Haggling school

Ten moves that work in real shops, markets and private sales. Learn one, then try it on today's made-up shopkeeper.

1. 1. Just ask

   Most people never ask. One polite question, "Is that your best price?", is the whole move.

2. 2. Give a reason

   A price moves for a reason. Point to something true: a scratch, an old model, a missing part.

3. 3. Don't take the first offer

   The first discount is rarely the last. Thank them, pause, and ask if they can do a little better.

4. 4. Name your number first

   Say a specific price, lower than you expect to pay. The talk then happens around your number, not theirs.

5. 5. Ask for more, not less

   When the price is stuck, ask for something thrown in: delivery, a case, a second one cheaper.

6. 6. Be ready to walk

   Say, kindly, that it is more than you wanted to spend and you will keep looking. Mean it.

7. 7. Offer to buy today

   A sale now is worth more to a seller than a maybe. Offer to pay today if the price is right.

8. 8. Use a real cheaper price

   If you have seen it cheaper, say where and how much. Only ever use a price that is true.

9. 9. Be someone they want to help

   Friendly beats tough. Use their name, be warm, and ask for their help instead of demanding.

10. 10. Let them go first

    Ask "What's the best you can do?" before you name a number. They may start lower than you would have.