My tips -

Decide what you want to pay and your absolute maximum price too. You don't need to let the other party know all of your cards up your sleeves, but if we are vague then others can use this to their advanatage.

I've secured thousands of pounds worth of discounts on hotels and other stuff - I secured rooms at 5 star hotels lower than huge businesses pay : I almost got into trouble for this, as 1 company was infuriated when I did this and paid less than their chief execs, who had their rates secured by their company purchasing dept.

Show yourself as strong and determined. Walk away, or show that you will, if the other side is not willing to come towards you.

'Meet half way' - it's better for the other side to suggest this, as you can then pull them even further down, saying something like 'No, but I could meet you half way between the new offer price and your own previously stated price (whatever that is)'

You can lead them to suggest a half-way point, by saying something like

'So you're saying £30,000 and I'm really wanting to pay £20,000...' Then pause for a long point......

The other side often jumps in and says, 'Well, we could meet half way.....(or some other figure eg. £26,000)

You strike ... 'Mmmm, Half-way, well I'm at £20,000, you're at £25600.(their new suggestion) PAUSE....

If they don't jump in and offer another halfway point, you could say

''Well, £20,000 and £25,600, we could meet nearer half way at £21,000''

They may huff and puff. If you stay silent - a trick I've seen Dom do on the show - they may come in again at a better price.

Don't be bothered if this gets broken up by them adding, other distractions. Keep pulling them back to the figures- that's your main interest and be as controlling as is comfortable whilst they talk about upgrades not being in their control and other unimportant info etc. Stay as close to your key point as possible - the costs.

When you get close or at a figure that is below your maximum, then start adding in the extras that would make this price more acceptable. Make it clear these are required and not just nice to haves, thrown in to make it a better trip.

If they don't like some of the extras, eg. 2 halfboard upgrades, revert back to price and get it moved down again.

It does depend on what their motivation is to get your business come what may. If they won't make a profit, then they will not move of course.

But, huge financial sums are alluring to businesses. Finally, price nearly agreed at a figure you're happy with, barter with payment methods, eg. paying some in cash to get extra discount or secure your desired price.

Again, show them that you are not tied to them and will close conversations and 'walk away'. Be happy to leave them with a deal that you would like, for them to think about it. Someone will need their monthly commission so that they can feed themselves and keep their jobs.

If you can arm yourself with facts and figures about alternative deals all the better. This will strengthen your case. Be seen as the 'Iron Lady/Man' who is a tough nut but has some flexibility and shame them pointedly when they don't offer likewise.