I've learned a lot over the years just by asking people questions: Where do you shop? Where did you get those great shoes? Recently I was talking to this friend from my history class and she was talking to me about negotiating prices when shopping for clothes. I've always known about negotiating prices, but for clothes? "It's quite easy!", she told me, "you just have to ask, you'll never know if you don't try". She was wearing this fabulous looking shirt that she managed to haggle down to $30 from $70! She said that she could have got it for $20 if she tried harder. NOW, I was seriously interested despite my lack of negotiating abilities. I asked her more so I can do it too! Here is what I've learned.
1. Shop in small boutiques. Usually the owners are there, and they have the ability to change prices.
2. Asian boutiques usually have great clothes at great prices to begin with, plus this is where you'll get unique finds. They also seem to be way ahead with fashion trends(you might be able to find stuff that won't be in style here until a year later! Much of the clothes in the store are influenced by Japanese/Hong Kong fashion). You can find Japanese fashion magazines in special magazine/books stores in your local Chinatown. They make for great outfit ideas!)
3. If you're small/petite, asian boutiques are perfect.
4. These boutiques usually also carry shoes that match the outfits. Many of the owners are aware of what they are selling and can put together a working outfit for you if you need it(some people need this). Department stores/big stores usually can't do this for you.
5. The prices on the tags can be changed! Don't be shy. Ask for a discount; you might be pleasantly surprised. Last week I went shopping and before I even opened my mouth, the sales lady offered me great discounts on anything I wished in the store(2 shirts for $30 Canadian/spring dresses for $25). I walked out very happy. One of my other friends told me that the key is to NOT try anything on until you negotiate a price you both agree on(a great money saver).
6. Not all boutiques are created equal. If you didn't like your experience you can shop elsewhere. I make it a rule not patronize stores that don't treat me like a valuable customer.
7. I keep business cards for boutiques that I would like to visit again in the future. Sometimes you get bigger discounts if you are a regular customer. Create a relationship with the store.
There is one major minus about shopping in small boutiques. Usually sales are final because the store can't/won't deal with returns and exchanges. I hope you will find benefit much from this article and happy shopping!
from Mayling's Themestream.com archive