I'd like to talk about my maternal aunt, Claire, who is an absolute master when it comes to bargaining. She is in her late forties and works as an estate agent, so I suppose negotiating is practically in her blood, but she applies it to almost every aspect of her everyday shopping.
She tends to haggle for all sorts of goods, though she is particularly lethal at flea markets, antique stalls, and independent electronics shops. Whether she is picking up a vintage lamp, a piece of restored furniture, or even a brand-new television, she flatly refuses to pay the initial asking price.
Her technique is fascinating to watch because she never comes across as aggressive or pushy. Instead, she relies on charm and incredible patience. She will start by building rapport with the shopkeeper, having a friendly chat about the item, and subtly pointing out minor imperfections, like a tiny scratch or outdated wiring. Then, she makes a calm, sensible counter-offer. If the seller hesitates, she simply uses the classic walk-away tactic, and nine times out of ten, they call her back and accept her terms.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings whenever I go shopping with her. On one hand, I find it slightly mortifying because I am the sort of person who just pays whatever is on the price tag to avoid awkwardness. But on the other hand, I genuinely admire her confidence and sharp eye for value. Thanks to her knack for striking a deal, she has saved our family hundreds of pounds over the years, which is hard to argue with.