esthetics: Same goes for spa treatments like a mani/pedi, facials, microdermabrasions, massages, waxing.  Schools like George Brown College, Avola College, and Sutherland Chan are a few examples on where you can save more then half price for a day at the spa.

Chiropractor/Health services: Most people think they have to pay extra to get small things in life like going to see the Chiropractor or a Naturopath. Did you know that you can get services like these for a few pesos or even for FREE. Sherbourne Health Centre  is where I go to get my adjustments. Tell them if you’re a student or can’t afford much and see what happens.

Clothing: Always check out the clearance or sales racks first. If you don’t see anything you like, check the garment for missing buttons, slight dirt stain or any defects. You can almost guarantee that if you show the manager these imperfections you will save at least 10% or more. If you’re buying more then one item try to pay in cash because you may be eligible for a discount, money talks!

Car rentals: Always check discount websites like Expedia, and Travelocity  first and see if there are any specials. Renting from airport locations is cheaper as they have more selection and more competition. But if you can’t get to one, tell the rental agent you got a better quote from another competitor and I guarantee they will either drop their price or upgrade you to a better car.

Electronics: Buying used check out Craigslist or Kijiji. You will find good deals but beware the scammers. Salespeople work on commission so you can barter with them for a deal. They want your business; they will do whatever it takes to close the sale. Try asking, “Is that the best price you can offer”? or try “If I pay cash, will you include the tax”? And my favorite line of all, “They had it cheaper over at ____”? And see what happens.

So I hope this gives you a few pointers for the next time you are out shopping. Remember all you need to do is ask.  The worst their going to say is no, but you won’t know until you try.

~Compiled by Rachelle White Wind