Tips for Getting Great Retail Deals

This week's Dollar Stretcher has a wonderful article with tips on how to get the most out of your retail shopping. Here are the highlights (click through for more details):

1. In most stores, clearance prices are marked at the beginning of the month (and, for stores that have tiered reductions, the lowest prices are marked at the end of the month).
2. At stores that use the yellow ticket-red ticket method, the best time to buy is when the yellow ticket reaches its highest percentage off.
3. Most retail stores have an unpublished policy to honor sale prices the day before a sale begins or the day after a sale ends.
4. Even if you are past the stated time limit for a price adjustment, most retailers will give you the price adjustment if you ask.
5. BOGO (buy one, get one half off) is really just a 25% off sale.
6. Shopping Day Savings Passes, which are coupons for 10-20% off all of your purchases that day, are usually available at customer service desks.
7. Seek out "Ad Setters," the people with scanners who are setting up for upcoming sales - they'll be able to tell you when an item you're interested in will be at its lowest price.
8. Ask for discounts on damaged goods, especially when the damage is only on the packaging.
9. Tell the cashier if you forgot your extra-savings coupon and they will probably apply the discount. (I've done this before at Borders with success, although the cashier always says something to the effect of, "Just this once.")
10. Look for last season's "back stock" items at the next seasonal clearance sale.