is it acceptable to negotiate with tradespeople, suppliers?

[irregularegular]

We never do, but I'm wondering if we should.

Just got a quote from local independent carpet shop. It seems high but we would quite like to use them. We've used them at least once before.

Can we just say, this seems a bit high, can you lower it at all? I think I might be too embarrassed, but I could probably manage it in an e-mail

[Tatlerer]

Absolutely! The independents are the best to negotiate with- they know their margins and no having to adhere to some kind of chain policy etc.
I recently negotiated with an independent bathroom retailer/showroom and got a reduction of 35% in the end!
You simply have to state that the price is more than you're looking to pay- so what can they do on it? And take it from there.

[Tatlerer]

Oh and irregularregular, you're going to have to bite the bullet and do it face to face! Nothing to be embarrassed about.