MSE blog discussion: 'Haggle' is not a dirty word

Former_MSE_Rose

Hi all, this is a thread to discuss the MSE blog:

'Haggle' is not a dirty word

"I love a good haggle. In many other countries it’s as natural as breathing, an integral part of the sales process, and there’s no harm in it. Yet in the UK, some see it as undesirable, unprofessional and even offensive – all for discussing a payment..."

Do you love a good haggle, or hate trying to negotiate a price? Please share your haggling heaven and hell stories below, as well as any tips you've used,

Thanks,

MSE Rose

jordanchaos

I didn't realise it was totally acceptable to even haggle in a pharmacy in Egypt, it becomes a fun part of the game I still end up doing it now out of habit. Although, admittedly, not in a pharmacy..

kna

I can't stand haggling (at least in the UK), everywhere I've tried it has been met with derision, contempt or sheer surprise that I'm even attempting it.

Buying cars, the salesman has always let me walk away rather than lower the price and I thought cars were always a sure-fire haggle win!

I haggle with car insurance/TV packages but it always feels a hollow victory as I know they've got rules meaning they can go a lot lower, so I don't feel like I'm haggling just pushing them to give me the proper price and not the inflated one.

How people accomplish it with any regularity in the UK, I'll never know.

Beetlemama

Silliest thing I ever haggled was a red pepper on the market ("I've got 38p, will that do?") but the best is always Virgin, press "I'm thinking of leaving" and then tell them it's cheaper to leave and come back as a new customer. Our package went from £65 a month wired to £54 wireless with a speed upgrade.

I don't mind having a go at a lower price, but to be honest, I buy so few things new that I don't get the chance mostly, ASDA aren't in to haggling and most of the rest of the stuff I get in charities, and it seems a bit above and beyond to try to haggle a charity shop down, lol

art_for_arts_sake

I can't believe there are only 3 replies to this thread. Any true MSE will haggle, surely? I went in a gents' outfitters the other day and after trying on a few jackets the salesman offered me one jacket at a much reduced price as it was clearly more of a summer item. I was tempted but the jacket I liked better wasn't reduced. I kept my nerve and asked if I bought them both would he do a discount on the two. Result - a saving of about £65.

art_for_arts_sake

kna wrote: »

Buying cars, the salesman has always let me walk away rather than lower the price and I thought cars were always a sure-fire haggle win!

If you walk away you haven't lost, you only lose if you pay the full price.