Saving on Purchases

There are a lot of ways to save money when buying something, this applies when you are travelling but I guess this can also apply for buying something at home too… Here are a couple of things to keep in mind…

1. When buying something, try to do your research so you know what the value of the object is. It is usually more difficult when you travel to know if you are getting a fair price, but you can always try several places offering the same item, or ideally, find someone local who can give an idea. In my experience the best source of information in most cities are taxi drivers. They tend to know the best places for whatever it is you are looking for. Second place would be your hotel concierges. It is their job to able to find anything, but I personally find their service hit and miss; some are very good and others not so.
2. You should always try to negotiate, especially on more expensive things. Don’t accept the first price they give you. I was in India one time wanting to buy a carpet, the seller started off at $1200 for the carpet I liked. I let him talk and only started negotiating when he talked himself down to $750. I ended up paying around $500 for the carpet.
3. If you are buying something internationally, do not forget to consider the taxes you may have to pay when you bring the item back through customs at home. Of course this mainly applies if it is an item you can actually find at home.

Tags: Saving Money, travel