For some people it just comes naturally, for others we get too embarrassed.

But being a good haggler can save you a lot of money in these tough times. Our brothers are both great hagglers. They will bargain on virtually everything and more often than not will succeed in getting a better price.

Their philosophy is that you’ve got nothing to lose and they retailer can just say no.

But they both say there is an etiquette and strategy to successful bargaining.

. Do Your Research

The better informed you are about the market for what you’re buying, the more confident you’ll be when negotiating. Many stores promise they’ll never be undersold on price but you need to know what the competition is offering so you can keep them to their promise.

Check the catalogues of other retailers to see what they’re offering, go online and research store websites or visit some of the comparative shopping sites and eBay.

For example, compare mobile phone plans online to find the best deal. Websites such as www.phonechoice.com.au can calculate your monthly mobile phone costs, based on the calls and messages you make, and tell you what plans will save you the most money each month.

Sites like carsales.com.au list thousands of car prices and is a great comparison shopping site.

. Build a rapport

Remember you’re negotiating with another human being and they’re more likely to give you a better deal quicker if they take a shine to you.

So be nice, be friendly and any negotiation should be done in a good natured way. If you’re aggressive the salesperson is likely to stick their heels and be combative back to prove a point.

No-one likes a bully.

. Don’t rush

Take your time. Give the salesperson time to go through their sales speel so they feel you have all information to make a decision. It’s part of the ritual.

Once the salesperson has gone through their pitch, ask questions and then reveal your knowledge about the product, why you want it and the prices of other retailers.

It’s a sort of signal to the salesperson that while you appreciate their position, you’ve done your homework as well and you want to talk turkey.

. Match the haggling to the item.

The bigger and more expensive the item the more the haggle the room. Sure you haggle over buying a candle and save a couple of bucks but the big savings are on the more expensive end.

Ask for a discount when you’re buying big-ticket items like televisions, fridges and sofas … especially if you’re paying cash or offering to take a display item. Start by offering 20 per cent less and see if you can negotiate a 10 per cent discount. That would be $100 off a $1,000 sofa. Not bad.

With cars, when you have decided on the model call different dealers selling that car and ask for their best price. Next walk into a dealership, tell them the lowest price you’ve been quoted and ask if they can beat it. Local dealers may give you a better deal because they’ll hope to get your car service business too. You’ll also get a good price if the car is in stock and you’re prepared to buy it that month.

. Get the timing right

Go shopping at the end of the month. The financial crisis is encouraging people to spend less and that’s really hurting retailers. Many stores are struggling to meet monthly sales targets. They may offer better discounts at the end of the month to boost their sales and reach their budgets.

Research shows you can save up to 20 percent on the supermarket bill by shopping on a Friday. Supermarkets get lots of fresh food in for the weekend and offer the best specials of the week.

. Don’t forget the extras

It’s not just all about price, remember the add-ons can be valuable as well. If the salesperson just won’t budge on price ask if they’ll throw in sheets with the bed or free installation of the home theatre system or free servicing of the car for a year.

. Have fun

Don’t be intimidated and enjoy the experience. Any good salesperson will be expecting some bargaining and will already have been given “wriggle room” on the price by their boss.

They’ll also be expecting you to ask for a cheaper price if you’re paying cash rather than credit card.

The ideal outcome is you being happy with the price of the purchase and the salesperson being happy with the sale. And, of course, promise to come back and be a good future customer.