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Discounts with Local Merchants
Date: July 3, 2006
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

One of the most popular discount categories on the SeniorDiscounts web site is the Local Services category. This category contains discounts from all kinds of local merchants in specific geographic regions.

The local service discounts can include plumbers, electricians, roofers, air conditioning and heating services, tree services, handyman and repair services, landscaping and lawn services, salons and barbers, mechanics and car washes, real estate agents and mortgage lenders, legal services, carpet and dry cleaners, film developers and photographers, computer classes and repair and even dance classes and self defense.

Local services are typically owned and operated by single owners, and therefore have no consistent age requirements or discount amounts. Most of these begin at age 60 or older, but some discounts start as early as 50. Some businesses will even provide a senior discount as long as you ask for it.

Most services will offer around a 10% discount from the regular total or hourly rate and may extend that discount to parts as well. You may also find senior discounts offered on particular days of the week.

Locating local businesses that offer senior discounts can be very difficult. SeniorDiscounts has thousands listed on our web site but there are thousands more. Local businesses do not typically advertise a senior discount at their premises, and store employees may not always be aware the discount. One suggestion is to call the business in advance. Try selecting 10 or 20 businesses that you frequent or have thought about visiting and call to inquire about a senior discount. This way you can save yourself time and any embarrassment you might have asking someone in person. Be sure to have the age requirement and discount details before you hang up.

We have also found that many businesses will advertise their senior discount in their yellow pages advertisements. Some phone books may also provide the symbol "SD" next to businesses which offer a senior discount. Another place to look for discounts is a local senior or community center. Businesses may post discounts or leave discount information at the center.

When researching these types of discounts, always ask for the business for its regular rates before asking for a senior discount. Some businesses may increase their hourly rates if they know you are asking for a senior discount, thus voiding the discount.

The great thing about senior discounts for local services is that small businesses can be flexible. Seniors have told us that in some instances a business did not have a senior discount policy in place, but when asked about offering a senior discount, the business provided them with one. It never hurts to ask.

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