Is it ever okay to ask for discounts in shops?

On Lunchtime Live today, the owner of The Fashion Shop in Galway, Caroline McCarthy, said she thinks it's okay when a regular of hers asks – but not a one-off customer.

She believes asking for a discount is a “power thing” for some people who want to get one over on a small business owner.

Ms McCarthy also questioned why people rarely ask large retailers for money off their purchases.

“It’s so ironic they would ask for a discount in my little shop and they wouldn’t dare ask one of the big retailers,” she said.

“They’d be laughed out the door there as it’s just not done, but for some reason, they feel they have the power and can ask you [a small business owner] for a discount and that you have to give it to them.

“I don’t think it’s very fair and I always ask in my own head, ‘Would you ask for a discount at X shop down the town and it’s always no.’”

'Power thing'

Ms McCarthy said it was “like a little power thing” for some people.

“They feel that if they are buying something in your shop, they’re entitled to something off it, even if it’s the smallest amount,” she said.

“We might have an item for €45.50 and they’d just ask us to knock off the 50c – what difference is that for them?

“I think it’s a psychological thing for people who do ask.”

A stall selling trousers in London, UK. Image: Matthew Ashmore / Alamy

Ms McCarthy said it can be difficult for small businesses to provide discounts.

“It does impact the bottom line, all these ad hoc discounts,” she said.

“We do have sales throughout the year and we’re happy to give discounts then.

“But with new stock and new items, we can’t afford to give discounts.”

Should we ask for a discount in shops?

Fashion stylist and journalist Laura Mullet said “there’s no harm putting yourself out there” and asking for a discount on occasion.

“I think we can use a little bit of tact to understand the place and time and if it’s fair to ask,” she said.

“There’s some rush and it’s a little bit therapeutic, it takes the edge away when you can get 10% off here and there.

“It can be a way for smaller retailers to reward loyalty and hold onto their customer base.”

'Horribly uncomfortable'

Kerrith in Dublin said asking for a discount makes her feel “horribly uncomfortable”.

“If you’re comfortable and it doesn’t matter to you to ask, and you don’t mind if someone says no – go for it,” she said.

“I just feel terrible and can’t do it, but some people do have the confidence to do it.

“What I tend to do with big ticket items is tell people what my budget is and ask if they can make it work.”

You can listen back here:

Main image: A woman is handed her purchases from a shop owner. Image: Visuals Stock / Alamy Stock Photo