Comments on: How to Find a Good Deal

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:26:59 +0000

If you are a serious runner, you should not buy your shoes the night before the big race anyways. You want to buy them well in advance and have a period of time to break them in before racing in them.

Now I just need to find a place to get a good deal on all those spendy running shoes…

By: Manshu

Manshu — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:54:27 +0000

I search for stuff that I want, and then look if there are any deals available on them. If there aren’t then I simply buy the thing without any fall in deal. I think it makes no sense to get something only because it was on a deal.

By: Des

Des — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:32:23 +0000

Funny example, I had this same conversation the other day – almost verbatim! I bought a very used bike on Craigslist for $15. My only criteria was that it was rideable. I just need it to get from A to B, not win any beauty contests.

I showed my roommate (who is an avid bicyclist, with hundreds of dollars in equipment) and he laughed at me. He pointed out that it was ugly (think 80s pink and teal) and the seat is stained. I said I don’t plan on eating off the seat, and asked him to check the wheels for me to see what shape they were in. They’re fine.

My long-winded way of saying: its important to identify only what you need. My bike wouldn’t work for my roommate, because he rides 50+ miles a week and races. But, it works for me to commute a few miles a couple times a week. Conversely, I spent much more on my laptop than he did because I use it for programming enterprise software and he uses it for checking fail blog. Different needs.

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:43:29 +0000

Check for “scratch and dent” items at stores too. I know someone who got a great deal on a fridge because it had a huge scratch down one side. That side just happens to be the side that is bumped up against the wall, so no one will ever see it.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:18:38 +0000

It depends on the person. An item could be very expensive but totally worth it to someone if they saved up and are really looking forward to the item.

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:58:20 +0000

Avoid designer brands and you’ll save a ton. Take designer sunglasses as an example. They are made in China, from the exact same materials as any other sunglasses. But LV, and Gucci, and all the other designers have spent millions of advertising dollars convincing gullible people that they are not worthy, or cool, or hip unless they sport the designer logos.

What separates $1500 designer sunglasses from the $5 ones you can buy at a vendor?

The little gold “LV” on the side.

That’s it.

By: bodark

bodark — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:19:15 +0000

This trick only works when you have discretionary income – But let’s say you have $500, and you want a kayak. Well, set your money aside (high yield money market anyone?). Then start trolling – all the locals Craig mentioned – 101% guaranteed you will meet someone who is trying to get out of debt, getting a divorce, or some other duress. Tadah!! $1,000 kayak for $500. Obviously I am not talking strong arming people or anything like that, but the secondary market for most thigns is about 50 to 60% of New In Box price. So, they have money to get out of debt, pay an attorney, post bond, etc.. and you are in your PAID FOR kayak.

By: John DeFlumeri Jr

John DeFlumeri Jr — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:17:29 +0000

Be sure that you really want the item, or it’s not a good deal at any price.

John DeFlumeri Jr

By: George@MoneyLounge.net

George@MoneyLounge.net — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:43:09 +0000

Ever since college, I learned to build my own computers, it’s really easy to do, and you save somewhere between 50-60% of what you would buying an equivalent pre-built one.

By: faye

faye — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:37:31 +0000

The secondary market is usually the best for deals. There are also grocery auctions which is a great place to stock up on grocery items.

By: Funny about Momey

Funny about Momey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:01:58 +0000

Estate sales usually offer better quality goods than yard sales. Around here, anyway, most people put out their most worn-out junk in yard sales, and yard sales are generally not allowed in the better neighborhoods.