It’s no longer a hassle to haggle
BUYERS' MARKET: Start haggling well before you go abroad. There are huge gains to be made
So how are your haggling skills coming along? Five months into a recession where no price is set in stone, they should be close to cast-iron by now. All savvy globe-hoppers know that the only way to get through these testing economic times is to refuse to pay full whack for anything, or at least make sure you get a handful of perks thrown in each time you travel.
But as a nation, our haggling skills leave a lot to be desired. A recent survey claimed we had the worst noses for a bargain in Europe. It seems we're just too shy to assert ourselves when it comes to saving money.
Our next-door neighbours, who have clearly relaxed their stiff upper lips in the name of financial survival, put us to shame in the poll by the website, hotels.com.
With their economy in freefall, it found that one in four British travellers demanded a discount on their last break, saving themselves an average of almost €50 per holiday.
British bargain-hunters have become so adept at knocking down prices, they're no longer restricting the practice to souvenir shopping, but are now hustling for car hire, taxi, restaurant meals and hotel upgrades.
How undignified, you might sniff, but they're the ones laughing all the way to the bank. Remember, hotels are crying out for your custom.
Night after night, their beds lie empty, their restaurants bare. This year alone, it’s forecast that one Irish hotel will close a week. The sensible ones who will survive are quietly suggesting that negotiating is now acceptable. I spoke to a manager of one of the country's plushest properties last week who claimed he was more than willing to give latitude on prices and upgrades to those shrewd enough to ask. I know one business traveller who hinted to one of her regular haunts that she might be moving her loyalties elsewhere.
Not only have her rates been reduced, she's given a free spa treatment of her choice every time she stays.
A reporter put the haggle theory to the test on London's Ritz last week. The conversation went as follows:
Reporter: “I'd like to book a room.”
Receptionist: “We have a deluxe for £420 [€468].”
Reporter: “That sounds nice but, you see, it's a little more than, er…” Receptionist: “No problem, sir, I understand. Is it for a special occasion?”
Reporter: “Um, just a treat, really.”
Receptionist: “Well, that's a special occasion. We'd be happy to let you have it for the price of the next grade down, which is £330 [€368].”
One hundred euros off before he even asked!
So next time you're making a booking, play the poor mouth, suggest you can get more for less elsewhere and feign disappointment when the price sounds too high.
What's the worst thing that can happen?
They can only say no, but the chances are, it will be a yes.
