Everyone likes a good deal, but many of us are too shy to haggle. A new TV programme tests the skills of those who aren't. Steve Pratt reports.

TELEVISION presenter Sam Ross knows a bargain when she sees one. "My skirt was £2, jumper £5 and shoes £24.95 from £90 in the sale," she says with some pride.

It was her ability to spot a bargain that sparked off Tyne Tees Television's new consumer series The Big Deal, beginning tomorrow.

"I just kept going into work and saying, 'I've got so and so deal for my car'," she recalls.

"We put out an appeal on North East Tonight for people who thought they were good hagglers, and the ones we've chosen have all got really good haggling techniques. They all did fantastically well."

The programme takes a different area each week - cars, antiques, furniture, double glazing and health - and tests out two people who think they're great at haggling, to see who can get the most money off.

Miniature, concealed cameras record their progress which is watched and commented on, from a nearby HQ, by producer-presenter Ross and two experts.

"Everyone will love this programme because everyone loves a bargain," says Ross. "Haggling is the way forward. People go on holiday and might have a little haggle with someone in a market. It's a way of life abroad. People are after a good deal so long as they're getting good quality too."

Her own bargaining skills were honed in the Girl Guides, where she earned a thrifty badge for her money-saving ways.

"My parents didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up, so they showed me ways of getting through life and getting good deals," she says.

"Getting a bargain depends on how you are with people. We found when people were friendly and getting to know the person selling them items, they got a better deal. The idea is to keep it friendly and light."

The experts are on hand to judge how the hagglers are doing and to provide tips about getting the best possible deals.

"They give interesting information about the industry," she says. "Our travel expert knew everything there was to know about airports and what you can get thrown in for free.

"We found out that you're always going to get a discount in January. And when Newcastle is playing a game, it's quiet in the shops so that's a good time to go and try to get a bargain.

"You can even haggle over a mortgage. It's a question of shopping around and being aware. The Internet is really good haggling source. Many companies offer a discount if you buy online."

Savings made in the series include a 43 per cent reduction on an antique sideboard.

The production team caught the bargaining bug through making The Big Deal. Afterwards, one haggled over buying a hi-fi system, while another got £5 off the bill for a meal after complaining of the poor service.

Ross herself always starts her Christmas shopping early - buying presents in the sales during the year.

* The Big Deal begins on Tyne Tees Television tomorrow at 5.50pm.

Published: 14/02/2004