Why is it that in many countries
around the world haggling over the price of a purchase is perfectly acceptable,
but here in the UK it is almost frowned upon, and scorned as rude or
inappropriate? Do you haggle? A recent consumer advice column asked this
question and a large majority of respondents said they would never haggle in
case they embarrassed themselves. That's a pity because even in this country,
haggling does work.
Haggling is a simple form of
bartering over the price of an item. Although the majority of large high street
chains, supermarkets and chain stores will not permit haggling over the price,
there are many smaller privately run companies that will. In fact, many of them
expect it in certain industries.
Privately run building merchants,
scrap metal suppliers, car dealers, antique dealers, used book traders,
boutiques and other independent retailers are all used to a little bit of
haggling over price.
Don't be afraid of trying it. When you
are purchasing an item you are entitle to ask if there are discounts available
or offers, and you will be amazed by the savings you could make. Here are some
real examples of how people have successfully negotiated a cheaper price or a
better deal.
Satellite services - there are many
people who are successfully making savings on their monthly subscriptions,
simply by calling their provider and asking! Simply haggling a bit and pointing
out that the services could be found cheaper elsewhere could result in them
giving you a discount on the amount you pay monthly.
Car dealers - When you are buying a
car, haggle! Find out how low they will go on the price. In addition, ask what
extras will be added. We had one reader, who had £1000 taken off the price of
their car, plus they got a full set of mats, an extra year warranty, and a full
tank of fuel, were all added to the deal. And this was achieved because they
haggled.
PC retailer - The large retailers
don't usually offer discounts to individual customers, however, it's still
worth asking them. One customer, although they did not get a cash discount on
an expensive purchase of a PC, did manage to get some additional accessories
and a free coffee maker thrown in!
The above examples are given to give
you some suggestions. But really, wherever you shop, be aware that in today's
highly competitive retail environment, they want your custom, and as a result
most retailers and companies will do their utmost to keep you as a customer and
have you buy from them. The best results seem to be achieved in privately owned
businesses that are independent. The larger the chain, the harder it is to get
cash discounts, especially on the high street.
Service providers are very different
though. Mobile phone companies, TV and broadband providers and even some utility
companies will all be able to give discounts on certain products. They won't
promote the fact and you certainly won't be told the information voluntarily,
but if you ask, there is every chance you will receive!
Think about where you are shopping
and what you are paying for the items. As well as looking around for better
prices, why not look around for alternative shops, independent suppliers and
retailers who may be open to a little bit of healthy haggling.
On a monthly bill like a television
subscription, a simple discount of £20 per month adds up to £240 over the
entire year. That's a significant amount of money. And if you manage to achieve
a saving and get a discount for two or three of your regular subscriptions and
on some of your purchases, imagine how much money you could save!
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