How To Get Great Deals

This being the Christmas (shopping) season, I'm reminded of someone who always seems to get great deals from merchants... a discount, a favor or a free this or that. Seriously, this happens all the time, like when they received a small pot of baby roses because the florist had extra. People often ask, "How do you do it?" or "What's your secret?"

I've watched this person for many years and think I've figured out the secret. Here it is:

• Get to know the salesperson. Start with their name, but don't stop there.
• Create opportunities to learn more about them (in other words, shop there often). Find out about their likes and dislikes, their family, etc. In short, know their story.
• If you're in the store on their birthday, wish them Happy Birthday. If their coworkers aren't doing anything special for them, go and buy them a cake and have it decorated with their name.
• If it's their anniversary, give them a card or a little something for them and their spouse to enjoy.
• If they're in need of a job connection, make some calls.
• If they're a single mom who's struggling financially (as many are), give them a little gift at Christmas, and one for their child.

I could go on and on, but you see the pattern. The secret, then, for getting good deals from merchants is... don't try. Don't make it your goal or hidden agenda, in fact, don't give it any thought at all. Just care about the merchants and servicepeople in your world and treat them as you would your neighbor.

I've got a long way to go to live up to my friend's example, but I'm hopefully taking a few baby steps in the right direction. The guy who picks up the trash and recycling at work is named Alberto. He lives in San Jose. Fred delivers our Fed Ex packages. He's studying nights to be a paralegal.

It's a start. Many more steps to go. Blessings to all this Christmas season.