Failure to haggle means consumers miss out on savings

It can pay to query the price of almost anything

What seems fine when buying souvenirs on holiday feels awkward when it comes to everyday shopping back home.

New figures suggest that fewer than a quarter of Scots are in the habit of negotiating a purchase, even though a majority (72%) don’t like paying full price for an item.

As a result, estimates TopCashback, they’ll have missed out on £344 in savings in the last year alone.

Yet it can pay to query the price of almost anything.

A study by Consumer Intelligence found 54% of drivers and 51% of homeowners were offered cuts after querying a renewal quote for insurance.

TopCashback’s research found embarrassment is the biggest stumbling block to getting a cheaper price (74%), but almost a third (31%) don’t ask for a reduction as they’re worried about the reaction they’ll get.

Even those who do ask for a lower price worry about how well they do it, with 43% believing they do not haggle effectively.

Natasha Rachel Smith, consumer affairs editor for TopCashback.co.uk, said: “British consumers are renowned for being quite reserved, so it’s no surprise self-consciousness prevents them from challenging the given price.

“However its important people don’t let this get in the way of achieving the best possible deal.”

Those who are more reluctant or nervous of negotiating money off should practise in situations where it’s a bit easier, such as on holiday or perhaps when renewing phone or internet contracts (gpointstudio)

So, if you’re not happy with the price, what can you do?

Tactics favoured by committed hagglers include asking for things to be thrown in for free, knowing what price is on offer elsewhere, and never taking the first offer.

Committed bargain hunters also recommend spending some time building up a rapport with the salesperson, offering to pay in cash, and picking quieter times to shop.

Natasha says it’s all down to preparation.

“Those who are more reluctant or nervous of negotiating money off should practise in situations where it’s a bit easier, such as on holiday or perhaps when renewing phone or internet contracts,” she says.

“You can also take advantage of environments where it’s more expected to negotiate such as car dealerships.

“Regardless of if you haggle or not, it’s worth doing your homework to ensure you always get the best price.

“You can also pretty much always find voucher codes and high cashback offers to save you money without even having to ask.”

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