Everyone loves a bargain – but many people could be missing out on snapping one up, by not knowing where to start.
Two-fifths (39 per cent) of us admit to feeling too awkward to even try attempting to drive down the price of items in the first place, new research by Gumtree has found. And three in 10 (30 per cent) feel that, as a nation, we don’t know how to get a good bargain through the art of bartering or haggling.
Read: Learn to bargain like a pro
When it comes to what’s getting in the way of us bartering for a better deal, 17 per cent say they don’t really know what a good offer looks like, while 13 per cent say they haven’t had anyone to learn from who is good at bargaining.
Keen to know how to haggle? Whether it’s on second-hand sites at garage sales or even certain shops, there may be opportunities to negotiate.
To help people hone their bargaining skills, here are some tips for going about it confidently – and politely – from Gumtree’s chief marketing officer, Hannah Rouch.
1. Build a rapport
“When bartering, remember the person on the other end sees value in their product, just as you do,” sys Ms Rouch. “Focus on the conversation, build a rapport, and don’t lowball them in your initial outreach.”
Making eye contact with the person you’re dealing with and being on time if you’ve arranged a collection can also pay off, she suggests. “If you are using an online platform, such as Gumtree, make sure your messages are simple and straightforward – treat others how you would like to be treated,” Ms Rouch adds.
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2. Show the seller that you’re serious
“Make it clear to the seller that you’re serious about your purchase – show a genuine interest in the item and ask lots of questions,” Ms Rouch suggests. “If you’re committed to walking away with an item from the outset, the seller is more likely to invest the time in making the right deal and see their item go to a new home.”
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3. Focus on what you really need
Don’t get carried away just because the seller lowers the price. The deal may still not be right for you.
“Don’t be afraid to walk away if the offer, or item, isn’t right,” says Ms Rouch. “When you make a purchase, you want to get the best value for money – not just to make a purchase for the sake of a purchase. Over-consumerism is rife, especially as we move into the festive period, so save your energy for the purchases you really want or need.”
Are you good a haggling? Do you have a method that you always use? Share it in the comments section below.
– With PA
Just a couple of days ago, I went to our local pharmacy to get a product for a friend who was to have a procedure at the local hospital.
I checked on line to get an idea of the general price range, which was $10.
When the staff member scanned the item at the pharmacy, it showed $16.99!!!
I immediately said, “Oh no, that’s too dear! It was $10 on line! I will find another chemist who has it cheaper!”
The pharmacy manager was sitting close and heard what I said.
She immediately said to the staff member “She can have it for $10!”
I replied “Thank you very much, I appreciate that!”
The receipt showed a 41% ‘discount’!
So… speak up! If you say nothing, the answer is always ‘NO”!