British consumers aren’t used to bartering. It’s the sort of thing you might try when you’re on holiday abroad, but what about here at home? With many retailers struggling at the moment, some are willing to accept a knocked down price in order to secure a sale and we’re not talking sale prices here. This is where a customer offers, say £200, for something that should be £250. Have you ever tried haggling and managed to get money off a purchase?

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Community

Yes my husband and I do it all the time now as a matter of course. Its sometimes by offering a cash transaction,that it works much better.I recently saved £50 on an upholstery job by doing just that.I also negotiated a further £10 off a foot stool re cover when the first job had been completed and delivered,not bad eh for a O.A.P. who is trying to watch the pennies.Last week we also saved our Daughter (by asking for a freebe when she purchased a TV & Video) the cost of free leads,an HDI and a firewall lead.These would have cost around £50. Every little helps and besides which we enjoy it!

How did you do it? I'm rubbish at it but I'd like to know where to start and if it works in high street shops. Can shop assistents at big chain stores haggle over a price? Ta.

Maybe the assistants don't have authority but they can always ask their manager...!!!???!!!

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You gotta tie yourself to the mast my friend, and the storm will end.

I have found that by doing the research and spending time checking on the item required on the internet /argos etc for comparison prices giving the background needed to start negotiating confidently.

If you have an idea of the cost for the item that are being charged in the various outlets it gives a bargaining power, particularly at the moment when everyone is suffering with reduced takings. I am always polite and pleasant though and thats a must. If someone is unable to give or have no authority to give discounts then, no hassle I try elsewhere & Im not very often disappointed. Sometimes I get more discount than others I must admit, but I usually get something off the asking price. Re the large chain stores Im not so sure.Sale times /offers are usually the time for our large item purchases and my clothing buys are at a times when they are reduced.I very rarely pay full price for anything, especially insurances etc. I have just had a £1000 refund and a reduction in our semi det.house rate banding just by checking on the internet what my neighbour was paying for her property which has 1 more bedroom than mine.It feels really good when your successful but you have to put tghe time in initially to do your research. Good luck,do try it and once your successful you will never look back!.