Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Learn the secret to bagging a bargain
BRUSH UP ON YOUR HAGGLING SKILLS AND SAVE £100S EVERY YEAR, SAYS HARVEY JONES
AS lockdowns ease and Britons get back into the swing of shopping again, it’s time to brush up on your haggling skills to boost your chances of bagging a bargain.
Haggling doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but if you can cast off your inhibitions, you might enjoy it.
Those who haggle save an average £451 a year on goods and home services, according to TopCashback research, yet doing it fills one in five people with fear and embarrassment.
UK director Adam Bullock says: “Be brave and try your luck. The worst that could happen is a retailer says no.”
There’s no need to argue
Martyn James, head of media at complaints service Resolver, says haggling is fun, but it takes practice.
“Try being a bit less British,” he says. “After the first go, it gets much easier. Even if things go wrong, you never have to see that sales assistant again.”
Your chances of success are higher than you think as online and high street retailers compete for your custom and loyalty.
Get an idea of prices before you begin by checking sites such as Kelkoo and PriceRunner, says Martyn. Then choose your store and staff member carefully.
“Sales assistants at the big department stores don’t have the power to give you reductions, but the floor manager might,” he adds.
You may fare better at independent shops, where owners have greater discretion, but don’t push it too far as many are struggling right now.
If seeking a big discount, be enthusiastic about the product when you first go in, then say you need to think about it. Martyn says: “Shop assistants know you are less likely to buy if you leave the shop to think things over, and may cut the price to secure a sale.”
A poll of Moneysavingexpert.com members found that B&Q is a happy hunting ground for hagglers, followed by Tesco, Homebase, Currys/ PC World, John Lewis, Carphone Warehouse, Primark, Clarks, Waitrose and Asda.
Remember, you retain all your consumer rights even if you do succeed in getting some cash knocked off the sale price.
Try your luck. The worst that could happen is a retailer says no... TopCashback’s Adam Bullock
Pick your time and place
Prices are not fixed in stone. They can vary throughout the year, or at different times of the day or week.
Damien Fahy, founder of MoneyToTheMasses.com, recommends haggling at quiet times when shop assistants have more time.
“Get ready to bargain when buying discounted, clearance or sale items because the shop may be open to further reductions,” he says.
For larger items, try your luck at the end of the month when commission-based sales staff may be trying to hit a target. You might also get money off if you spot small scratches on, say, a fridge or washing machine, or marks or loose threads on clothing.
Once negotiations start, don’t settle too soon. Damien says: “The shop has accepted the principle of a discount, now you need to politely push for the maximum you can get.”
Remember to enjoy yourself, he adds, saying: “With a bit of humour, it can be fun for both sides.”
Katy Phillips, senior UK marketing manager at Idealo.co.uk, says when shopping online use price alerts to get the best deal.
“Prices change throughout the year, so those cool sunglasses you fancy may be a lot cheaper in winter,” she says.
The same applies to other seasonal purchases, with outdoor items such as bikes being cheaper in autumn, and winter coats in spring.
“Don’t buy any items on a whim, especially if you haven’t researched them,” Katy says.
Give them the silent treatment
Hardened hagglers understand the power of silence, says Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
If you have a target price, then tell the salesperson up front.
“The next step is a very long silence,” she says. “Eventually the salesperson will fill it either by saying there are no deals available or by making you an offer. Then suggest a lower figure until they refuse to budge further.”
Your final weapon is walking away. “This is best done calmly and politely with a phrase like, ‘I don’t think we can do a deal at that price’. Then thank them and leave. If they have any wiggle room, they’ll call you back.”
But bear in mind that rudeness backfires. “Storming around and raising your voice will only make them want you to leave the shop,” she says.
Cut broadband and mobile costs
More of us haggle with broadband and mobile providers when contracts are up for renewal, saving on average £221 a year. TopCashback’s research shows that 27% who tried haggling with Sky reported success, followed by Virgin Media (21%), EE (16%), BT (15%) and British Gas (14%).
James Wittams-Smith, commercial director at comparison site Usave.co.uk, says speak to the cancellation team as they’re the ones who can offer you a better package. “If you can provide them with details of a competitor’s plan, they’ll often match and sometimes beat it.”
Don’t let them get the upper hand by trying to “upsell” items.
He says: “Don’t say yes to extra channels or an extra data bolt-on if you don’t need it.”
If switching, check for cashback schemes and exclusive deals on comparison sites, he advises.
Motorists can save up to £277 a year by switching motor insurer at renewal, up to £107 on their home insurance and as much as £567 on dual-fuel home energy bills, according to comparison site GoCompare.
If you like your current insurer, get a selection of rival quotes, then pick up the phone and talk to them.
Watch out for sneaky tricks though – for example, reducing premiums but charging a higher excess.
Strike the right deal on property
Property is one purchase where Britons routinely offer below the asking price, yet nearly a third fail to negotiate because they are scared of losing the property or upsetting the owner, or feel embarrassed or intimidated, according to Barclays Mortgages.
The bank’s head of behavioural finance, Rob Smith, says younger buyers experience most anxiety, while the over-65s are more comfortable. Negotiating in today’s overheated property market isn’t easy but give it a go.
Rob says: “Check how long the property has been on the market, and if the price has been reduced already.”
Find out how keen the vendor is to sell, and whether anybody else is making an offer.
Don’t feel pressured. “No matter how much you love the property, you will find another you love even more,” he says.