We all love to save money, so here's how to get even further reductions
Bagging a bargain also makes us feel a little better, knowing that we got a good deal makes spending our money that just little more exciting.
Dominic Littlewood shares his top tips for getting a bargain, and his expertise in buying and selling shows he knows what he's talking about.
Let's not forget about his first TV appearance on Channel 4's 'Faking It', where he taught a vicar to be a salesman in just one month.
He knows how to convince people and get more for your money. He shares his top tips here:
- The first step is to set your budget. If you want to land that special bargain, you need to be focused. Ask yourself: how much do I want to spend? Once you’ve set your budget, your target is to land a deal that offers the best possible value for that amount of money.
- Do your homework. Research the product you want to buy and really think about what you want from it, looking for those which suit your needs and budget. Researching the prices and offers that competitors are offering can help with bargaining too.
- Have a look at what offers are already available, especially for things like travel. Southern Railway has some great online deals for discounted off peak and advance travel – it’s always good to see what’s out there first before you buy.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount – the worst that can happen is they can say no, and you can choose not to buy anything.
- When you’re ready to haggle, the first thing to do is smile and ask the salesperson’s name. Use it as often as you can in the conversation and give them your name too. It is amazing how a simple gesture like that can start to break down barriers. Some light-hearted chat before you start talking business is always a good start be friendly, make a joke and generally just be nice!
- Be positive and focused. To get a good deal you have to go in so low it's almost insulting. It's no good offering £95 for something that costs £100. If the seller says yes, you'll never know how much you could have got it for. This way you establish the floor, and can move on from there.
- Choose your words carefully – don’t say ‘I don’t suppose you can knock off a tenner?’ Try: ‘I like these, give me discount and I’ll buy it today’ or ‘what sort of deal can you do me?’
- When you make an offer in a haggle, don't speak again until the salesperson replies. You don’t need to justify the offer you've just made - you will just end up sounding anxious and unconfident.
- Freebies - Think about aiming for some extras as part of any deal you do and have a look around the shop or showroom for extras you would like to get for free as part of your deal.
- Be realistic. You're unlikely to persuade the salesperson to throw in expensive items as extras but they may well include some free accessories to go with the product you are buying, if you tell them it will seal the deal.
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