Ask for a Discount, Just to Practise
Thirty-two ways to ask for a discount just to practise, a playful way to get comfortable hearing no.
Haggling is a skill. Practise politely.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Rejection Proof (Jia Jiang), Grit (Angela Duckworth), The Obstacle Is the Way (Ryan Holiday), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Ask for a discount just to practise
Asking for a discount is a safe way to train your voice. The worst outcome is a polite no, and the best is real savings. Either way, your comfort with asking grows.
Pick a place where you can ask politely this week.
Choose the right places
Local markets, small shops and service businesses often have room to negotiate. Large chains with fixed prices usually do not.
Visit a place where haggling is normal.
Be polite and relaxed
A friendly tone works best. Smile and speak slowly.
Practise the tone.
Use a simple phrase
“Is there any flexibility on the price?” is short, polite and common.
Memorise it.
Ask, then wait
After you ask, stay quiet. Silence gives them space to answer. Do not rush to fill it.
Count to five.
Offer a reason
“I’m buying two” or “I’m paying in cash” gives a reason to discount.
Prepare a reason.
Ask about bundles
Ask if buying several items lowers the price.
Try it.
Ask about seasonal sales
Ask when the next sale is. You may get an early deal.
Ask politely.
Ask about loyalty perks
Many shops have member discounts.
Ask what they offer.
Ask about open-box items
Ask if there are slightly used or display items.
Request them.
Ask about price matching
Some stores will match a competitor’s price.
Bring evidence.
Ask about fees
Ask whether a fee can be waived, such as a late fee or delivery charge.
Be courteous.
Ask subscription services
Ask for a better rate before cancelling.
Call and ask.
Ask for an upgrade
Ask for a better seat, room or size when it’s free.
Smile.
Be fair
Never demand or insult. Respect the seller’s work.
Be kind.
Be ready for no
Say, “No problem, thank you for your time.” A graceful exit keeps the relationship.
Practise your goodbye.
Notice your feelings
Notice nerves and embarrassment. They fade with practice.
Rate your nerves.
Celebrate a no
Mark it as practice completed. You asked!
Tick it off.
Celebrate a yes
Enjoy the saving, but remember the point is practice.
Smile.
Track results
Count asks, yeses and savings.
Create a tally.
Scene: a street market
Ask for a better price on two items.
Be friendly.
Scene: a hotel
Ask for a late checkout or room change.
Ask at the desk.
Scene: a restaurant
Ask for a small perk, like a free side for a group.
Be polite.
Scene: a clothing shop
Ask if there’s any discount on a slightly flawed item.
Point it out kindly.
Scene: an online shop
Use chat support to ask for a promo code.
Write a short message.
Scene: a service provider
Ask if there’s a better rate for a long-term contract.
Ask early.
Scene: a gym
Ask about a trial or joining deal.
Compare offers.
Scene: a mechanic
Ask whether a service can be bundled.
Ask clearly.
Scene: a landlord
Ask whether a small rent change is possible for a longer lease.
Prepare facts.
Scene: a phone provider
Ask for the best current deal for loyal customers.
Call and ask.
Know your limits
Do not push in places where prices are fixed or where it would be unfair.
Respect norms.
Know the culture
Haggling is normal in some places and rude in others. Learn the local customs.
Observe first.
Be fair to small sellers
Support small businesses; ask gently and pay fairly.
Be considerate.
Use the saved money well
Treat yourself or give to a cause.
Choose.
Use it as practice
The saving is a bonus; the habit is the prize.
Focus on practice.
Practise with a friend
Role-play before going out.
Rehearse.
Reflect afterwards
Write what you learned about asking.
Write three lines.
Repeat monthly
Make it a habit.
Set a reminder.
Share your tips
Teach others.
Tell a friend.
Close with a smile
Say, “It never hurts to ask kindly.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“Is there any flexibility on the price?”
“Could you do a little better?”
“If I take two, is there a deal?”
“Thank you for checking.”
“No problem, I understand.”
“I appreciate your help.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Choose a safe setting
Be polite
Ask for a small discount
Wait quietly
Accept the answer
Thank them
Notice how it felt
Further reading
- Rejection Proof (Jia Jiang)
- Grit (Angela Duckworth)
- The Obstacle Is the Way (Ryan Holiday)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Handling Rejection”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Make Small Asks Every DayNext: Laugh When You Hear No →
- Rejection Feels Like Physical Pain, Here Is Why
- It Is Information, Not an Insult
- Most Noes Are Not About You
- The Stories You Tell Yourself After a No
- Separate Who You Are From What Happened
- Why Everyone Gets Rejected
- The Cost of Never Asking
- Breathe Before You React
- Allow Five Minutes to Feel It
- Shake It Out and Reset
- Do Not Reply While Hurt
- Talk to a Friend, Not a Mirror
- Write the Facts, Not the Fear
- Take a Short Walk
- Ask What You Can Learn
- Request Feedback Without Fear
- Spot the Pattern Across Your Noes
- Fix One Thing at a Time
- Keep a Rejection Log
- Turn a No Into a Better Try
- Celebrate Asking, Not Just Winning
- Rejection After a Job Interview
- Rejection in Dating
- When a Friend Pulls Away
- Rejection of Your Ideas at Work
- Rejection of Your Creative Work
- When You Are Left Out
- Rejection by Someone You Love
- The Hundred-Noes Challenge
- Make Small Asks Every Day
- Ask for a Discount, Just to Practise
- Laugh When You Hear No
- Say Thank You After a No
- Ask Again in a New Way
- Stories of Famous People Who Heard No
- Protect Your Confidence
- Stay Kind When You Reject Others
- Do Not Burn Bridges
- Build Resilience Slowly
- Your Personal Rejection Plan
