Negotiate price in big shops? possible?

titusbramble

Hi,

A couple of years ago I remember watching this tv show, hosted by "Dom Littlewood"; he would go around various shops and negotiate the price on everything. Does anyone here ever try and barter for stuff in major chains such as john lewis? The reason I ask is, I am planning on buying a tv from john lews @ approx £500.

How do you think they would react if I said "£450, take it or leave it?"
Cheers for thoughts.

Poppycat

Well it depends on the tv. If it was a 26" or less and it wasnt gold plated just made of plastic they probably take it and make a vast profit. If however it was a large 40"+ things might be different

You dont do any harm asking but bare in mind JL usually have a good warranty so that may be worth paying that bit more

Princess_Coupon

When I worked in Dixon's years ago I could offer 5% to close a sale or request 10% from the manager. I always ask and usually get something off even if only 5% but have managed 70% off a display model washing machine in Curry's once.

adamhodg

i got £90 off a Surround sound system last year at Comet.
It was an ex display model mind.

shelovestobuystuff

I was inspired by that show,tried various places including independants,dixons,comet,currys etc and didnt get anywhere re a discount.I even had the cash in my hand but none were swayed an inch.Guess I looked like I could afford it,should have worn grots.I ended up using online discount codes and quidco,found the washing machine I wanted at the cheapest price at tesco online and got £11 quidco cashback,£20 off using voucher codes and double clubcard points.
I always ask for discounts in store,even ask for money off for missing buttons etc,but no-one has ever given me any money off or freebies.Oh actually I did get money off a pack of 4 tomatoes which had only 3 in it at tesco once,worked out about a 10p saving in total.

soolin

I've always struggled to get a discount but I still ask!

Recently though Virgin had a managers special on a PS3 with added extras as a bundle, they wouldn't move on the price at all but in the end they added a £30 extra controller to the bundle for the same price, so I count that as a victory.

leezuk1

After watching Dom - I always haggle much to the amusement of my husband - I've tried Doms tactics - and they do work - most recently I got 5% of garden furniture (from quite a large store) - the salesman laughed at the beginning when I asked if he could do a discount but by the time it came to closing the deal he conceded. Holiday - waived visa fees and fee for paying by credit card. Other deals - garden shed, white goods all money off or free delivery. TV/DVD player from Currys - free leads/dvds - again started with saying couldn't do anything.

So the rules are build a rapport, always be nice, go for a cheeky large discount, then re negociate after a bit more chat, if not offering discount then try and get extras thrown in or free delivery. I have to say its worked every time for me..... so get haggling and good luck! Every penny counts!

matt38

A few years ago in Dixons I asked nicely - got £100 off Compaq laptop, plus over £50 off Nikon digital camera, they threw in a wheeled laptop/flight case (worth nearly £50). I failed, however to get them to give me a PC game out of the bargain bin - no amount of smiles and pleases would get them to budge on that one! Had to pay £3.00 for it!

Just remember 2 words, spelt with only one letter difference, but they go hand in hand - BARTER = BANTER.

Be pleasant, a little bit lighthearted, above all be confident.

GOOD LUCK!

jonniejon

I tried several Dixons and Currys stores in my area and had even went prepared with the cheapest deal I could find on the net printed out, they wouldn't even price match, hence I went home and bought the TV on the net! On the other hand Jessops the camera store were more obliging and price matched to the cheapest deal I could find on the net and also threw in a spare battery and memory card! I guess it's always worth having a go!