Discounts, vouchers, refer-a-friend incentives... You name it, retailers and service providers are offering bargains galore in an attempt to get you spending, so shop your heart out.

 

A 10.7% annual decline in Australia’s consumer confidence is the one big reason why retailers and service providers are pulling out all stops to get you shopping.

 

If you have spare cash, it’s certainly a great time to head to your local shopping centre, get on the phone to your service providers or get online and go bargain hunting. Here’s the latest news of how hard retailers and service providers are prepared to work for your business

 

Big retailers

 

The big retailers like BigW, Target, Kmart and Myer are offering discounts on already discounted stocks, likewise electrical and home furnishing super stores and clothing companies. Reductions as big as 70% off RRP are common at the moment.

 

Supermarkets

 

Coles seems determined to keep its “lower prices” promise and take the battle for discount supremacy to Aldi and Woolies.

 

 Its multiple buy discounts (buy two and get the third free) seem set to stay. It has also introduced a range of new voucher and shopper docket discounts.

 

Flybuys members have received vouchers in the post offering $10 off the price of a single shop over $150 and triple flybuys points on alternate weeks up until February.

 

Services

 

Service providers are also fighting hard for new business. Foxtel most recent “sign up a friend” deal is offering a free return flight to New Zealand for you and the signee if they accept a 12-month direct debit plan for a minimum cost of $1,102.

  

Online deal makers

 

Then there’s the ever-growing number of online “deals” sites offering extraordinary discounts on a whole array of services and products. Check out deals direct, cudo, dealcatcher and dealighted as a starting point.

 

Always ask for more

 

And don’t be afraid to negotiate. When times are tough (and times are tough for any retailer or service-provider not located in a mining area) everything is negotiable so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price, every time.

 - By Jackie Pearson

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