We’re currently dealing with an inflationary economy here in these United States; if the outrageous gas and food prices weren’t enough to remind you of that fact, the media certainly will. In such an environment, it’s easy to become desensitized to paying more than you’re used to, and, sadly, that’s something all too many companies – including those offering automotive products and services – can take advantage of with their pricing.
But you’re not just going to overpay, are you? Not you, you’re a savvy consumer! You know you’re getting squeezed for every dime, and you just aren’t going to take it anymore! Sure, the economy is giving you lemons, but you’re going to take those lemons and make lemon meringue pie, or however that saying goes.
But maybe before you do that, you need just a handful of tips and tricks to help you along the way. Here are a few to get you started.
Compare, Compare, Compare
It’s easy to get impatient when shopping. Anyone who’s ever waited on a family member, friend, or significant other in a store knows that feeling. But you can’t let retail impatience cause you to overspend on automotive services or retail products. Do your research. Dive deep online. Look for specials and take notes on what you find. We live in an age where we have an enormous wealth of digitized information at our fingertips, and you should take advantage of that to the fullest. Comparison is your friend and the enemy of those who would overcharge you. Compare on every automotive purchase, always.
Coupon It Up
Everyone knows the stereotype of the crazy coupon shopper. And while no one wants to be the person to hold up the grocery store checkout line for an hour, you must admit that crazy couponer looks saner and saner with each passing day in this economy. Look for coupons in local ads and flyers and online. Clip them or digitally copy them or what have you, and make use of them. It takes a little effort, sure, but right now, when prices are inflated, is the time to make that effort.
DIY (Discount It Yourself)
OK, maybe that’s not what that stands for. But when you learn to take care of some automotive maintenance yourself, you’re going to save some money. Yes, you’ll spend some of your time in return and maybe even wind up dropping a wrench on your foot and cursing in an otherwise quiet garage or parking lot, but that’s a trade-off worth making if you want to save a buck.
Remember that the cost of automotive services is labor plus materials, and the materials are often overpriced. By purchasing the materials yourself – and making use of the previous two tips in the process – and subsequently doing the labor yourself, you’ll spend a little more time to potentially save a lot more money. It’s one more way to avoid spending too much for automotive products and services – and hey, you may just learn some valuable life skills in the process!