I was at Home Depot today and I noticed a woman in a Milwaukee shirt unlocking a cabinet for a customer. I wanted to know if she could offer any additional discounts on tools if I decided to make a purchase. Are sales reps allowed to give discounts, and does it actually happen?
2 Answers
I've had great experiences with reps giving discounts when they can. For example, I once bought a drill and the rep spoke my mother-in-law's language, and they offered a 10% discount on the spot! So, it’s possible, especially if you ask nicely. They want to help out if they can!
Yeah, it depends on the situation. If you spend over $2500, you can get preferred pricing through the pro desk, which adjusts prices based on inventory and demand. But if you’re just buying a couple of items, the chances are slim. Generally, the sales reps aren't Home Depot employees, so their ability to give discounts varies. I’ve heard that any store employee can apply a standard 10% customer satisfaction discount without a manager's approval, so being polite might help!

That makes sense! I’ll definitely try being nice next time I’m there.