If you don't like the price, ask for another

Want a discount? Be persistent and ask nicely, says Ruth Jackson. Plus, four more money saving tips - and one warning.

Want to get some amazing discounts? Try persistence and just asking nicely. The Observer's Laura Potter managed to achieve a £51 saving on an iPod just by lingering in the store. "I looked longingly at the £149.99 iPod Nano until a staff member asked whether he could help." When she asked how much she could get it for, he said £110. A bit more lingering elicited a reduction to £100. Then when Potter said she would be paying with a debit card, the price was brought down again to £98.

Cut your train fare by phone

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.