The Art of Haggling

For millions of people across the country, Spring is the first time since Christmas that money isn’t quite as tight. The focus shifts to home improvements, with thousands of us deciding we’d quite like that new sofa after all.

 

Whether you’re planning on hitting the shops to re-vamp your home or a hoping to get a new TV for the upcoming World Cup, this simple guide will help you to haggle like a pro.

 

Haggling doesn’t work in EVERY store, but it’s always worth trying as you’ll often be surprised just how much of a discount you can get. It’s important to also remember its not all about a discount on price, it’s about the value. If you can get something extra thrown in, the value is higher and ultimately you’re getting a better deal.

 

 

The sales person doesn’t have to give you a discount so you need to give them a reason to. Building up a relationship starts with the first interaction – be polite, friendly and courteous so immediately you have one-up on the other shoppers. 

 

As time goes on and the relationship builds, this will continue to help you during any future negotiations.  As a loyal customer, it’s then easy to remind the sales person about what you’ve previously bought and it may just be the tipping point for them to offer you a discount on your new purchase.

 

 

 

You’ll quickly find that there’s a limit on the discount you’ll get – going in too high at the start will indicate you’re not serious about striking a deal. 

 

Research different prices online and at other stores so you know exactly how the prices compare. Take print-outs into the store with you and if it’s a highly competitive product (such as an iPad), set realistic goals which may be focused on extras rather than a straight discount on the price.

 

 

 

All retailers are subject to transactions fees for credit card payments. By offering to pay in cash, you may be able to get a small percentage knocked off the price as no transactions fees will apply.

 

This is especially useful in independent shops, which may have higher transaction fees than the high-street brands.

 

 

 

If a sales person has the impression that there’s a reason stopping you from buying a product, they’re more likely to alleviate this by reducing the price. For example, if there’s a small scratch or it’s old stock, use this within your haggling to question the price. 

 

 

 

By this I don’t mean brag that you always get a discount EVERYWHERE you go. Instead, let the sales person know that another store has already offered you a better deal.

 

The sales person is likely to try and beat it if they can in order to win your custom, rather than it going to another store just like them.

 

 

 

If you know from previous experience that the store won’t discount a product, see what else can be offered instead. Many stores have more flexibility for electronics accessories (e.g. tablet cases, TV cables etc) as the margins are higher than the electronic items such as TVs and desktops. 

 

You may also find that you’re able to bag yourself a free warranty or an extra foot-stool to go with that new sofa. By packaging up the deal, the overall value is much higher, but the price you pay is significantly reduced.

 

The key point to remember here is that it’s only a deal if you want the extras – if you already have 20 scart leads lying in a draw, what good is another set!