I was interviewed on the BBC yesterday about making your money go further in the current cold (both physically and financially!) climate - yes it's that horrid time when the credit card bills are hitting the mat; you've made all those new year resolutions to be more savvy with your money and don't know where to start..... Anyhow we were talking about tips to bag a bargain and when I suggested people haggle and try and get a discount when they buy the presenter said that I'd made it all sound very easy......is it really that easy to haggle on the high street?
Yes is the short answer; of course I'm not suggesting you try and knock 20p off the price of a stamp next time you're in the Post Office or try and get your daily paper half price; but whenever you're buying anything it's worth thinking about whether there's the opportunity to ask for a discount. Typical examples include -
* Buying something that's ex display, in a battered box (as you won't even be using the box!) or without it's original packaging. I once got my usual moisturizer for half price in Boots simply because the box was bashed up!
* Buying more than one of something so shoes, shirts or buying say a washing machine and kettle at the same time.......
* You want it delivered but there's a delivery charge. Always ask if they can waive this - if you can point out which of their competitors offer free delivery they'll usually price match.
And remember don't haggle when the store's busy or at the till when there's a queue behind you as they won't want everyone in the store to hear you're getting discount! Be friendly, chatty and charming and you'll be amazed at how much you can save!
* If
