Haggling doesn’t always come naturally to us. Either it makes us uncomfortable, or we shy away for risking rudeness. But it can come in handy when we want to save the pennies! You would be surprised how many retailers and services would respond favourably to a discount request. Have a read of our guide to haggling, and give it a go! You never know, you could save loads.
A Guide To Haggling – Transcript
Haggle: verb, to dispute or bargain persistently. Synonym: Barter, negotiate.
Too British? According to AutoTrader, a whopping 68% of 18-34-year-olds paid the asking price for a car, rather than haggle!
Haggling is a state of mind
Haggling isn’t always about saving money, it can get you where you want to go. Try these techniques:
Exude confidence – If you don’t ask, you definitely won’t get. What’s the worst that can happen?
Be prepared – Do your research before you jump in – knowing what you can get elsewhere is great groundwork for a good haggle.
The Kindly Brontosaurus – Smile, lean in, be extremely polite and ask for what you want. Like a resurrected dinosaur, you won’t be ignored, and you’ll charm your way to success!
Haggling for services
Keeping your custom is good for business, so most companies will go the extra mile to keep you with them and keep you happy.
Haggler’s fact: A Which? survey found that 83% of those who haggled over their mobile phone contract got a better deal.
Phone and Broadband
Perhaps one of the easiest providers to haggle with, these are some of the things you can ask for, or will be offered if you tell your provider you’re unhappy.
- Money off your bill
- Free equipment
- Increased data limit
- Increased speed
Haggler’s trick: Use ‘we’ instead of ‘I’. This turns your conversation into a collaboration and is more likely to get results.
Utilities
Haggling on your utility bill is trickier simply because of the way providers work. Aim to price match a better deal, and if you don’t get it, just switch!
Haggling at the till
High street stores
Until money has changed hands, no contract on price has been agreed – that’s the law! Ask for discounts if an item is dirty or damaged, and aim to price match if you’ve seen it cheaper elsewhere!
Haggler’s trick: Ask for a manager or a supervisor before you haggle, as they often have more discretion to authorize discounts than other staff members.
In a market
The end of the market day is the best time to bag a bargain, as sellers are keen to get rid of their stock. Find a quiet moment to approach them – they won’t want everyone to know they’re prepared to haggle!
Haggler’s trick: Inpedendent stores and sellers are more likely to negotiate with you on price, particularly if you come across as a potential returning customer, and especially if you pay cash.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. With a little preparation and little practice, you’ll be haggling your way to better deals on every purchase you make. Give it a go – it’s fun!
