Bargaining with a Shopkeeper

bargain

To discuss a price to make it lower; a good deal.

• I want to bargain for a lower price.
• Can we bargain about the price?
• This shirt is a bargain at five dollars.

discount

A reduction in the usual price of something.

• Is there a discount on this bag?
• The store is offering a ten percent discount.
• I got a discount on my shoes.

❌ Just saying a low number without asking first.

✅ Always ask politely, 'Can you make it [number]?' or 'Is there a discount?'

Starting with a polite question is more respectful and effective. It shows you are interested in a friendly negotiation, not just demanding a lower price.

❌ Using 'cheap' instead of 'low price.'

✅ Say 'That is a bit expensive' or 'Can you give me a better price?'

'Cheap' can sound rude when talking about someone's goods. It's better to say the price is 'expensive' or ask for a 'better price'.

negotiate

To discuss something to come to an agreement, especially on a price.

• Would you be willing to negotiate on the price?
• We can negotiate the final price.
• They negotiated for hours on the contract.

budget

An amount of money you have available to spend on something.

• This is a bit out of my budget.
• I have a budget of fifty dollars for a gift.
• We need to plan our travel budget carefully.

❌ Saying 'I want a discount.'

✅ Use a more polite phrase, like 'Would you be willing to negotiate?'

This shows a higher level of English and is more respectful. It sounds less like a demand and more like a polite inquiry, which is better for building a good relationship with the shopkeeper.

❌ Not justifying your offer.

✅ Give a reason, like 'That's a bit out of my budget' or 'That's the highest I can go.'

Giving a reason for your offer makes your request more reasonable and gives the shopkeeper a better understanding of your situation. It shows you are serious about buying the item.

competitive

A price that is low compared to other prices in the market.

• I was hoping you might be able to offer a more competitive price.
• This store has competitive prices.
• We need to make our prices more competitive.

flexibility

The ability to change or adapt easily.

• Thank you for your flexibility on the price.
• This job requires a lot of flexibility.
• The hotel showed great flexibility with our check-in time.

❌ Starting with a very low offer without context.

✅ Offer a reason for your low price, like mentioning you're a 'frequent shopper' or are 'interested in several other items.'

Giving a good reason for your offer makes it sound more reasonable and professional. It shows you're not just trying to take advantage of the shopkeeper but are looking for a fair deal based on your relationship or interest in multiple items.

❌ Being too rigid and not accepting a counteroffer.

✅ Use phrases like 'Understood' or 'I think I can work with that' to show you are willing to compromise.

Negotiation is a give-and-take process. By acknowledging the shopkeeper's counteroffer and showing flexibility, you are more likely to come to a successful agreement. This is a key part of advanced communication and negotiation skills.