re: Why do people think “paying cash” gets them deals?

Depends on the situation. Its entirely possible to lower tax and insurance costs when someone is paying with cash instead of a check or credit card. Some businesses are more than happy to pass some of that savings to the consumer. Not as easy with cars because they are licensed and the state knows when they are sold if they are to be registered.

Many vendors offer a cash discount on materials simply to improve their cash flow. Not much but when you are buying $10K worth of wire and hand them the money instead of paying for it in 30 days their cash flow is improved. For small businesses cash flow is more important than profits most months.

The better way it works is if you are buying something off marketplace or something similar. Show up, tell the seller you have x amount on you, whip it out and greed will take over a lot of times and when it doesn't they may simply want to sale it as quick as possible and are afraid if you have to run to the ATM you won't be back. I know I would prefer $90 cash for something someone wanted to give me a $100 check for every time.

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I see a lot of people, especially boomers, think saying “cash money” or “pay you in cash” gets them some kind of unrealistic discount. Where is this coming from? A car deal for instance, whether the buyer pays cash or financing for 100 years, the seller is still getting the total asking price up front. Maybe this works when paying for labor because the guy getting paid can pocket it without taxes

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Because cash is instant and without complications. If you finance a home, there are things the bank will require and there is extra time involved. Sometimes it doesnt matter, sometimes it does.

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Dude I live in Monroe, LA you think I'm going to a chain tire shop?

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My uncle used to own a gas station/oil change/tire shop. He did my oil changes for free and tires at cost. That was the good ole days. I still go to a local place to get my tires and they are several hundred dollars cheaper than if I would go to a chain tire place.

And the chain oil change shops, those suckas charge over $60 for an oil change.

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Brother, I think you are being obtuse for fun.

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actually i was just thinking the same of you,

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Who decides the value on used items?

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The market can come up with a much accurate value in dollars than comparing the value of a used motor versus a used kayak.

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Who decides the value of my time researching online final sales prices on very specific items and then haggling the "decided dollar value" of both items.

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You do.

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If I have a neat stick you want for your collection and you have a super rare bottle cap that I want for my collection, we both trade items and are both happy with the trade, the value is defined, just not in dollars.

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Still doesn't mean someone isn't getting the short-end of the stick.

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But I won't convince you.

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No, you won't convince me that trading an apple for a slightly used lambo to is an even trade. Just because the trade was made doesn't mean the two items were worth an equal amount.

In the vast majority of transactions, no one wants to be the one getting beat. Trading all but guarantees someone is going to be getting beat. If you don't care about getting beat then thats one thing. But most people aren't cool with that.

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Paying cash at some gas stations will get you a discount of 5 cents per gallon. It is not much but adds up over time.

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Many will not believe it, but this is how you get way ahead. If you have 3-4 small long-term avenues that everyone else thinks are a waste of time take them. Use any and all point systems available.

What are you saying? He was trying to get me to pay 15% over 5 years. I wasn’t falling for that. I countered with full cash list price ($2200) plus 3% which ends up being far less than paying 17% over 5 years. They like to send these college aged kids and try to fool you but I have seen them in my house enough to know their game. I laughed pretty hard as soon as he was back in his car and I had a Hoover in my den.

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What are you saying? He was trying to get me to pay 15% over 5 years. I wasn’t falling for that. I countered with full cash list price ($2200) plus 3% which ends up being far less than paying 17% over 5 years. They like to send these college aged kids and try to fool you but I have seen them in my house enough to know their game. I laughed pretty hard as soon as he was back in his car and I had a Hoover in my den.

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Hoover vacuum cleaners are under $200.00.

I think the college aged kid fooled you as you don’t know their game.

You have to wink when you give them the cash to get the really great deal.

You paid full cash price. He would have let you have it for $2200. You didn't even have to mention 3%

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Holy shite you're stupid. How much extra are you paying than the total price for the car if you finance it for 100 years?

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The point went way over your head