BARGAIN FINANCE

Haggling

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

We all love to save money when we shop. We use coupons, shop the sales, and utilize rebates. But what about price-haggling? Do stores still allow haggling?

The definition of haggle is to “wrangle” over the value of something. Using the power of negotiation to save some serious cash while grabbing the items we want is still possible. The first place that comes to mind where sellers are lenient on prices are garage sales. We can definitely score some great deals and haggle prices at garage sales. I have also had luck at farmers markets, craft sales, art sales, and flea markets. At farmers markets and craft fairs, you will get the best prices at the end of the sale as sellers would prefer not to pack everything up and take it home. If it’s food, like bread or produce, the prices are marked down very low at the end of the sale.

We can also haggle online! Start with research. Check different websites to uncover the best prices you can find. You can use Google Shopper to help. Write down all the prices, and write down the website where you found the lowest prices. Once you find the best price (remember to factor in the shipping costs), you will want to look for a “chat” option on the site. Many online stores offer a live person to chat with. Ask if there are current coupon codes you can use or free shipping offers to utilize. If you are shopping on Amazon, consider messaging the seller, and ask if they would be willing to lower their price to beat what their competitors are offering. Send them the link to the site(s) where you found the lower prices.

Another tip for online shopping is to fill your “online shopping cart” with your products, and then leave the site. Many companies will email you within the next 24–48 hours reminding you that you have a cart and haven’t checked out yet. Often they will offer a discount code or free shipping offer to get you back online to continue checkout. Not all companies do this, but it has happened to me quite a few times!

If the retailer refuses to lower the price, ask if they will give you a future deal. Possibly a coupon for a future purchase or free shipping on your next purchase in their store. Don’t give up! Retailers want your business.

January 2013 5

Dade’s Battle (January 5–6)

Travel back in time during this authentically reproduced battle reenactment. History tells that in late December of 1835, Maj. Francis L. Dade and 107 men were attacked and defeated by a force of Seminole Indians at the site of the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell. This battle marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. This annual event will also feature cannon firing, tree cutting, barricade building, muskets and tomahawks, soldier and Seminole camps, food, and more. Admission is a $5 donation per person. Children 6 years old and under get in free. There are special rates for Scout groups and military and first responders in uniform. For more information, call the park at 352.793.4781.

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Sweet Treats for a Cause (January 12)

You won’t want to miss this first-ever fashion show, dessert bar, and shopping fundraiser for the Safe Climate Coalition of Lake County. Taking place from 12:30–4p.m. at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora, the event is designed to raise money for scholarships that will be awarded to selected Lake County high school students who desire to participate in the arts but lack the funds due to financial hardship. Additional information: www.facebook.com/ SweetTreatsForACause or call 352.552.5467.

Biggest Winner Challenge (January 14)

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This partner challenge put on by Chick-fil-A and Performance 360 of Clermont is designed to help launch South Lake into 1,000 pounds of weight loss in five weeks. The twoperson team who loses the most body weight percentage will win $5,000. Entry fee is $99 per person, which gives access to Performance 360, Saturday group training sessions, and the chance to win the major cash prize! No membership necessary, and participants may workout wherever they choose. Grand finale and check giveaway will be held at Chick-fil-A in Clermont on February 19th at 6p.m.

15 Health, Wellness & Beauty Seminar (January 15)

Learn about the latest, cutting-edge, non-surgical and surgical procedures and how they can reverse the signs of aging to enhance your appearance for a young and natural-looking you. All participants will be eligible for complimentary cosmetic consults and reduced fees for cosmetic procedures. You can also be entered into drawings for a chance to win fabulous gifts to help you look your best in 2013! Come join Dr. Bosshardt and Dr. Marzek for light refreshments, and don’t forget to invite a friend! The seminar is 6:30–8p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Clermont.

25 Taste of Wellness (January 25)

Visit more than seventy health and wellness vendors and get a tasty bite from many local restaurants at this event, which will be held at the Leesburg Community Center, 109 E. Dixie Ave. Enjoy fun entertainment for all ages, free mini spa services, and chances to win lots of raffles and prizes. Proceeds go to World Wellness Education. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit www.worldwellnesseducation.org or call Traci Brosman at 352.455.1025 for more information.

Crappie Masters Florida Championship (January 25–26)

Anglers depart from Lake Dora at Wooton Park in Tavares at daylight to fish the Harris Chain of Lakes. They return late afternoon for official weigh-ins. Free admission to weigh-in. For more information call 352.742.6176 or email lfarrell@tavares.org.

Villagers for Hospice (January 26)

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Bring your own snacks and beverage for this indoor tailgate/ dance party. Decorate your table with your team colors, banners, jerseys, pom-poms, and more. You could win in a variety of contests including best decorated table, best cheer, best costume, best team/fight song, and best touchdown dance. Tickets are $20 per person and all the proceeds go to Cornerstone Hospice of The Villages. The party starts at 6p.m. at the La Hacienda Recreation Center. For ticket information, call Marty Newton at 352.350.2788 or John Katsoulis at 352.205.7488.

Manatee Festival (January 26–27)

It’s fun for the whole family! The 27th annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival will feature Central Florida Zoo presentations, arts and crafts, dancing, face painting, children’s finger painting, food, sand sculpting, and much more! Proceeds benefit the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, educational scholarships, and other Greater Orange City organizations. Held at Valentine Park in Orange City, this event starts at 10a.m. on both days. For more information call 386.775.9224.

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Chip in for Lake Cares (January 29)

Held on the lush rolling hills of the Las Colinas golf course at Mission Inn Resort, this charity golf tournament will have men, women, and mixed (two men and two women) divisions. All proceeds will benefit the Lake Cares Food Pantry. Golfers will receive eighteen holes of championship golf, a cart, range balls, a luncheon/awards ceremony, and chances for nice raffle gifts and 50/25/25 prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $50. To receive an entry form or be a hole sponsor, email Robyn Hassell at pgrobyn@yahoo.com or call 352.324.6111.

31 Fourth Annual Bunco Party (January 31)

Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll as Altrusa International of Lake County presents an event that raises much-needed support for domestic violence prevention and awareness, educational scholarships, and literacy programs throughout Lake County. Event includes food, fun, door prizes, and a chance to win the $500 grand prize. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with Bunco starting promptly at 7p.m. Held at Colony Cottages Recreation Center on County Road 466A in The Villages. Tickets are $30. Call 352.267.1420.

A Walk To Remember

Dr. Asad Qamar and other employees of Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence (ICE) held a four-mile walk to promote healthy hearts. The walk began and ended at ICE’s main campus at 4730 SW 49th Road in Ocala. Registration was free, but charitable donations were accepted for the Ocala Women’s Shelter. “We wanted to do something for our patients, their families, and the community to help bring attention to the fact running and walking benefits those with and without heart disease,” said Dr. Qamar, who founded ICE.

1. Zoey and Heather Tootle

2. Gwen Treherne, Nancy Burbank, and Marian Ganther

3. Melanie Stevens and Kim Panzer

4. Steven and Nicole Welfel

5. Clockwise: Evan, Adrian, Kate, Ariana, and Luke Lewis