Is haggling a way to get a good deal?
As a nation the British do not really engage in haggling in the same way as consumers in many other countries do. In most cases if there is a price tag on something that we want to buy then we pay it without question, or we wait until the sales are on and hope that the price gets reduced. However, with the financial climate and consumer finances in the state that they are in, Brits can no longer afford to maintain a stiff upper lip and pay what they are expected to, and it seems that an increasing number of consumers may turn to the age old process of haggling in order to try and get the things that they want at a price that they can afford.
Industry officials have stated that with consumer confidence dying out and high street sales suffering as a result retailers are becoming increasingly receptive to haggling, and with many now prepared to comply with reasonable requests for money off products and services consumers could be in line to get a great deal on the products and services that they want. In fact, officials have said that consumers can now haggle on the price of everything from a new car or household furniture to their broadband package and more.
One industry expert has stated that some people could potentially save many thousands of pounds a year by haggling on prices, including on the cost of holidays, properties, insurance policies, and more. Consumers are urged to do a little preparation before hitting the high street and asking for money off, and by exercising good communication skills could get the price on the service or product that they want lowered by a significant amount.
Industry expert Marc Lockley has provided a number of tips to help consumers to haggle more effectively and enjoy savings huge amounts of money over the course of the year. He states that the first step is to do your research. Look at the different prices and products, and see whether you can get a better deal from a different retailer or on a slightly different product than the one that you originally had in mind. You also need to ensure that you are prepared and that you are able to communicate effectively with the people you talk to when haggling.
It is important that you speak to a senior decision make when you haggle, as junior members of staff may not always have the authority to knock money off. Once you start talking to the person this is where your research will pay off. For example you can say that you have seen a very similar product at a much lower price at a competitor’s shop or website. You should also state that you are on a budget (determine the figure before you get to the shop) and that if the person can do you a deal within your budget you are prepared to make the purchase right away.
One thing that you should avoid is smacking of desperation. Don’t go into the shop making out that you are desperate to buy the product, as the sales person will know that even without a discount you are likely to make the purchase. Play it cool, and make the sales person think that they are getting the good deal by getting a sale straight away from someone that has not really set out to make a purchase.