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

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.

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