Where’s best to haggle on the high street? 11 September 2012 at 9:07AM edited 11 September 2012 at 4:14PM in MoneySaving polls 9 replies 2.7K views

Former_MSE_Debs

Poll started 11 Sep 2012

It's not just fly-swarming back-street bazaars in far-flung places. With a bit of charm and chutzpah, you can haggle successfully on Britain's high streets.

Vote in this week's poll to tell us which of the 40 chains we've included you've haggled in and whether or not you succeeded?

Vote in this week's poll

Did you vote? Why did you pick that option? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below. To see the results from last time, click this

Gizasmum

Very interesting. I do occasionally haggle so it would be good to see the list presented by highest level of success as well as alphabetically

Eileen_Purves

I would love to know how you get success at curry's/pcworld! I'd be VERY grateful for some tips please.

Gizasmum

Eileen, It's just the same as with Comet. You need to know what you're buying, the specification, other suitable alternative equipment (in case they offer you a deal on something else), prices and what's on offer elsewhere. It tends to hinge on stuff like warranties or taking extras.

Say for example you want to buy a new printer at £100. You know you're going to need ink, say that costs £30. So £130 altogether. Tell the guy that you'd prefer to take the printer away that day from them, but that you know you can get it £10 cheaper online at Shop X, and can wait for it to be delivered. Also that you can get the ink cheaper by £5 from Shop Y. You actually don't want to wait for delivery but Comet/ Curry's don't need to know that. Do a bit of humming and hawing and you're bound to get something off. Be a bit cheekier still and ask for a free pack of paper too.

For bigger items, e.g. Fridge freezer, tell them you want to take out the extended warranty with the shop but it's far too dear. You always have the opportunity to take this out after you've left the shop anyway, either direct with the manufacturer or Dom Gen or similar. Make sure you know how much Dom Gen would charge before you go in to the shop. I have had the cost of the appliance reduced by the cost of the extended warranty. That was an excellent deal, but I have never ever paid full whack for an extended warranty. Bear in mind that the downside of this is that the warranty cover for a replacement is then based on the reduced price. If you're buying quality gear that shouldn't be problem as you will get your money's worth over the lifetime of the appliance. However this might not be so clever for less reliable brands.

SimonD316

Some interesting results, how do people haggle at places like Aldi, Primark, Tesco etc?

lilylola

I managed to get £50 off the price of a jacket at Timberland by being persistent. I was suite surprised when they agreed. It doesn't harm to ask.

stoneman

I use the red laser iphone app. when in John Lewis, House of Frasier, Comet, or most high street giants I scan the bar-code and it immediately comes up with the cheapest place I can buy product. Then I just show it to the assistant and ask if they will match it. Works about 80% of the time

HappySad

stoneman wrote: »

I use the red laser iphone app. when in John Lewis, House of Frasier, Comet, or most high street giants I scan the bar-code and it immediately comes up with the cheapest place I can buy product. Then I just show it to the assistant and ask if they will match it. Works about 80% of the time

Thanks. I have added the app on my iPhone .

FOREVER21

I am surprised at the success rate for haggling in John Lewis, yes they price match(with terms and conditions) but getting a reduction by haggling has never worked for me in their store.Just last week I wanted to buy a Sony radio £15 cheaper on line but as that out-let had no retail store no price match. Then had lenghy chat with sales assistant and his manager to try for reduction" not our policy sir" was the responce. Needless to say I went on line. Iwould be interested to know more from someone who claimed success other than price match, with them

Gizasmum

Red Laser is also available on Google Play for Android phones