High Street Haggling

Roger Southam is a man with a mission - to never pay the advertised price for anything. Ever. Roger boasts that he can go into any shop and come out with either a substantial discount or at the very least some freebies.

Top Five Haggling Tips

1. Be willing to walk away
   If you really want something and just have to have it now, you're in a bad bargaining position. But if you're genuinely willing to walk away if you don't get a lower price, you are in a more powerful position. And really do walk away if you don't get your price. You can always come back another time and ask again, or go somewhere else. If you're not willing to walk away, you probably won't get the best price.
   
2. Offer to buy more for a lower rate
   This works well at more independent stores, but if you're willing to buy multiple items, they'll often give you a lower price. Say, "I only have £X to spend on these, but I'd really like to get them all. Will you give them to me for that price?"
   
3. Be polite
   Don't make it seem like you're haggling, or the seller will be more guarded and hesitant. Just politely ask for lower rates or discounts, and you'll have a better rate of success.
   
4. Go up the chain
   If a sales assistant is not authorised to give a discount, ask to speak to a manager. If the manager isn't authorised, don't be afraid to ask him to call the head office.
   
5. Haggle at night
   Supermarket haggling is best done later on in the evening when shops want to get rid of stock as it reaches it sell-by date. And you can usually avoid the queues at this time of day.