With households looking to stretch their cash further, it seems the determination to get the best value for money possible is driving more of us to be a little bit bolder when it comes to haggling.
More than half (56%) of us will try haggling, according to a survey by TopCashback. And 79% of hagglers say they’ll have a go to try to get the best possible price, compared with 62% when similar research was carried out in 2018.
It’s paying off, too, whether on the high street, over the phone or online. Consumers believe they’re saving £477 on average each year by haggling (a £20 increase compared with 2018’s survey, and a £62 rise since 2016’s results).
“While seeing consumers be bolder and more fearless with their haggling attempts is great, our report shows only 56% are actively putting their skills to use,” says Adam Bullock, UK director of TopCashback.
“Shoppers need to be brave and try their luck with haggling – the worst that could happen is a retailer says no.”
Want to up your haggling game? To help hone those skills, here are TopCashback’s 10 tips for better haggling…
Do your research
Make sure you’re armed with the prices and deals on offer from other retailers.
That way, you can play rival brands off against each other and get better deals while they fight it out for your business.
Build a rapport and be polite
Being aloof and stating the price you want to pay will rarely get results.
But building a rapport and telling a story – you want the item but can’t afford it, or your partner is not as invested – will help a salesperson warm to you and show you want to negotiate.
Choose your timing
When a retailer is less busy or below sales target, they need to drive sales, even at a lower price. Try shopping when it’s quieter. And if you’re looking to negotiate a contract, pop a note in your diary for a month before the end date as a reminder to haggle.
Ask for freebies
While salespeople may not have the ability to give you a cash discount, they may be able to chuck something in for free. They could even give you a voucher to use on your next purchase.
Look for discounted goods
If a retailer is already selling a product at a discounted price, it’s likely they may be open to lower offers. This works well towards the end of sales.
Look for flaws
If a product is damaged or the packaging is torn, ask for a discount to compensate.
Haggle at the top
If you’re haggling in-store, it’s worth asking to speak to a manager. A sales assistant may not have the authority to give you a discount.
Keep quiet
A salesperson will put an offer on the table and then be quiet, but instead of feeling awkward and filling the silence with a yes, keep quiet and make them fill it with a better deal.
Haggle online
Some 65% of people say they’ve been successful in getting a discount after speaking to a service agent online.
Don’t be pressured
Saying you’re on your lunch break and have to get back to work or have an appointment, will give you a reason to leave if you’re feeling pressured to buy something you’re not sure about.
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