won't haggle!

Moneysavingexpert.com reveal the top 10 high street stores to haggle at.

New research by consumer help website MoneySavingExpert.com proves haggling isn't just reserved for exotic fly-swarmed bazaars, it's alive and kicking on UK high streets. A poll of 2,544 MoneySavers shows discounts come to those who ask.

The top 10 high street stores to haggle in

Retail chain       Success rate (of those who tried)          

1. Comet                                   78%   

2. B&Q                                       78%         

3. Currys/PC World                 78%           

4. Homebase                           69%        

5. John Lewis                          63%

6. Asda                                      60%  

7. Tesco                                    58%     

8. Wickes                                 56%

9. Sainsbury's                         54%

10. Debenhams                      53%        

(2,544 people were polled - only retailers where at least 100 people attempted to haggle included. Figures are rounded, but order is correct. Note it's likely supermarket haggling is on non-food, big tickets items, eg, electricals & garden furniture.)      

These are the triumphs, but of the 40 big name stores in the poll, Boots was deemed least successful to haggle in, with 79% reporting failure. 72% failed in Apple stores - but that means 28% still managed to bag cheaper tech gear.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, comments:

"Many people are throwing cash away by not haggling. A former member of staff at one big DIY store even told me they'd been told if anyone asks for a discount, just to give them 10% off. Usually, big ticket items are the easiest things to haggle on - furniture, electricals, cars and digital equipment.

"These high success rates prove people need to adopt the same 'don't ask, don't get' attitude of hardcore hagglers. There are real rewards for charm and chutzpah on UK high streets. There's nothing wrong with asking for a discount. It's not rude, it's not impolite - but do it with a smile. The worst that can happen is they say no."

Top MoneySavingExpert.com haggling tips

Doing your research is key to haggling - you need to know what a really good value price is before you start.

1.    Pick your time. If the store's busy, you're less likely to succeed.

2.    Don't go for someone too junior - they've no discretion - or someone too senior, as they've no time. A supervisor is great.

3.    If it's already discounted, even just on sale, the door is open to reductions, so why not ask?

4.    If it's the last one left, offer to "help them clear their shelves for restocking".

5.    If it was on sale, but that's ended, you know they're willing to accept that price.

6.    Buy counter-seasonal. Barbecues are often easy to haggle on in November.

7.    If they say no to a discount, ask them just to throw something in.

8.    Spot flaws in products to massively boost haggle power.

9.    Play stores off against each other.

10.    Be friendly, but firm. You're more likely to get a result if the staff member empathises with you.

11.    See if they'll give a discount if you get a warranty. You've a cooling-off period after to cancel it.

Full haggling guide

Do you haggle on the high street?  What’s the best discount you have achieved? Let us know by leaving a comment below.