Haggling, often perceived as an uncomfortable or awkward endeavor, is rarely attempted by consumers in supermarkets or on the High Street. However, a recent experiment by a reporter demonstrated that polite negotiation can lead to significant savings, with discounts reaching up to 40% at popular chains such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Boots.
Navigating the Aisles for Savings
At Tesco, a dented tin of Tesco Finest Greek olive oil, originally priced at £7, was reduced to £4.20 after a polite request, a saving of 40%. The reporter was also directed to a section of "unloved" fruit and vegetables with minor blemishes. Items like bruised apples, originally £2.13, were reduced to £1.06, and oranges with soft spots were discounted from £1.50 to £1.02. For items nearing their sell-by date, such as strawberries marked for same-day sale, a discount can often be negotiated if one has not already been applied.
Marks & Spencer offered a 10% discount on items with minor marks, though none were found by the reporter. However, a manager revealed a scheme where customers can receive a £5 voucher for bringing in old M&S clothing to donate to the store's charity bin. This offers a way to get a discount on new purchases by recycling old garments.
In Boots, a friendly approach to a sales assistant led to the discovery of a half-price bargain aisle. Discontinued items, such as Yardley talcum powder reduced from £12 to £6 and an electronic blood pressure monitor down from £100 to £50, were available. The reporter also noted a potential discount for those eligible for "over 60s reward shopping days," suggesting that loyalty programs and age-related discounts can offer savings, with the caveat of needing to provide personal details or have an eligible relative shop on one's behalf.
Retailer-Specific Strategies
At H&M, the reporter found that the store no longer price matches online offers. However, a manager indicated that a 15% discount might be possible on marked garments, and tipped off the reporter about an upcoming flash sale offering 20% off selected items. The key to potential further negotiation here was maintaining a polite and friendly demeanor with staff.
Waterstones was found to price match its own online offers. While a book priced at £12.99 for a pristine copy of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney could not be discounted, an online promotion for forthcoming bestsellers offering 25% off with a specific code was matched by the store assistant when presented.
Waitrose proved more challenging, with staff indicating that discounts on damaged goods were no longer offered due to past issues. However, similar to Tesco, discounts are applied to items nearing their expiry date, with prices reduced by approximately 20% around 4 p.m. for next-day expiry and 50% for same-day expiry.
At ProCook, while direct discounts were not offered, the manager mentioned the possibility of receiving a free gift, such as a spatula, with purchases over £100. For larger purchases exceeding £200, a financial discount might be possible, and specific customer groups, like carers or NHS workers, may be eligible for a 10% discount at the discretion of the manager.
The Art of Negotiation
Experts emphasize that politeness and friendliness are paramount when attempting to negotiate. Avoid forceful or rude behavior, and treat shop staff with respect. Choosing a quiet time to shop can allow staff to engage more readily in small talk and potentially offer assistance with discounts. Instead of demanding a reduction, phrasing questions like "Is there anything else you might be able to do?" or "Is there any wiggle room?" can be more effective. Researching competitor prices and online deals beforehand can also provide leverage for price matching. The average negotiated discount is estimated to be around 13.5%, with flexibility and larger spending increasing the likelihood of success. Freebies can also be an alternative to a direct price reduction.