Just a friendly reminder to always, always ask when receiving an expensive service if you can save money by paying cash.
Recently we bought a new AC and heater - very expensive but we asked if they would offer a discount if we paid by cash or check (not credit card) - got a $500 discount. (overall cost was about 7K)
Also needed masonry work on our chimney - bid was $1000, and I asked nicely if they would offer a discount if we paid in cash, and they brought the bid down to $900.
So, two simple, friendly questions equaled a savings of $600. This is of course assuming you have the option to pay by cash or check (a good case for having a emergency fund). We honestly got lucky because we were saving to have a big tree removed and so had the cash on hand, but it was a great reminder to always at least ask for a "cash discount" if you can pay by cash or check.
August 20, 2020 at 10:31PM
