Ask and Ye Shall Receive

One of the greatest things I've learned from my friend Jenny is that it never hurts to simply ask for things, especially when it involves things you're purchasing or services you're receiving. Companies want (need?) to make customers happy, and let's be honest: the worst someone can do is say no. (If they do, you'll live; I promise!)

For instance, I recently went home to visit my mom, who had moved to a new apartment. She had ordered too much furniture for her living space and was disappointed with the outcome. Here was how our conversation went:

Me: Well, have you called and asked if you could return the love seat?

Her: No, because you have to return it within 48 hours or they won't take it back.

Me: You didn't answer my question. Did you call and ask?

Her: No, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO RETURN IT WITHIN 48 HOURS OR THEY WON'T TAKE IT BACK.

Me: Give me your phone.

Me: Hello, may I please speak to the manager of Star Furniture?

Manager: Speaking. Can I help you?

Me: I hope so! My name is Vickie, and I recently purchased too much furniture for my living space. I know your policy is only to accept returns after 48 hours, but I've only had my love seat for one week and I just don't have space for it. It's in perfect condition. Is there any way you could allow me to return it?

Manager: We typically don't do that, but I suppose I could make an exception. I would have to charge a 20% restocking fee.

Me: That would be just fine. Would you be able to pick it up for me?

Manager: We can be there next weekend to get it.

Me: Thank you!

Her: Oh my gosh. You're amazing.

Then we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond where she showed me that the stools she wanted weren't in stock for the third week. So I found an associate and asked if he could order the stools and have them shipped to her home:

Me: Will there be a shipping charge for the stools?

Associate: Yes; around $10.

Me: Well, I was hoping you could waive that charge, considering you haven't had them in stock for several weeks.

Associate: Well... I don't see why not.

Me: Thank you!

Her: Oh my gosh. You're amazing.

Now. I do not say all of this to puff myself up. I am certainly nothing special. I say all this to impress upon you that it never hurts to ask. Again, the worst someone can do is say no!

Today I called our local phone/internet/cable company to see if something could be done about the fact that our rates were recently raised. This was my conversation (aren't you having fun reading all of my conversations?):

Me: Hello; I have internet in my home through your company and I noticed that our rates recently went up. I was hoping that the price could be adjusted back down to what it was originally.

Worker: No, I'm sorry; that's just an annual rate increase.

Me: Really? There's nothing you can do?

Worker: No, not really. I mean, it's only $4.95 extra.

Me: I know, but I'm on a tight budget. Well... are you sure there's nothing you can do? (Note: I have no shame!)

Worker: No ma'am; I'm sorry.

Me: Okay. Well... I think I need to talk to someone about canceling my service. (Note: I am totally bluffing at this point.)

Worker: Okay; let me transfer you to the cancellation department. Maybe they can do something to help you. (This sounds promising!)

New worker: How can I help you?

Me: Well, unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to cancel my internet service.

New worker: Do you mind if I ask why?

Me: No, not at all. Honestly, it's because the rates went up. I know it wasn't a big increase, but it's not in my budget.

New worker: Well, we certainly don't want to lose you as a customer. What if I adjust your rate back down to what you were paying?

Me: Well, that would be amazing!

New worker. No problem. Can I interest you in phone service?

Me: No, but thank you for asking. (Thinking, "If a $5 rate increase isn't in my budget, how is phone service in my budget?") I think this solves my problem and there's nothing else I need.

New worker: Well, I'm glad I could help. Have a great day!

Me: You too! Thank you!

Now, I wasn't actually going to cancel our service. If she would've acted like she was going to cancel it, I would've backed out by saying something like, "You know, I should probably check with my husband to see what day he wants the cancellation to take effect. You do pro-rate the bill, right?" But the point is to not be afraid to push a little bit. If I would've taken no for an answer when the first worker said it (three times!), I would be paying extra for a service that I now don't have to pay!

Note: I actually had AOL for free for 1.5 years, and it all started as a 30-day free trial. At the end of the 30 days I called to cancel, and they gave me "just one more month" free. That went on for 16 months. Seriously! When a worker finally did cancel it (and wouldn't give me a free month even when I asked for it), I was in shock. :)

My final triumph for today has to do with a certain duvet cover that I've been eying recently. It retails for $312.50, which is so ridiculous. I've seen it go down to $250 a couple of times, but still. I really don't ever want to spend more than $100 on a duvet cover -- $125 max. (And that is a LOT in my mind!) Recently I've seen it for $183.99 labeled "lowest price of the season," and it hasn't gone lower than that. But with tax and free shipping it would be $195, and that's still more than I'm willing to pay.

So on a recent trip to IKEA I bought a fairly cute gray and white duvet cover for $20. You can kind of see it in the picture I took of the stripes. It's very cheaply made -- it doesn't close at the bottom and it's paper thin. (I guess you get what you pay for!) But I still haven't been able to get the Macy's duvet out of my mind.

Today my friend Kristin told me she thought I should buy myself the Macy's duvet for Christmas. I went to the Macy's website and saw they were having a promotion: if you spend $100, you can take $25 off your purchase. Interesting. That takes my cost down from $184 to $159. But I couldn't find any free shipping coupons anywhere, and shipping was estimated at $19! Finally, I picked up the phone and called a Macy's.com representative. I basically told her that the only thing keeping me from buying the duvet cover was the shipping cost. She told me that she would wave it as a customer courtesy. Hooray! $168.53 later, the duvet is mine ($9.54 = tax). Still around $70 more than I wanted to pay, but I at least want to see if I like it on the bed. (Um, of course I'm going to like it; who am I kidding? It's beautiful!) They don't sell it in stores. And if I don't like it, I can return it to the store with no loss because I didn't pay for shipping! :) Plus, if it goes on sale for even cheaper in the next 60 days (which I really don't think it will... I got it for right around 50% off), I can return it and re-buy it. Oh yes... I definitely do that! You're not surprised, are you?

Ok, I've rambled enough for tonight. The title of my post holds the moral of this story, and I'm sure you can guess the subtitle: "The worst they can do is say no!" I hope you're feeling empowered. Be sure to tell me all about your money-saving triumphs!