Haggle your way to cut price deals

The prowess of the bargain hunter can be measured in small victories. In my case, this adds up to two chickens, a leather sofa and an occasional table.

Retailers are desperate to sell their wares and with the economic downturn, haggling is suddenly a weapon to be used in the battle to bag a bargain. Strolling into a shop or a market, looking a vendor in the eye and naming your price has never been more effective.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but there's no harm in trying. In many cases the ticket price is simply what the retailer wants you to pay; your ticket price might differ somewhat.

Tips abound on how to knock down traders' prices and haggle your way to a bargain, and in my pocket is a bible of bartering from thrift king himself - Martin Lewis of moneysavingexpert.com

In fact, as I go about the businesses of bartering, it's like Martin himself is in my pocket shouting out empowering little wisdoms like "Offer cash", "Always haggle when it's quiet" and "Never lose your temper!"

I'm at Dawley market, early on a Friday morning. As per Martin's suggestion, I get there nice and early as traders are more likely to be amenable to bartering in the absence of a queue.

At butchers E&J Meats it's chickens that take my fancy. The sign says "Two for £6" but of course I don't want to pay that.

I 'um' and I 'ah' and then I reveal my hand: "How about a fiver the pair?"

Butcher James Beasley proffers a smile but he's having none of it. Not yet. I check my pockets and take out a fiver. Let the rabbit see the money - there's another tip.

Eventually James relents with the words "Go on then, two for a fiver" and the chickens are mine. It's little victory number one and as I leave I actually punch the air.

Later James says there is room to manoeuvre on price but in such small quantities the margins are very tight.