Is it embarrassing to ask for a discount?

[mickeyfartpants]

In the example of the workplace, ie trying to ensure a discount for something like, say, registration for an event? Or a discount for repeat business? Or perhaps if you have a good working relationship with another company, there may be some leeway on their rate?

I don't mean going in to Greggs and trying to get 10p off a sausage roll.

A colleague mentioned that he thought it was and I found that as I thought it was just business?

No that's business that is.

I thought so! I am now thinking back to all the times I have said "leeway on your rate" to another company and cringe that he was judging me!

No this is standard practice (assuming that you're not taking the piss).

It's standard. I cringe having to do it though.

With suppliers I have a relationship with or brand new suppliers I always ask for their best possible price / any movement on that (price) / any discount for bulk?
Relatively new suppliers I have recently negotiated price with I don't barter with for 6 + months depending on trading history as I hit them at the outset, also long established suppliers I do not haggle with unless it is a large order as I already have good rates.

Purchasing needs a little cheek, it's how you ask, be prepared to take list price with good grace, and use your judgement in how far you can push. I have had a supplier call me back and offer me a job as 'I could save him lots of money' (only partially tongue in cheek)

It also helps that I have I high cringe threshold, what's the worst that can happen, they say no. In reality how is that embarrassing?
Getting the best price is doing your job well, sales people can make variations on prices (not all granted) what do you have to loose?

If you work in any purchasing, and also sales, negotiating prices and contracts is a huge part of the role. Whether it is stationary or raw materials, standard or luxury goods, hotel rooms or car hire. Our purchasing/sales people regularly go on courses, team days, conferences etc for negotiating skills. If you are doing this regularly try to get yourself on a course to feel more comfortable with it. All part of business.

I ask for discounts/price breaks and haggle for best price on everything I have to purchase for business whether it is stock, advertising or exhibition space at shows

And I hold out to get best price on everything I sell when customers want a discount, it's all about knowing where the balance is and getting as much as some one will give whilst taking as much as you can get

No need to find it embarrassing at all

Totally! Don't ask..don't get! Discount for cash, discount for bulk, exclusivity (thanks The Apprentice!) it's just business.
But no never try it on food/drinks/little local shops, if I need a discount there I use groupon.

always ask for a discount!! Most of the time you will get it.

A week before my grandad passed away, a relative started work at a funeral parlour. My ill and ageing (and now much missed!) grandad heard about her new job and said "oh good - we can get a discount"! Needless to say she got 20% off the funeral cost when he passed away only a week later...!

I always ask for discounts, but like above if it's a regular supplier, I don't pester them every time.

I know companies who know who the people are who always ask for -expect- a discount, and needless to say their list price is higher than those who ask once a year an negotiate rates etc, so by the time person who always wants a discount every week gets their discount they are paying the same...

Definitely fine to ask politely but it can get cringy when its expected or pushed for

I needed 2 new tyres, took the car into a garage I'd never been to before, was given a price, asked if there was anything they could offer as I was buying 2, ended up getting them £30 cheap.

I also got an extra £15 off something in the elc (ex display, already on offer, had been in the shop for a month)

Not to mention the £££ off used cars.

Don't ask - don't get.

It's just business I do it all the time as I work for NHS and you can get discounts in some places. As a divorcee working and on tax credits money is tight so tbh I couldn't care less if others don't like it. My exh used to get embarrassed though as if it was a sign of lack of money or status. Twat!!

DP thinks it's very embarrassing but I don't

Yes, I do it at work- asking for a random number helps too weirdly

I feel vindicated! Thank you! When he said it was embarrassing I thought, OMG maybe I have totally misjudged this whole situation and he's aiming his comment at me!

I try and get discounts for poor service too, have had a few instances where we have had money off/returned. We have a small budget so I see it as essential.

Definitely always ask. I negotiate most of my invoices (if I say what type of product I will out myself immediately). Most give a discount, or offer a multi-year term, or hold the price from the previous year.

My favourite supplier is the one who says "is a six per cent increase this year okay?". Answer is always no, obviously (even if I have budgeted for that exact increase!)