Sale Savvy – How to Spot a Real One

In last week’s tip, I wrote about deceptive sales tactics used in the floor covering business. I described low-balling and bait-and-switch, where offers may be initially enticing, but end up costing a lot more due to hidden charges and unexpected extras. How do you recognize a true sale and identify real savings? Here’s Laurel Pallock from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Consumer Mediation Unit: “The best way to protect yourself is to question any sale price that sounds way too good. Many of these come-ons lead to add-ons. Learn as much as you can about the flooring you’re shopping for, and ask very specific questions when you shop around first by phone: How much is the carpet itself per square foot? What types of padding is available and the price range? Do you charge extra for stairs? Do you charge to move furniture? Then, be sure to check the company’s reputation with local groups and agencies.”