What to say when haggling?

suki1964

When buying a fridge and freezer, we went to comet, asked which models they actually had in stock, made our choices, paid cash, took them away with us, got £50 discount and a £30 toaster

Then the same with the washing machine, paid cash and took it away there and then, free 5 year extended warrenty plus the kettle to match the toaster

Be prepared to accept an extra instead of a discount, such as free extended warrenty or getting carpets/furniture scotchguarded free of charge.

When buying electical appliances, check the model numbers. Some stores may still have the "old" model on display, ask to buy that at a discount price (saved £100 on a dishwasher that way)

Check clothes over, any marks or dodgy hems - ask for at least 50% discount, accept 30% or walk away.

What works for me is just blatently asking for a discount and being prepared to walk away and go elsewhere if one is not forthcoming.

It is hard at first but it soon becomes second nature and Im now at the point I feel Ive been ripped off if I pay asking price

IvanOpinion

Something I forgot to mention. Beware of display models on some goods. I wouldn't buy a display model TV or video (personal preference, I know others that do and have had no problems). My line of thinking is that with a video recorder every kid (and me) has shoved their hands inside it. With TVs the one thing that is likely to fail is the tube and many display models have been running 24/7 for several weeks/months.

Haggle the hardest for these and make it clear you are concerned about any damage - usually good for extended warranties along with discount.

Ivan

DMDz

The only damage you're liable for is physical damage (IE dents) to the outside casing of the appliance – they actually make you sign something saying you are happy with its condition. If the machine is faulty due to kids shoving their hands in, take it back :P

Good advise though, I probably wouldn’t want a Display VCR either!

burbs_2

i have been selling cars for a few years now and some people go to amazing lengths just to get some money off. i have had people scratch my cars with a key (caught on camera), come into the office point out the scratch and then try and get money off. they have also gone into my cars to look inside, spilt water in the car and tried to tell me the roof is leaking, things like that.

if you are haggling on a car the easiest and safest bet is to offer a cash deal. pound notes are what talks to a car dealer. if 1 of my cars was up for £9000 and we were talking about a cash deal then there would be a big discount coming your way.

also if the car has extras that you are not really after, for example i sell Subaru Imprezas which have Subaru mats and Subaru mudflaps, these are not to some peoples taste. if you do not want them tell the dealer to take them out, it will save you quite a bit on things like that. you can buy some cheaper mats and pocket the difference.

try not to make the dealer think you are doing them a favour by gracing them with your presence, you will find that if you are nice to a car dealer he will be willing to negotiate, if you give him the hump then you will not get a bean off.

also hit the dealer as early as possible. we think that if we sell a car early on we are going to have a good day. the first sale gets us on a roll, if it means knocking a few quid off so be it.

fatboyonadiet

If you asked someone what the best price they could do was and they replied YES, I'd be confused/worried and probably walk away

fitterastra

Always try a haggle whats the worst that can happen, they say no

whats the best that can happen MONEY SAVING

carl310166

Found this usefull,

http://www.fool.co.uk/news/foolseyeview/2005/fev050512c.htm

chinagirl

moneywasternomore! wrote:

Glad I wasn't behind you in the queue..............;)

That's the trick...!

Poppy9

Was one of you hagglers in Laura Ashley in Swansea today. They are closing down and have a clearance sale. There were two brass chandeler light fittings marked from £200+ to £90. This women asked the snooty sales assistant (I think thats why they are closing she i has always been more a Sales Prevention Assistant) what was the best price she could do on both of them because there were crystals missing. £180 the pair. The women was persistant and said you are closing this week what happens if they are not sold by Friday. SPA told her they would return them to stock. There was no sale.

I couldn't resist having a look at these light fittings. They were the biggest load of tat ever. There were more crystals off than on. There were better bargains in Debenhams when the lighting department closed and there was 75% nearly everything and some even had an extra 20% off lowest price. I had to fight two old biddies for a light fitting reduced from £65 to just £12. I bought it:D

carl310166

Poppy9,it wasn't me in Swansea,i try to avoid the city centre as much as possible.