How to haggle successfully?

[Bluwise]

quote:Originally posted by bewva

I don't bother with the markets any more for the same reasons Scunno pointed out. Too hot, busy and a painfull way to spend a few hours.
However I'm no expert but First rule I find is to be cheerfull and have a laugh with the shopkeeper as you haggle, Your first offer is obviously going to be far too low for him as is his first offer to you. If you cant agree you need to just say you will think about it and walk away. They will come after you if you they think you can agree a price.
The worst thing I find is that if the wife asks for a price of something just browsing they want to go through the whole rigmarole.

I agree, you have to keep it cheerful but it is draining - if you're asked for £10, most tourists will offer £5 and of course the shopkeepers/traders know this.....so you have to go so much lower and work your way back up a bit....but then they look horrified and insulted at your first offer.............I'm weary thinking about it!   [|)]

[BlackAdder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9SFTWme6Z0

[stoop]

Brilliant!

[littlereddevil]

I think some of them have now started saying sensible prices at the start. If they come away with a crazy first price I just walk away.

[Jacqui Harvey]

Go to any Antique Dealer in Britain and practice.  After 20 years in the business I am now expert as everyone wants to haggle with me after watching all the Antique programmes on T.V.

[xxbilleigh-joxx]

I always decide what i want to pay and stick to that. I always start really low and you always get that look and they say something like "lady please, i pay X ytl for this, i must make a profit."

Stick to your guns and only pay what you think its worth. i usually get bored with haggling so i just say how much i'm willing to pay, if they say no i walk away. if the deal can be done they'll call you back, if not i go elsewhere. I've had a few heartbroken looks after buying something for "cost price" but if they were not going to make a profit then they wouldnt sell.

I have found that a smile and batting of the eye-lashes works a treat too- especially in jewellery shops!..

[philrose]

Don't forget that if you are buying a lot of items in a shop, say light fittings, or maybe a couple of white goods it is quite normal to expect a small discount or perhaps an inexpensive item as a "present"

[june]

I decide how much I am prepared to pay and stick to it 100%,  just got back...2 football shirts for Stuart for £10!, 2 nice pair of sandles for me £20, saw brits paying more than double this at the market, thats why they try it on....they get away with it...

Stand firm, if they let you walk away, go to another stall...it has only happened to me on a very rare occasion.

I can give lessons.....     ......blonde hair may help tho!!

[mike A]

"have found that a smile and batting of the eye-lashes works a treat too- especially in jewellery shops!.."

Whenever I have tried that it's always ended in trouble

[Scunner]

You're drinking in the wrong bars Mike