What I've learned Mystery Shopping that has saved money elsewhere...

* Credit unions will often match other credit union loan offers (closing costs, rates) on auto and home loans
* Many stores will price match if asked.
* Home Depot has a "secret" 11% rebate on all purchases available the same week that Menards runs their 11% rebates (ask at register)--that one netted me $90 on a single appliance purchase)
* There is a huge difference in monthly fees from one bank to another.
* Cable companies will negotiate if you have an offer from a dish provider. Sometimes cellular providers will too.
* There is a huge price difference in dog grooming depending on breed

What have you learned?

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Interesting!

I have not learned much.
I did not know about the HD 11% secret thing, so thanks for that!

Huge difference in bank fees, for sure! Great lesson there. But I learned that the place where I bank has the friendliest employees and the lowest fees around here.

I've learned that there's always a great deal on retail items I'd like scheduled for the week after I'm there, so I should keep going back. *smirks*

I've learned that I should just not go to ff anymore. That surely saves me money.

I've learned never to trust a dry cleaner with unusual fabrics or stains on silk. Save the money.

I also learned the hard way, over an extended period of time, not to purchase gas that is not top tier. Could have saved abut $1,000 in service to my Subs.
I found a better cell phone plan

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer
I left my crappy credit union based on what I learned from shopping them. Thanks to doing an investment inquiry shop, I consolidated my assets with a bank that I shop, and got better rates than the crappy credit union.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
I learned about refinancing fees with one bank and got the best advice with refinancing.

Shopping Eastern Pennsylvania since 2009
I learned how to be a nice person even when I get rotten customer service.
I learned how to laugh when some idiot cuts in front of me and I have to slam on my brakes.
I've learned to laugh when a big huge piece of farm equipment is in front of me and there is no exit for driving back country roads to get to my next location.
I've learned not to correct one of my favorite sales representatives when she calls me Mister. She has language issues.
I've learned, which I should have known to begin with...do not tell the dogs who are K-9, they are pretty dogs. (you had to be there, the dog was ready to load up)
I've learned from observation, being nice to the Border Patrol guys is the same as being nice to the Custom Agents at an airport. Snotty, you will be detained. They are only doing their job, let them do it.

I've also learned that my ability to speak Spanish needs extensive work. Don't use Spanish in my jobs, but it would come in handy at convenience stores when I'm working.

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!
I have learned a lot about technology such as cell phones, car navigation and technology packages. Laptops, DSLR, flat screen tv's, home repairs, appliance shopping, and best service times in restaurants. smiling smiley
I got a better car insurance rate and a better cell phone plan.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2017 03:25AM by ChrisCooper.
I've learned that if you don't ask, you don't get.
I have done a lot of DIY shops lately... I've learned how to build a deck, refinish an old dresser, build a wood fence, and tile a backsplash.

Other than that I have found furniture that I will be checking back in on when it is time to actually purchase.
@alygildap wrote:

I have done a lot of DIY shops lately... I've learned how to build a deck, refinish an old dresser, build a wood fence, and tile a backsplash.

Other than that I have found furniture that I will be checking back in on when it is time to actually purchase.

I was doing a mattress shop and there was a stray, last season, out of date etc mattress sealed and new for $289 King Size Sealy Pillowtop smiling smiley Bad boy is mine now. \m/

MegglesKat
I too got a great deal on a mattress that was a mystery shop!
Found out that much of the "used rental furniture" for sale at a major rental company was only used to "stage" model homes or vacant resale homes, but is priced as if really used. Went back and chatted up the store manager and saved $2000 when furnishing a rental apartment in my home with unused "used" furniture and artwork.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I learned that that some banks offer a free safety deposit box and I went to my bank and asked about it and they gave me one.
I learned that when I do a grocery store shop, I can actually only spend around the $10 reimbursement.
"I was doing a mattress shop and there was a stray, last season, out of date etc mattress sealed and new for $289 King Size Sealy Pillowtop smiling smiley Bad boy is mine now. \m/[/quote]

Yep, Same thing happens to me with a queen pillow top mattress that was a floor model..... could not pass up that deal....

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/05/2017 03:32AM by dmp777.
I do some shops just to satisfy a curiosity. My mother is aging so I did one of those seniors homes. Yikes! When I found out how much it costs for one person to stay there (this place was $6000 a month), I knew I better re-think when I was going to take retirement!
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