Haggling.

katkin wrote: »

Can't imagine you can haggle at a supermarket check out

The seller needs some authority or leeway to negotiate. A lot of things you buy via a call centres can offer discounts or extras if you ask, as can sole-traders, owners etc

I enjoyed countries like Morocco as nearly everything is haggled. Though it took a lot longer to buy anything. Still it was fun on holiday, maybe not so much for day-to-day essentials.




Bottle of shampoo - I've give you 20p, no madam it's 90p, not worth it to me what about 40p, madam I have a family, a living to make, no lower than 80p, too much for me it's not worth it, 60p my final offer...walks away, oh but this bottle will make your hair so glossy, it's the best 75p and it's yours. Brings 70p out of purse, that is all I have. Ok deal!

Never at the checkout, Katkin, as they have no power to do anything! But possible to haggle about, say, cereals in a bashed up box, or pack of eggs with a broken one, something with visual defects but that does not affect the quality of the product. Quietly and politely with the supermarket managers, you can recognise them because they are usually dressed in civilian clothes but have a name badge, or even the assistants at the customer service desk.

I have got some remarkable successes at the W8rose deli counter, where they tend to reduce the goods in the evening. I have often asked if I could have a further reduction if I take the whole lot (of olives, or cheese) if it was not too perishable. On most occasions I have got super amazing prices!

Antique shops, art galleries, second-hand book shops - because something is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. I also haggle at car boot sales, antique fairs and such like. And if I'm buying more than the normal quantity of something, I'll give it a go - I was buying 5 birthday cards, asked for a discount for bulk buying, and got the 5th one free!! I got wood flooring for about 1/2 price because they let it slip that it was the end of the line - I offered to take everything they had, pointing out that they'd struggle to sell what was left and I was saving them the hassle of storing it.

I also haggle with tradesmen (careful here - they're just trying to make a living) - I'll say something like 'I was hoping to get it all done for under £1000' or whatever, and see what the reaction is.

Do it with a smile, but do it seriously - don't sound as if you're just taking the proverbial. And of course, if you make an offer and it's accepted, you have to pay up.

I recently got 10% off three rooms off floor tile by asking. I've done business before there and will again as I feel I have been treated well. Stores want to sell their merchandise and want you to come back.

In some foreign countries haggling happens and is expected in the tourist areas. But in places like grocery stores or pharmacies I usually try to have someone local buy, unless the price is marked, as it's quite common to raise prices just because you are foreign and you would not know it's being done.

You can look up car markups on line, both new and used. Be prepared when you walk in the door, before you fall in love with a car. Car salespeople depend on customer emotions to get the best commission that they can. (I used to sell cars) Buying a car is stressful for most people because it's a large monetary investment. That, coupled with finding something you really like (excitement) can lead to paying more than you should. Do your homework and shop around.

Hiya

I have a friend who was an antique dealer who cordially hates the tv antique programmes - folks come in and assume that they can make the same kind of deals, and my friend simply can't - its not a question of greed or of what she buys things for its a question of: the tax man; the rent for her shop; the hours she spends sourcing her stuff; the petrol and time she spends transporting stuff; her accountant's fees; her occasional assistant's wages etc etc!!

Haggling can be polite - greeting refusal with a grin and saying 'ah well can't blame me for trying' is fine but belligerent folks or loud voiced or shouting at the traders I feel is not on.

Another point to make is that the small trader may do deals but at what price to his/her business?

And last but not least - if you are going to haggle (and yes, I do!) please do so courteously - and with the person who actually has the power to authorize reductions/discounts/refunds, please. During my working life I have been on the receiving end of too many rude folk expecting me to be able to do things I was not allowed to do.
Nite all