Self-conscious Brits are literally too embarrassed to barter – losing them hundreds of pounds per year in holiday costs, according to a study.
Researchers found the main reasons for not wanting to haggle include embarrassment (46 percent), not wanting to appear rude (41 percent) and thinking it socially unacceptable (30 percent).
A huge 80 percent admitted they have never tried to barter a price down abroad, while 46 percent feel uncomfortable haggling for money off items in the UK.
Two-thirds of the 2,000 people polled would never attempt to barter on the price of a holiday.
Another 40 percent wouldn’t haggle for a car, and seven in ten said there’s no chance they’re asking for money off a hotel room.
Adrian Murdock from hotel bookings site justhooit.com, which commissioned the research, said: "We live by the words: "don’t ask, don’t get" – hotels will listen to sensible offers and Brits are losing out on millions of pounds a year because they’re afraid to ask."
The study also found a quarter of Brits don’t even know how to negotiate, and 26 percent report feeling afraid of rejection.
But 26 percent would be happier to haggle abroad than in the UK, as 58 percent admit it feels more "customary".
While one in three said it’s because no one knows who they are.
However, six in ten of those polled, via OnePoll, would feel much more inclined to barter in an environment where it was encouraged.
Mr Murdock, for hoo, added: "With hoo you can make up to three offers to the same hotel for the same booking request in any 24-hour period. The hotel can also send you a counter-offer at any time.
"The point is – time is precious for everyone, and hoo helps both sides get to the right price as quickly as possible."
