Three of the best ways to get a cash discount when paying in cash instead of using a debit or credit card is to bargain with the seller or make volume purchases so that the price per item is less expensive. The primary element in obtaining a cash discount is to make your purchase using cash rather than a cash equivalent, such as a debit card, or an alternative form of payment, such as a credit card. When you use a debit or credit card to make a purchase, the retailer or seller of the item has additional fees that they are levied for accepting the payment. This is why many establishments offer cash discounts for paying cash.
A prime example on getting a cash discount is at the gas station. You will typically see a sign that shows the different prices for the different grades of gas. In addition to the pricing signs for the different grades, you may also see a sign that indicates the price for gas if you pay using cash instead of debit or credit cards. Of course, in order to get a cash discount, this means you have to pay the cashier inside of the station rather than paying at the pump.
Another primary way to get a cash discount is to bargain with the seller. Look at the price marked on the item you want to buy. Most retailers and sellers mark prices so that they will make a profit. They also try to build in any extra charges they may incur from debit and credit card purchases. Ask the seller the lowest price they can offer you if you hand them over cash instead of buying with a credit or debit card.
Finally, the more items you buy, the cheaper you are typically able to pay for the items. When you are making volume purchases, offer to pay in cash to see if it provides you with any additional discounts. Again, the more items you buy, the more money the seller makes.
In addition to this, the more items you buy with a credit or debit card, the more fees the proprietor has to pay. When you can negotiate a cash payment, then it creates a win-win situation for both you and the seller. The seller pays less money in transaction fees and you pay less money overall for the purchase of your items.
Another example of a cash discount is the discount a doctor or other medical professional will offer to patients who self pay for medical care, rather than using medical insurance coverage. The benefit for the doctor is that the bill is paid immediately, rather than having to go through the potentially lengthy process of submitting insurance claims to the insurance company. This saves the office time and administrative costs. Before choosing a doctor, inquire about what kind of cash discount they may offer patients paying cash upfront for care.