MSE survey shows Homebase is the top store to haggle in

Homebase is the best high street store to haggle in, according to new research from MoneySavingExpert.com which shows haggling really does work on UK high streets.

73% of MoneySavers who bartered over price managed to get discounts at the DIY giant, according to responses to our poll.

The poll also reveals Currys/PC World and B&Q are receptive to haggling, with over 70% of those who tried to negotiate on price bagging a discount.

The figures, based on responses from over 4,000 people, debunk the popular belief that haggling only works in exotic markets and bazaars.

Big-ticket items, such as furniture, electricals, cars and digital equipment, are easier to haggle on.

In some cases, haggling's even built into company policies. One former employee of a large DIY store told us they'd been told to offer a 10% discount if anyone asked for one.

We polled 4,270 MoneySavers, only 1,810 of whom asked for discounts, to find which shops the hagglers has most success in. Big-name chains where they revealed over 50% success rates included John Lewis, Homebase and Debenhams. These high success rates show you could be throwing cash away by not haggling.

Retail chain and success rate (1)
1. Homebase - 73%
2. Currys/ PC World - 71%
3. B&Q - 70%
4= John Lewis - 61%
4= Wickes - 61%
6. TK Maxx - 60%
7. Tesco - 57%
8. Debenhams - 54%
9. Sainsbury's - 52%
10. Asda - 51%

4,274 people were polled - only retailers where at least 100 people attempted to haggle are included. (1) Of those who tried. Figures are rounded, but order is correct.

Source : Tim Heap - MoneySavingExpert.com
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