Discount asking

[craig12]

im often asked what the best price I can do an item for I sell at £50 or so or will you take £40 for it , I just wondered why a sole trader one man business is asked for a discout , but the supermarket you frequent and spend £4000-£7000 per year you never ask for a discount 

[Happ]

You being the proprietor have the authority to make that decision. A checkout girl at Morrisons does not. I suppose you could ask, but the answer will always be “no”.  

[Waldo]

Also a reputation issue. If big stores start offering discounts to those who haggle, it will only encourage more people to haggle. That is worse for them than losing a discounted, but otherwise still profitable sale.

 

The dynamics may be different for smaller traders.

[Lockdoctor]

Television programs  like Bargain Hunt encourage the general public to haggle for goods from small traders. 

[ivan edake]

Haggle on everything you buy.Big stores will haggle,especially large electrical dealers,car dealers,phone shops etc.Also don't forget to haggle with your TV,phone or broadband provider and the motoring organisations.Even if they don't come down on price they will chuck in an extended warranty or a freebie of some kind.You have nothing to lose by having a go.

[helloitsonly]

always ask for discount and nearly always get it, even in brand stores if you are buying multiple items. small traders want the sale even if the profit is reduced a  sale is a sale.

if you dont ask you dont get.

[Happ]

16 minutes ago, ivan edake said:

Haggle on everything you buy.Big stores will haggle,especially large electrical dealers,car dealers,phone shops etc.Also don't forget to haggle with your TV,phone or broadband provider and the motoring organisations.Even if they don't come down on price they will chuck in an extended warranty or a freebie of some kind.You have nothing to lose by having a go.

 

3 minutes ago, helloitsonly said:

always ask for discount and nearly always get it, even in brand stores if you are buying multiple items. small traders want the sale even if the profit is reduced a  sale is a sale.

if you dont ask you dont get.

The original post referred to supermarkets. You would not be haggling with the checkout staff or management when buying a loaf of bread from Tesco. 

[craig12]

25 minutes ago, Happ said:

 

The original post referred to supermarkets. You would not be haggling with the checkout staff or management when buying a loaf of bread from Tesco. 

none of you answered the question , why don't you ask for a discount when you spend potentially £4000-£10000 per annum , in a supermarket , youd ask a car salesman , or luxury watch dealer , 

[PRESLEY]

I think its cheeky to haggle.  If you dont like the price, take your hook.

[Robin-H]

35 minutes ago, craig12 said:

none of you answered the question , why don't you ask for a discount when you spend potentially £4000-£10000 per annum , in a supermarket , youd ask a car salesman , or luxury watch dealer , 

The question was answered. 

 

People working the checkout in supermarkets don't have the authority to offer discounts.