I don't know what it is about our nation, but we are often shy about trying to get more for less. We all loathe to ask for discounts and are embarrassed to haggle – unlike some other nations who enjoy it to the max!
The truth is that we could be saving ourselves an awful lot of money, on everything from white goods and cars to auto insurance shopping and interest rates – if only we had the nerve to ask!
First you need to do a bit of research to see what the product or service is worth – and what you can afford and are prepared to pay for it. If it is a service or product which is in short demand then you will have less chance of getting a discount – but if every Tom, Dick and Harry are after your business then you can drive a hard bargain.
You have to have nerves of steel and not get upset or offended if you get refused. After all, the vendor might have high overheads or a high cost price which might prevent him from going any lower. But you will be surprised at how many businesses will drop their prices if you just ask – even more so in the current economic climate.
At the end of the day you need to be prepared to walk away if you do not get what you want. Don't buy an overpriced product or something that you cannot afford just because you are embarrassed at having asked for a discount.