Are you a “Get in and get out” kind of shopper?  Do you say as little as possible to sales clerks, cashiers, and store managers?

If that sounds like you, you may be missing out on savings. 

No one knows more about sale items, store coupons and discounts than the people who work there day in and day out.  I have found that they are a wealth of information about products, deals, and when items are put on clearance, and all it takes is a smile and an inquisitive nature.

For example, my local grocery store has a rewards program, where you can earn points for every dollar you spend.  Those points can be used for fuel discounts.   But what I didn’t know (until the cashier told me) was that you earn twice as many points when you buy gift cards.  So I can purchase gift cards for stores I know I will shop at (like the grocery store or the gas station) and earn fuel discounts twice as fast.

I stopped at another store to look for a specific paint for a project.  The friendly clerk found me a cheaper paint that worked just as well.  I wouldn’t have know about it, if I hadn’t struck up a conversation.

Other clerks have told me about special coupons available via text and app that have helped me save on my purchases.

After chatting with the manager at one store, he alerted me that holiday decor would be 70 percent off in two days.  I was able to hold off on making a purchase and saved 40 percent!

Getting to know the people who brew your favorite latte or make your favorite sandwich may result in some perks, too.  I’ve gotten free samples of treats or other tasty extras just for being friendly.

These are just a few examples of how a friendly conversation can help you save money.

Just remember this:  Just because you’re friendly doesn’t mean anyone owes you anything.  But kindness is a gift that costs nothing and is often returned to you.

Check out our other cheap tricks to help you save time and money and be sure to share your own cheap trick with us.  You just might see it end up in a future Cheap Trick post!