How to haggle for the best deal, from broadband to travel

theguardian.com:

It may not come naturally to you but many businesses are open to haggling, so do not rule it out. They want to make a sale, even if the profit margin is slightly lower, so a displayed price tag isn’t necessarily the final price. No contract has been formed until money has changed hands. The worst that can happen from haggling is being told no by a salesperson.

Earlier this year, Which? surveyed broadband customers found the ones who had haggled had saved an average of £85 a year – a discount of 20%. The saving was even bigger for people who have a combined broadband and TV package: £128 a year on average.

Jenny Ross, the Which? Money editor, says that in its online shopping research it found people could sometimes obtain discounts of up to 20% from popular retailers just by asking for a better price on the company’s online chat function.

She adds: “You could save money on your next holiday, too, by haggling with your travel agent or calling your hotel directly instead of settling for the price online. This could result in a discount, free upgrade or even a bottle of champagne on arrival.”

Have as much information as possible at your fingertips when you start your negotiation. For example, look at competitors’ prices using comparison websites such as Google Shopping, Kelkoo and PriceRunner.

Michelle Bailey, who writes the Time and Pence blog, haggled £600 off the price of new windows and doors by speaking to several firms and seeing what prices they charged.

Or Goren, the editor of the Cord Busters blog, says: “Before you call, write down two numbers – the maximum you’re willing to pay and the lowest you’re willing to pay. These numbers should guide your haggling.”

He advises that if you stay focused and within the limits you