Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

I went shopping with a Greek work mate of mine. I was surprised how the white goods he bought - which were for his investment property - were all haggled down. He didn't drive large bargains - more just said 'what's the best price you can give me' 'hmmm not to sure about that' etc

The salesmen were happy to give him a little off.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Have to add, don't expect really pushy salesmen like the ones you might find in a bazaar.

They are mostly like the spotty teenager in the Simpson's who pops up in the Krusty burger.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

I've never really thought about it before - but I definitely wouldn't use the term 'haggle'.

Remember, this isn't India!!

You definitely don't make deals on prices when doing your regular shopping, but when buying bigger household things some degree of bargaining usually takes place.

And I wouldn't say this is a Melbourne trait.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

No it's not just Melbourne.

I tend to start with "Does that price include delivery" & go from there. Hated it the first couple of times, but OK with it now.

We bought a couple of bikes in BigW that were already reduced and got a bit more off both because we bought both & said that we would also get the accessories in there....it wasn't difficult.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Fair point...I was thinking more of haggling in the day to day sense (like you see in eastern europe/india/china), not so much for big ticket purchases which seems to be what everyones talking about here. And you're right, I was only there on holiday, so Im not trying to suggest that Im definitely right. Just putting it out there.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Yea - you don't get the 'bazaar' style of haggling no. Although there are parts of Wollongong where I'm prepared to admit that anything could (and probably does) happen ...

:D

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Oh my god - Brits really could do with some training in this - haggling is really scary - we darent even tell owners of restaurants if the food was crap - perhaps somebody should become a professional haggler and train us brits in becoming confident in doing it - ah I hate that sort of thing!!!! - perhaps thats why i'm always getting ripped off :lol:

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

I hate haggling - I'm crap in tourist markets, and usually stop way short of the best price on the assumption that I can afford that extra dollar more easily than the vendor can - but as per a lot of the above advice, it's really easy to do here for big ticket items. Just don't think of it as "haggling" with its negative connotations.

You're so right about the complaints thing :lol: I'm quite rare in that I will complain, or at least politely register my disappointment, and have been known to leave off the service charge if it was really bad. Had to laugh at my Dad-in-law a couple of months ago when he took us to his new favourite restaurant in Wiltshire and was really disappointed with the food - and was justified, as it was awful. He kept apologising to us for it not being up to the usual standard but, when the waitress asked if everything was ok, said, "yes, thanks, great".

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Just start off simply and memorise this phrase - 'What is your best cash price on this item?' If you have in your hand an individual BabyBell cheese they're likely to think you're bonkers, but if you are holding a hair dryer, an electric toothbrush or an iPod they will walk up to a computer, tap tap tap away a couple of times, and immediatley knock about 10% off the price. Yes, it really is that simple.

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Just thinking about Xmas. Every year I haggle for the turkey and usually get something off plus free stuffing. The first year it just happened by accident. The butcher had a really nice looking turkey but I said "it's a bit bigger than what I need". So he offered free stuffing. I (genuinely) umed and ahed and he knocked $20 off as well. I think it helped that it was Xmas eve. :thumbsup:

Totally agree with the comment about Brits not complaining in restaurants. I mentioned this in a thread a while back and was told that I was wrong. Glad to see I haven't completely lost it :D

Re: Is haggling really the norm in Melbourne?
 

Excellent! :rofl:

My kind of place. At Good Guys they only give you a discount.

:rofl: Buzzy