What would you do when faced with this choice? (furniture store, cell phone, price)

[didee]

First, this is not a "great" debate. But, I would like to see opinions on this scenario.

You want to purchase an item. Let's use a piece of furniture for this example.

You find that one place has the exact piece that you want. This place is not very convenient for you to get to. The price of the item is $850.

While shopping elsewhere, you find the exact same thing in a nearby store. You get to check out the item at their store, and the sales people are extremely helpful and accommodating, including checking into transportation options for you to get the item home. They give you really good service. Their price is $1000.

You mention price matching to the more expensive store, but they're not game.

Who do you purchase the other item from? A) the more expensive place that gave you great service; or, B) the store where the exact same item is cheaper?

[altlover85]

I think it depends on your financial situation. If you can afford it, I would reward the better service store. If not, I would go with the cheaper price.

[wrench409]

In my situation, when I shop around, if the higher priced store doesn't budge, I ask for a price match. If they match it, I go for the jugular and ask 'How much of a discount if I pay cash?'.

But I never ask both questions at once.

You be amazed how much you can save with just the second question these days.

[lifelongMOgal]

Store #1 with the cheaper price was also mentioned as inconvenient. No mention was made about the location of store #2. Time is money so if store #2 was significantly more convenient as well as helpful I'd probably try for store #1. I'd also try to negotiate with store #1 for some kind of free delivery since they are higher in price.

[Mattie]

I'm all about rewarding good service, but $150.00 is a pretty hefty difference. I'd go with the less expensive option, and make sure the other store knew the reason why they weren't getting the sale.

[Tober138]

I would likely go with whichever option is more convenient for me. If it saves me 2 or 3 hours to get to the more convenient place, then the extra $150 is worth it to me.

However, it also depends on what it is. If it was a piece of furniture, convenience would also include delivery and hauling it up the stairs.

[swagger]

You're basically asking if we'd tip a furniture store 18%. I have no problem tipping a waiter 18%, because their wages are lower than other jobs, because they get tips. The people in the furniture store aren't being "tipped" that 18%, though - it's the store that gets that extra money. (The employees may work on commission, but that's a different ballgame).

So my answer is that I'd pay the $850. If the difference in price was significantly smaller, I'd pay a little more for the better service.

[Joy333]

I would see if they would throw in free shipping since they don't price match. How much is it going to cost to get the item home from store #1? But I agree. $150 dollars is an electric bill, or a cell phone bill or a week and a half grocery bill. We all gotta do what we gotta do. Store #2 probably paid the same as Store #1. Good luck!!!

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by wrench409

In my situation, when I shop around, if the higher priced store doesn't budge, I ask for a price match. If they match it, I go for the jugular and ask 'How much of a discount if I pay cash?'.

But I never ask both questions at once.

You be amazed how much you can save with just the second question these days.

Oh man.......back when I worked retail I walked away from people that asked stuff like that....I knew that the customer wasnt going to buy.
No offense to the person that posted what I am quoting, but salespeople get hammered like that all day long, and some folks can get quite nasty about it.

[TKramar]

$150 might be worth it if delivery was part of the $1000 price--in my case. I don't have a vehicle to get it home.