Ten Steps To Being An Expert Haggler
By: Sue Hayward, Personal Finance Expert
02 Feb 2010 Tell a Friend
In a world of sun, sand and sea most of us are happy to have a haggle with the locals to bag a bargain, so why once we're home in the high street do we shyly stump up the ticket price without trying to negotiate a better deal? Here's how to talk to way to a discount every time...
Never haggle in a hurry
This is where most would be bargain hunters go wrong. They give up if they can't get a discount within the first ten seconds of asking. Well if getting money off was this easy, nobody would ever pay the ticket price! The general rule is; the higher the price tag; the more time you'll need to invest in your negotiations. So it could take you ten minutes to get a discount on a new pair or boots with a scratch on the heel, but if it's a new car or kitchen you want, you'll need to be prepared to invest a bit of time and go back a few times before you clinch the deal.
Where's it ok to haggle?
Rules are made to be broken so pretty much anytime anywhere and everywhere. OK, so you're unlikely to get 20p off your deodorant in Boots, though I did once get a discount buying an expensive moisturiser as it had a tatty box! And just simply for the bare-faced cheek of asking! Small, independent stores and markets are good for discount as it's often the owner you're negotiating with, along with shops where staff are on commission like some of the electronics stores. If they've got tough sales targets to meet they'll often be more prepared to negotiate on price, particularly towards the end of the month.
Do your homework
Shop around on big ticket items so you know who's selling at the best price and check prices online. While not all high street stores will price-match online prices; this way you'll know your stuff so if you're offered a discount or free delivery you'll know if you're really getting the best deal.
Pick your moment
Never try and haggle on a busy Saturday when the store's packed, or ten minutes before closing. Staff will be too busy serving customers who are happy to pay full price than taking time out to discuss a discount with you. Early morning and when the store's not busy is the best time to strike a bargain! And don't wait till you're at the till; you'll just be a nuisance to other customers.
Smile, flirt and get them on your side
Think of haggling as a game. Smile, flirt and be friendly and that includes chatting to the first person you meet in store. This may be the most junior member of staff; but they may be the one to call the manager over and give them a heads up on whether they like you or think you're a time waster. Find what you want and when it comes to what to say never open up with "Can I have a discount?". The easy answer here is a straight "no"; so give them a reason why they should give you money off. Are you buying more than one of the same item or a display model that you can take there and then to avoid having it delivered?
Don't haggle with the Saturday staff
Sounds obvious but check who you're negotiating with before you launch into your carefully prepared haggle speech. Don't start haggling with the Saturday staff as they won't have the power to agree discount. Yes chat to the sales staff and get them on your side, but always ask for the manager when it comes to talking figures, as he or she is usually the only person with authority to cut prices and will be keen to meet those all important sales targets.
Find a flaw
Ok so if you're buying something with your hard earned cash most of us want it in tip top perfect condition; yet many stores give discount for the smallest of faults, but only if you ask for it. A 'fault' doesn't mean buying something that doesn't work; it could mean buying a toaster that's got a tatty box, or a near invisible scratch or mark on the heel of some shoes, even a loose thread or button on a jacket that can easily be repaired. So show them the fault; tell them how much you want to buy it and ask what discount they can offer?
Got a choice? You've got the trump card!
If what you want is sold in several stores you're holding the winning card as every store wants your money. Here's where doing your homework pays off as you can get them to price match and ask what else they'll throw in to make you buy from them? This could be shoe polish for boots, a gift box if you're buying jewellery, make up samples if you're buying the full size version, or even batteries for a new camera.
Pay by cash not card
Paying cash can be a deal clincher particularly in small independent shops or markets, as it is instant cash flow. Cash is often the key to getting a discount when paying for services, like car repairs, carpet fitting or a plumbing job, as it saves traders having to waste time cashing cheques and means they know they're getting paid.