GREAT 'WHAT SHOPS DON'T WANT US TO KNOW" HUNT

teddyco

Kalfy1:
I agree with you, folks should haggle when buying a new car.

I worked as a car salesman for several months when I was between jobs and learned some of the tricks that car dealerships use to get your money.

I have some tips: Never bring your car in for a trade in! Sell it on Ebay, or list it on the board at work, you'll get more for it. Sure it's more of a hassle for you, but if you get an extra £500 - £1000 by selling it private, you put that back your own pocket. That's £1000 by doing a little extra work.

The used car manager where I worked, marked up his cars 200 - 300% after "stealing it" from the buyer of a new car.

Also, the dealership has more room to "hide" profit when there are two cars involved and it's gets confusing as you are haggling for the new one.
Also shop for a new car at the end of the month since salesmen are usually trying to meet their monthly quota and are more likely to lower prices just to get your business.

I also suggest that you go to the dealership when they are closed, pick out the car you like, and then write down all the details listed for the car. There are new car guides on the market which tell you how much the dealership paid for the car and will let you know how low you can truly go. Get all the information at night, go home, do your homework and then go into the dealership the next morning aiming at one car. You can allow the dealership to make a little profit and also pay the salesman his commission, but also walk out with a good deal.

Then take your used car, put it up on Ebay and get more money out of it.

I personally would never buy a brand new car since most cars depreciate immediately after driving off the lot. I would suggest getting something between 2 - 3 years old with around 30,000 - 45,000 miles on the odometer, where it has been depreciated sufficiently, then go to the store and buy a can of "new car smell" for £5.00 and spray it around. Steam clean the carpets, and get it detailed for £100. Ask your dealership where they take their used cars to get them "detailed" and waxed? They should tell you.

I was looking at a 2003 Toyota Avensis Estate the other day with 55,000 miles on the clock and it sold for half its' retail value on Ebay. Imagine this: Each mile you drive has a value associated with it. I think at the moment it runs around 30p a mile. This accounts for petrol, tyres, belts, battery wear, and general wear and tear on the car.

The more money you spend on a new car, the more it costs you per mile to drive the same bit of road as the other fella because that 30p increases as you purchase a more expensive car to account for the amount of depreciation.

It amazes me the amount of money that folks are willing to drop on their automobiles. Cars that cost £30,000 new are probably only worth half that amount in 4 or 5 years....Yikes! They say that buying a new car is the worst investment you will ever make because of the depreciating value of the asset.

My brother-in-law loves trading in his Volvo Estate every year, and the dealership loves to see him coming. He trades in the old model and buys a new model every three years. He works himself to death in his job, and then gives all his money away to someone else for the privelege of driving a VOLVO? How can this be a life's reward?

Another tip: Find out when your local dealership gets in their new models? October to December where I worked. Dealerships will usually deep discount a 2006 to make room for the new 2007 models and you can pick up a bargain that way if you are not fussy about colour and options. It can be a bit of pick and mix, but you'll get a new car that the manager is ready to clear off the lot , and that's good news for you!

terrorvicky

lmc wrote:

It's massively unlikely that the policy has changed since I stopped working at McDonald's two years ago and there was definitely no policy that food was free if it takes more than 3 minutes. There is a kind of 'promise' that McDonald's food should take no more than 3 minutes - 2 minutes in line and 1 at the counter - but it's not followed up with 'or it will be free'. It's a bit like supermarkets saying they will open more checkouts - what are you going to do if they don't?!

Regardless of this, however, the rule on a 'gill' or 'special' order (which most McDonald's will classify fillet of fish and veggie burgers under as well as plain burgers) is cooking time + 60 seconds. Therefore time would have to be over 4 odd minutes anyway.

Plus, as someone pointed out, proving it will be difficult. When do you start - at the beginning of the order? Once you've finished ordering? What if you change your mind?

There are *lots* of ways to get freebies out of McD's, say fries were cold, say they weren't full, say that things were missing from your order. Most of the time they don't give out receipts and so can't check. But the 3 minute rule is not a winner.

in my local mcdonalds there was a really nice guy who used to work there, i had to wait about 5 minutes for my meal to be cooked, he gave me two free apple pies, he told me it is company policy to give a free apple pie if you have to wait more than 3 minutes? don't know if this is true or not might ask my boyfriend who used to be a mcdonalds manager. while i'm there i'll see what other secrets i can get out of him about mcdonalds policies

hollydays

Lost your receipt? If you are returning faulty goods,and you have lost your receipt,and have no proof of purchase,if they turn you down,and you dont want an exchange,try asking for credit vouchers.Reputable stores dont like giving back cash,but dont mind keeping the "sale" within the company.Worked for me in Focus DIY last week,and will work with many of the main retailers.

SooTee_2

:j It's SO refreshing to know that there are others who love the English language and hate the way it is being misused, mistreated and infiltrated. No, please don't give me a lecture on our history and the fact that our language is an amalgam: I'm talking about modern misuse, including the "grocer's apostrophe" (e.g. potato's, instead of the correct potatoes, and it's, which means it is). Also, I note Vaderag's misspelling above (discresion should be discretion - from the word discreet). I could go on but won't.:rolleyes:

splodgethefirst

RE Debenhams and nectar points

sorry if i am repeating something that has already been said, but as i work at debenhams thought i would share.
we are told not to ask for the nectar card as apparently the store makes a loss claiming the money back from nectar.

we show 30% off with a blue flash, 50% with a pink one and special prices, (e.g. this summer we had kids' shoes for a tenner) with an orange flash.

also if you decide to open an account to get your 10% off for a week, and you take out the insurance on the card you get a 60 day cancel period. we also let you double/triple dip if it is a card holder event

hope it helps someone!

Nicola

faithless

Hi, don't know if anyone's already posted this, but if Tesco charge you for an item you don't have, pay for it and go to Customer Service Desk, who will refund you, and also give you the item free.
I'm not sure whether you get the points on both cards if you use an ordinary Clubcard, and then pay on your Tesco Credit card? May be worth a try, a few people seem to think they do.

heybigsaver_2

I worked in Claires Accessories for a year. As you're probably aware, they will ask you if you want a basket, according to my manager it was because if people have baskets, they are more likely to fill it with stuff. They will also ask if you need any help, and you ask for a certain product, we were instructed to show the customer the more expensive item...So don't bother asking for help, because most staff are like this. (except me..I was nice :beer: )

The lucky bags sold every now and then are filled with the rubbish that nobody wants, the stuff has been around for years and was heavily reduced before being put in....So you're not getting a bargain!

Finally...when you're at the till, the sales assistant will offer you some junk that is based around the till point. This isn't for your benefit, the more they sell, the more ''add ons'' they get...meaning they win prizes, and beat other stores in the process, plus...don't buy the stuff, its rubbish!!

rytook

jackrabbitslim wrote:

Did you know that if your food takes more than 3 minutes to arrive @ McDonalds you can ask for your money back and keep the food? I do it nearly every time I order. Someone told me who worked there ages ago, I've been doing it for years and they always cough up.

Simply place your order and if it takes more that 3 mins take your food and then ask for your money. Veggie option WILL ALWAYS take more than 3 mins cause they have to cook them fresh. As a "Fast Food" restaurant the food must be delivered in 3 mins to be considered "fast".

I tried this tonight and was told I could either have my money back or the food - I could not have both.

heybigsaver_2

''Veggie option WILL ALWAYS take more than 3 mins cause they have to cook them fresh''

Pah! Don't believe in vegetarian in Mcdonalds.... The eggs are cooked with the meat products. (I have been told this by people who work there...and after buying an egg mcmuffin I found this to be true which disgusted me! )

This is unfair as on the sheet they place on the tray, egg mcmuffins are classed as vegetarian.

Not strictly relevant...but good for veggies to know!

deanos

Why not ask Mc D's a question about it

http://www.makeupyourownmind.co.uk