How to Haggle
Having worked in a gift shop for a few months now, I’ve comprised a list of tips that could help you haggle.
How to Haggle
I work in an independent and overpriced gift shop, and have noticed an increase in the amount of people trying to haggle. Here are a few pointers that I’ve noticed work best when trying to save money.
Don’t Be Vague
People who ask “What’s the chance of getting a little off?” or “Will this be reduced next week?” very rarely get the discount. This is because it looks like they’re willing to pay the full price but are just checking. Let the cashier know you’re unhappy with the price and then make them a firm, but fair offer.
Be Polite
Keep eye contact, smile and be polite. In a lot of scenarios you won’t be dealing with the manager of the shop or the person who deals with the prices, so the cashier may not know how low to go, if he or she, is authorized to offer a discount.
Be Patient
This may seem very similar to the last point, but I think it’s so important that it deserves a little paragraph of its own. Remember, just because you’re being polite doesn’t mean you appear to be patient. If the cashier has to go ask someone for help, don’t smile to his or her face and then roll your eyes when they’re not looking. Remember the cashier is only doing their job.
Buy Bulk
Or maybe not bulk, but let’s say you’ve seen a nice stool for £65 and a candle holder for £20, offer something like £75 for the two. If you do make an offer like this, remember to keep it fair. You need to find a happy balance between what you’re willing to pay and what the shop is asking for. Remember they need their profit to pay staff and overheads.
Shop Around
This is the one that is slightly less likely to work than the rest. If you see something you like in a shop, let the cashier know you like it but not the price and then go shopping around to see if you can see something similar and cheaper, then go back with your findings and discuss it with the cashier.
Remember, if the cashier says that he or she can’t give you a discount then either pay the full price or leave it and move on. Remember to stay polite and thank them for their time, this might just help you haggle next time.
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