How to Haggle Like a Pro – A Modern Guide to Scoring Better Deals

Learn how to haggle effectively with these modern negotiation tips. Save money on everything from marketplace finds to big purchases.

“What’s your best price, and what can you throw in for free?”

Naturally, as a teenager, when dad haggled, we found him terminally embarrassing, as in we could totally die of embarrassment.

Maybe it was his Scottish heritage (my tiny Celtic nan could squeeze pennies like a giant crushing rocks), or maybe it was working as a used-car salesman in the 70s (complete with sideburns and brown corduroy bellbottoms).

Whatever it was, Dad could talk down the toughest salesman to get the best deal possible, and it usually included an exchange of his homebrew as part of the negotiations.

Tell him he’s dreamin’, son!” The Castle

You can haggle on pretty much any consumer good. I had a friend who would ask for a discount on clothes if they had a mark on them or loose threads.

I’ve negotiated a discount at Big W when a book I wanted was the last one on the shelf, and it was damaged.

If the thought of haggling makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: modern haggling isn’t about being pushy or loud.

It’s about asking the right questions, respectfully, and potentially saving yourself thousands of dollars over time.

Yes, People Still Haggle (It Just Looks Different Now)

Where haggling is alive and well:

• Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree
• Appliance stores like Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi
• Car yards
• Private trades and contractors
• Phone, internet, and insurance providers (though now it’s often via chat or email)
• Banks (I negotiated down my mortgage repayment – it never hurts to ask!)
• Price matching at most large stores

If you find a competitor’s lower price on the same in-stock item, we’ll beat it by 10%!

If you’re Australian, you know exactly what store that slogan comes from – you sang the next line in your head, don’t try to deny it. 😝

However, a study by Finder shows that 2 out of 3 Australians feel uncomfortable about haggling and don’t do it. This is even more true for younger generations, who are less comfortable with haggling compared to the over-65s.

That means we can end up paying hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more than we need to, especially on expensive items like cars.

Can’t face an in-person negotiation? No worries. These days, you can negotiate prices through:

• Online chat support
• Email
• Phone calls
• Comparison screenshots
• Price-matching requests

But it’s worth noting that learning the skill of negotiation in person is empowering. It’s not always easy, but it’s a life skill worth having under your belt.

Here’s how to haggle effectively without being smarmy.

1. Do Your Research First

Before negotiating on price, know your stuff:

• Compare prices across different stores (both online and physical)
• Factor in delivery costs when comparing online prices
• Research product features so you know exactly what you need
• Look for bundle opportunities, such as accessories and warranties.

Modern tech means the power dynamic has shifted from the seller in favour of the buyer. We have more knowledge with which to negotiate – or just find a better deal somewhere else.

Knowing the price range for your product from various stores gives you an idea of a reasonable asking price. You don’t want to ask an insultingly low price.

Remember, online businesses don’t have to cover store costs and staff wages, etc., so it’s not always possible to price match online prices. You’re paying a premium for having the item immediately available.

2. Set (and Stick to) Your Budget

Do you need bells and whistles?

It’s easy to be swayed by extras you don’t need if the salesperson (or copywriter) is doing a good job. So to save money, it’s important to armour yourself against charm with research and a budget.

• Decide your maximum spend before you start
• Know which features you actually need (versus nice-to-haves)
• Keep your maximum budget to yourself
• Have a walk-away price in mind

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3. Build a Friendly Rapport (In-Person Strategy)

Think of haggling as a respectful dance between two people. The salesperson wants to make a sale; you want a good deal. Everyone can win here:

• Smile and use their name
• Let them tell you about the products
• Show genuine interest
• Keep the conversation light and friendly

These are the exact strategies salespeople are taught to sell you stuff, so use the tactics to maybe gain a discount! It’s not about being demanding and aggressive. 

Listening to their sales spiel is not only polite, you might be able to bag an unexpected bargain. There may be floor stock or out-of-date models that suit your needs perfectly and come at a better price than expected.

4. You Never Know Unless You Ask (In-Person, Phone, Online)

While you don’t want to haggle too soon, you don’t get a bargain if you never ask.

A 2015 American Consumer Report revealed that 87% of those who tried to negotiate prices were successful. That’s a huge success rate and well worth the ask.

“What’s the best price you can give me?”

Eight little words that can potentially save you hundreds each year.

This is the exact question I asked my bank when negotiating my mortgage interest rate. A lower interest rate saved us thousands!

The banks know that I can refinance somewhere else, and they earn more if I stay.

I’ve also done the same thing when renewing my insurance policies. First, I shop around and compare prices, then I call my current insurer to see if they can match the price.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t – different companies are more likely to price match than others.

Just remember, businesses can say no, as well. If they do, say thank you, be friendly, and be prepared to walk away.

Here’s your haggling toolkit (use what feels comfortable):

For the Confident:

• ‘What’s your best price on this?’
• ‘Is that as low as you can go?’
• ‘Can you match [competitor’s] price?’
• ‘This product has a flaw. Can you give me a discount?’
• ‘Do you offer a discount for cash?’

For the Introverted:

• ‘I’ll need to think about it…’ (then pause)
• ‘I’m also looking at [competitor]…’

For Online Negotiations:

• Screenshot competitor prices
• ‘Hi, I love this item. Do you offer any flexibility on price?’
• ‘Would you consider including [extra item] at this price?’

Silence is also a good haggling tactic. People rush to fill uncomfortable silences – they may fill them with a better offer.

‘I can sell it for $350.‘

Hmmm

‘Ok, $330 is as low as I can go.‘

It doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does.

5. Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes the best negotiating tool is your feet:

• Be prepared to leave if the price isn’t right
• Give yourself permission to ‘think about it’, particularly useful for higher-priced items
• Remember: there’s usually another opportunity around the corner

You can leave yourself the option of coming back to purchase. Just tell the salesperson you need to think about it or shop around.

You don’t need sideburns and the gift of the gab to successfully negotiate. Modern haggling is simply about being informed, respectful, and brave enough to ask for a better deal.

The worst they can say is no — and you’d be amazed how often they say yes.

Next time you’re making a purchase, try one of these haggling techniques – you might surprise yourself with how much you can save. Even a simple “What’s your best price?” could put hundreds back in your pocket.