If you grew up in an era where cash was king and price tags were more of a suggestion than a rule, you’ll remember that haggling wasn’t just accepted – it was expected. Today, many Aussies assume those days are gone. But here’s the good news: haggling is alive and well, especially if you know where to try it and how to do it confidently.
Whether you’re buying a new TV at JB Hi-Fi, picking up a second-hand dining set on Facebook Marketplace, or comparing quotes from tradies, you can negotiate. In fact, stores and service providers often expect it.
Here are seven smart and simple ways to haggle in Australia, without feeling pushy or uncomfortable.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask — Especially at JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys
One of the biggest myths in Australian retail is that the price on the shelf is final. At stores like JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, there’s often built-in wiggle room – especially for electronics, appliances, and bundled purchases.
The trick is simple: ask a friendly question rather than make a demand.
Try something like:
“Is that your best price?”
or
“Can you do a little better if I buy today?”
Sales staff at these stores are trained to check competitor pricing and apply discounts on the spot. If you’re buying multiple items, you’re in an even stronger position. A TV and soundbar combo, for example, often unlocks much bigger savings than buying each piece separately.
Pro tip: If you’re comfortable, mention you’re paying with card but would consider paying with direct deposit if they sharpen the deal. The Good Guys especially like this because it saves them on merchant fees.
2. Know the Market Value before you walk in
Haggling is always easier when you’re armed with information.
Before heading to JB Hi-Fi or The Good Guys, spend five minutes checking:
Officeworks
Appliances Online
Bing Lee (if available in your area)
Amazon Australia
Manufacturer websites
If you find a cheaper price, politely show the screenshot and ask if they can match it – or beat it. Most major retailers will go lower if they want the sale.
Knowledge = confidence, and confidence is half the battle when negotiating.
3. Cash isn’t King anymore – but convenience is
Once upon a time, offering cash was the golden ticket. These days, staff won’t care whether you tap a card, swipe a phone, or hand over a pineapple ($50).
What does matter is making the deal as easy as possible:
Buy today
Buy multiple items
Save them time
If they can close the sale quickly, they’re much more likely to offer a discount. Consider it the modern-day equivalent of paying cash.
4. Master the Gentle Art of the Marketplace haggle
Facebook Marketplace has become Australia’s favourite place to buy and sell second-hand goods – and it’s one of the best environments to haggle because prices are often inflated with the expectation of negotiation.
But there’s etiquette involved.
Here’s the key: start with a polite, fair offer – not a lowball.
Something like:
“Hi! Would you consider $80? I can pick up today.”
This does two things:
Shows respect
Offers convenience
If they decline, you can always reply:
“No worries at all – my budget’s around $90 if that helps.”
Adding a few extra dollars keeps the conversation moving.
And here’s the golden rule:
Work quickly. Marketplace buyers are fast, and sellers hate indecision. If you want the item, arrange pickup promptly.
5. With Tradies, it’s not about haggling — it’s about clarity and comparison
Negotiating with tradespeople isn’t like haggling over a TV. Tradies often charge based on time, materials, and availability, and pushing too hard can backfire.
But you can still ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Here’s how to haggle respectfully with tradies:
a) Get three quotes
This alone will save you money. Prices can vary wildly for the same work.
b) Ask for a breakdown
“Can you send the quote with labour and materials listed separately?”
This gives you transparency and clues about where you may have room to negotiate.
c) Mention competing quotes – gently
“Another quote came in around $X. Is there any flexibility on your end?”
You’re not demanding; you’re opening the door.
d) Offer flexibility
Tradies often discount if you say:
“I’m happy to work around your availability.”
“If you get a cancellation, I’ll take the spot.”
Idle time costs them money. You’re helping them fill it.
e) Pay promptly
Tradies love customers who settle invoices quickly. If you’re willing to pay on completion instead of weeks later, you may get a better price.
6. Use Silence as Your Secret Weapon
This is one of the oldest negotiation tricks – and it still works beautifully.
After asking:
“Any chance you can sharpen the price a little?”
Just… pause.
Smile.
Wait.
People naturally fill silence. Sales staff often jump in with a discount to keep the energy flowing.
It feels awkward at first, but it works wonders.
7. Don’t chase the lowest price – chase the Best Value
This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the cheapest option ends up being the most expensive.
For example:
A $300 washing machine that dies in three years isn’t cheaper than a $600 one that lasts a decade.
The cheapest tradie may be cutting corners.
Marketplace bargains can cost more if they need repairs.
Haggling isn’t just about getting the lowest price – it’s about getting the best overall deal.
If you save money upfront and get better long-term value, you’ve negotiated well.
Final Word
Haggling doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, confrontational or awkward. At its core, it’s simply a conversation – one where you kindly ask for a better deal. And in today’s cost-of-living climate, every little saving helps.
Whether you’re buying new gadgets at JB Hi-Fi, scouring Marketplace for bargains, or lining up tradies to fix the gutters, a few simple negotiation techniques can save you hundreds – even thousands – of dollars every year.
And remember:
The worst they can say is no.
But the best?
A few hundred dollars back in your pocket.
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