"I've Got A Deal!": The Love For Deals, Discounts And Bargains

"A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist." -Franklin Jones

We Indians love discounts and deals, with bargaining being our hobby. The sense of victory that one has after negotiating with a shopkeeper and buying the item at the price YOU wanted, is beyond compare. After slamming him with dialogues like "the neighboring shop is selling this same dress at a lower price", "I am your regular, loyal customer bhaiyya, how can you give me just 10% off?!", "don't try to fool me, I have seen this piece on Amazon!" and if all this doesn't work: "Fine! let it be. I will not buy it from you. I'll get it from the other shop. I am going!" Poor thing; has to succumb to your threats!

You basically won a war of wit against him.

With jackets of advertisements cocooning the newspapers, pamphlets hidden inside them, emphatic propaganda on television, radio and social media, posters, and hoardings all around the city; there is no way you can escape a sale: whether it is an offline or online fiesta.

After all the massive propaganda swarms of people turning up at the shopping mall or so, filling their shopping carts up to the chin with yet some things stuffed between their arms, paying bills crossing the 5-digit amount; there is no end to the pandemonium! People are bound to buy everything they need and anything that is exceptionally cheap.

Office deadlines are troublesome, but sale deadlines are strictly followed!Even little kids ask for a pack of chocos bcause of the free toy with it!

With online shopping becoming an escalating trend due to accessibility, variety, easy returns, and ostentatiously low prices; people spend a lot of time scrolling through products and offers, and virtually killing the 'add to wishlist' button! And let's admit it, men and women enjoy surfing the shopping apps alike.

The prime reason why we are attracted to deals and offers is that it gives us psychological joy and satisfaction. We feel that we have saved our hard-earned money by availing these offers. The sellers opt for the "sell 10 articles for a cheap price" funda instead of "sell 1 expensive article". And since the low prices beckon several customers, they remain in profit.

Knowing that something is originally high-priced, the fact that you can get it at an economical rate or get some other things free with it, make you feel fortunate, that this deal was hand-stitched just for you! Not only does this apply to shopping at malls or online, but also to some major investments and expenditure. For example, while buying a new flat, a free registration or extra amenities, or instant ownership make the deal appealing. If you are traveling outstation, a discount on the hotel's tariff or a package providing for all your necessities right from flight tickets, breakfast to dinner comfort, local transportation; becomes your first choice.

Bargaining and availing offers do not manifest you as cheap or a miser. You are simply trying to save wherever possible. It is true that sometimes you end up spending more than you should, buying stuff you do not need and sometimes fall for the not-so-profitable offers. It takes skill to be a pro bargainer and to choose the best deal.

As they say,

"Bargain like a gypsy, but pay like a gentleman."