All,
Tucson is a dealers one chance a year to make enough profit to allow
growth for the rest of the year. Tucson is for most dealers thier
largest investment in overhead for the year. I spend about $8,000 for
my stay in Tucson. That includes my booth fees, hotel, and food. I
live pretty cheaply. Following is a couple of hints for getting your
best deal.
Do not expect to get a discounted price if you are buying just a few
inexpensive items from a dealer.
When you are buying multiple items of value, $1,000 or more ask for
special pricing. Tell the dealer up front how you will be paying
for the transaction. If you want the best deal, pay with cash, a
travelers check. or a business check that can be verified. Carry
identification if you have not dealt with the dealer before and show
it to them prior to the transaction. In a sense preapprove yourself
to the dealer. Credit card fees eat up 2-4% of each transaction for
the dealer. Dealers figure that into each transaction. Try to carry
checks that can be cashed at a local bank. Many dealers cash checks
daily to give themselves operating capital. If you let the dealer
know up front how you are paying you may get a better deal.
Let the dealer know who you are and what you do in your business.
It will matter a lot to the dealer.
Do not ever, ever ask a dealer for the discount price for a quantity
and them try to get them to sell to you at that price for 1 or 2.
Do not ever, ever tell a dealer you will be paying with cash and
then drop a credit card on them.
If you are buying an expensive item, $1,000 or over, sometimes you
can negotiate, other times you cannot. Ask it is not rude.
When you reach an impass in negotiation do not become personnal. It
is business. Just say oh well and move on.
I will be showing at the Gem Mall in booth 111. We will be open for
business on the 29th of January through the 11th of February. See you
all there.
Gerry Galarneau
gggemswcr@cox.net