Senior Discounts

Was told by a friend the other day, that when buying mattresses and box springs you can actually haggle over the price. Didn’t know that. But I mentioned that when in the mood, I will ask if the business offers a “Senior Discount.” Saying that phrase out loud is always a bittersweet moment.

There are lots of places that offer a discount, however nominal, to us old folks. All you have to do is gather up the courage, face the fact that you’re old, have become your parents and ask. All the person on the other end of the question can do is follow Nancy Reagan’s advice and “Just say no.” But I wonder where else I might be able to save a couple of bucks.

Haggling is pretty much a given in some industries. Take buying a car for example. Even though it is a lot less nerve racking these days, it still can be quite daunting. But it’s expected. Or at least un-American not to go back and forth with the salesman. Two heavy weights. Taking shots, blocking shots, quick jabs and finally the big roundhouse; getting up and telling the wife that it’s time to leave. And actually heading for the door. My Dad was very good at that, much to my embarrassment.

Makes me wonder where else I could save some cash simply by negotiating. Maybe next time I go to breakfast at some local coffee shop I could try this ploy when placing my order: “I see that your number one breakfast is listed at $6.99. Will you take five bucks? And throw in a free cup of coffee?” Do you think that would work?

Of course I’m always leery about buying stuff from businesses that will haggle over their stated prices. Why not just list the lowest price? Probably because for the one brave soul that asks and actually receives the good price, there has to be at least 100 of us suckers that will just fork over the full price for the product or service. Capitalism at its finest.

When I was a Home Improvement Specialist, which is just a politically correct title for a Handyman, I rarely if ever gave discounts. I did give better prices to some people, mostly single Moms or widows. But I never gouged anyone because I felt that since they lived in the better part of town and in a fancier home that they could afford it. When asked if I could do better on my quote, I always said that it was my best price (which it was) and if they could find someone to do it cheaper AND better, that’s who they should use. Rarely lost any jobs and the ones that went elsewhere, I was better off that they did. I learned that the haggling doesn’t usually stop at the original quote.

There are plenty of places, so I’m told, including major fast food chains that offer senior discounts just for the asking. So go ahead, scrunch up your courage and ask. And keep your fingers crossed that the teenager across the counter from you doesn’t yell over their shoulder “Hey, this old fart wants to know if he can get a discount.”