ask and you just might get

A week ago I get a call from Jill.  She has a question on a return.

Yesterday I get another call.  My friend Amy needs advice on a coat for her son.  We go online together and make decisions on color and style.

Today M calls.  I play back the message (I wasn’t home) and she actually has me conferenced in on her call with Apple.  She wants my input on what size Apple phone to get.  I would have told her the 6 plus.

Also today I send my mom a link to a charcoal cape from All Saints that would be perfect for her.

I am a skilled shopper.  And an outstanding negotiator.  When I told a friend recently that I wish I could monetize this skill, she emailed back:

Maybe offer trouble-shooting workshops for women.  Stand up for yourself, or something like that.

I think it’s a good idea.

I have so many examples to choose from.  From items as big as a couch to as small as a cup of coffee.

But today’s little incident even surprised me.

I recently bought a Moncler winter coat at a large department store (I’ll keep it nameless).  With my many reward cards that have been accumulating for a year, and a big credit I had for returning two bracelets I bought in 2012 (the clasp broke on both), the cost of the coat came down to little more than a nice sweater.

Last week I actually pre-purchased the coat. I had an envelope with all my reward cards and $400 cash.  I came home and couldn’t find the cash.  I think I tossed it by mistake.  Needless to say, I was really really upset.  I didn’t take the coat home with me, as it was more beneficial to pick it up a few days later.  Something to do with an impossibly complicated points and power points promotion.

Today I go to pick up the coat.  I had wanted navy but was told the store could not get navy.  I settled on black.  But today, when I go to pick up the coat, there it is in navy.  Hmmmmm. 

I exchange my pre-paid black coat for the navy, no problem.

I am with a friend who is also buying a Moncler coat. She hasn't used her store card in ages. I suggest she reactivate; she does and gets 20% off. 

I end up in conversation with the manager, who happens to be nearby.  I tell her the story about the $400, and also about my inquiries and assurances that the store is absolutely positively unable to get me navy. 

Our conversation progresses.

Me:  “Can I ask you something?  I know this is an incredibly ridiculous thing to ask. But since my friend just got 20% off her coat purchase, and since I lost $400 here — which I admit was totally my fault — is it at all possible to get any kind of discount on the coat?

Nice Manager:  “I was thinking the same thing.  Unfortunately I can’t give you the whole $400 back, but I can give you two.”

And with that, she takes my receipt, and puts through a credit of $217.75.

I am immensely grateful.  I come home and write a thank-you note to the manager.

It never hurts to ask.  And who knows, you might just get a response you like.