5 TIPS ON HAGGLING I LEARNED

BE CHARMING and polite – it works much better than being demanding or rude.

ASK open-ended questions to get the best price, rather than demanding ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to specific discounts, as it opens up negotiations. And leaving a pause after asking for a better price can make a seller more likely to talk to fill the silence and offer a cheaper deal.

TALK to the boss if possible – they are the ones with the power to decide on a deal.

BE FLEXIBLE. If you can’t get a lower price, ask if they might throw in some free extras or offer a better deal if you buy multiple items.

LOOK for imperfections to knock down costs. Showroom pieces and returned goods are easier to negotiate over. End-of-season items and those already in a sale are simpler to haggle over as the shop wants them gone.