In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask for a lower price while shopping.
- Best used in retail stores, markets, or for expensive items.
- Commonly used to check for student, senior, or seasonal deals.
Meaning
This is a simple way to ask if a price can be lower. You use it when you want to save money on something you are buying.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a laptop
This model is great, but is there a discount for students?
This model is great, but is there a discount for students?
At a clothing store
I love this jacket! Is there a discount since it's the last one?
I love this jacket! Is there a discount since it's the last one?
Texting a friend about a gym
I want to join that gym. Is there a discount if we join together?
I want to join that gym. Is there a discount if we join together?
Cultural Background
In the US, asking for a discount is very common for students, military, and seniors. It is also expected at car dealerships and when buying furniture. However, haggling in a clothing store like Gap or H&M is usually not done. British people can be more reserved about asking for discounts. They might use more indirect language like 'Is that your best price?' or wait for a 'Sale' sign. However, in independent shops, it is becoming more common. In India, 'Is there a discount?' is often the start of a long conversation. Bargaining is a standard part of the shopping experience in markets (bazaars). Not asking for a discount might even be seen as strange. In Japan, fixed prices are the norm in most places. However, in the Akihabara district (electronics), asking for a discount ('waribiki') is quite common and expected for expensive items.
The 'Cash' Trick
In small shops, asking 'Is there a discount for cash?' is the most effective way to get a lower price because the owner avoids credit card fees.
Don't be pushy
If the clerk says 'No, I'm sorry, the price is fixed,' do not keep asking. In many Western cultures, being too aggressive about discounts is seen as rude.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask for a lower price while shopping.
- Best used in retail stores, markets, or for expensive items.
- Commonly used to check for student, senior, or seasonal deals.
What It Means
Is there a discount? is your go-to tool for saving money. It is a polite way to check for a lower price. You are asking if the store has special deals. It is not rude; it is just being a smart shopper.
How To Use It
Use this phrase after you find something you like. You can say it to a shop assistant or a cashier. Just keep your voice friendly and curious. If they say no, don't worry! It never hurts to ask. Sometimes they have a 'secret' coupon under the counter just for you.
When To Use It
- At clothing stores during a change of season.
- When buying electronics or expensive furniture.
- If you are a student or a senior citizen.
- When you see a small scratch on a product.
- If you are buying many items at once.
When NOT To Use It
- Do not use this at a high-end luxury boutique. It might feel a bit awkward there.
- Avoid asking this at a grocery store for a single apple.
- Never ask this at a government office or for a parking ticket. They definitely won't say yes!
- Don't ask during a busy rush hour when ten people are waiting behind you.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking countries, prices in big stores are usually fixed. However, asking for a discount is very common for students or military members. In the US and UK, people love 'haggling' at flea markets or garage sales. It is like a little game to see who gets the best deal. Finding a bargain is considered a badge of honor among friends!
Common Variations
Do you have a student discount?(Very common for young people)Is this the best price you can do?(A bit more direct)Are there any sales going on?(General inquiry)Can I get a deal if I buy two?(Great for bulk buying)
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly safe for A2 learners. It is grammatically simple and socially acceptable in most retail environments.
The 'Cash' Trick
In small shops, asking 'Is there a discount for cash?' is the most effective way to get a lower price because the owner avoids credit card fees.
Don't be pushy
If the clerk says 'No, I'm sorry, the price is fixed,' do not keep asking. In many Western cultures, being too aggressive about discounts is seen as rude.
Check for signs
Look for signs that say 'All sales final' or 'Fixed price.' If you see these, don't ask for a discount.
Examples
6This model is great, but is there a discount for students?
This model is great, but is there a discount for students?
Checking for a specific demographic deal.
I love this jacket! Is there a discount since it's the last one?
I love this jacket! Is there a discount since it's the last one?
Using the item's status to negotiate.
I want to join that gym. Is there a discount if we join together?
I want to join that gym. Is there a discount if we join together?
Suggesting a group rate.
Excuse me, there is a tiny mark here. Is there a discount for this?
Excuse me, there is a tiny mark here. Is there a discount for this?
Pointing out a defect to lower the price.
We are staying for a week. Is there a discount for long stays?
We are staying for a week. Is there a discount for long stays?
Asking for a bulk/time-based reduction.
That cookie looks delicious! Is there a 'best friend' discount?
That cookie looks delicious! Is there a 'best friend' discount?
Using the phrase as a joke.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Excuse me, I am a student. Is ______ a ______?
We use 'there' for existence and 'discount' for a price reduction.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a lower price?
You are at a flea market and want to buy a vase.
'Is there a discount' is the standard, polite way to ask.
Match the situation to the best question.
1. Buying a dented fridge. 2. Buying 50 t-shirts. 3. Being 65 years old.
Each situation requires a specific type of discount inquiry.
Fill in the missing line.
Customer: This sofa is beautiful. ______? Staff: Yes, we have a 10% sale this week.
The staff member's answer about a '10% sale' confirms the customer was asking about a discount.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Discounts
People
- • Student
- • Senior
- • Military
- • Member
Reasons
- • Damaged
- • Bulk
- • Cash
- • Seasonal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesExcuse me, I am a student. Is ______ a ______?
We use 'there' for existence and 'discount' for a price reduction.
You are at a flea market and want to buy a vase.
'Is there a discount' is the standard, polite way to ask.
1. Buying a dented fridge. 2. Buying 50 t-shirts. 3. Being 65 years old.
Each situation requires a specific type of discount inquiry.
Customer: This sofa is beautiful. ______? Staff: Yes, we have a 10% sale this week.
The staff member's answer about a '10% sale' confirms the customer was asking about a discount.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the store. In large supermarkets, yes. In markets, independent shops, or for expensive items, it is perfectly normal and polite.
It is a lower price for people who are currently studying at a school or university. You usually need to show a student ID card.
No, you cannot negotiate with the website. However, you can look for 'coupons' or 'promo codes' which are digital discounts.
A discount is taken off the price immediately. A rebate is money you get back after you have already paid the full price.
It is neutral. In a very formal meeting, you might say 'Are there any volume-based price reductions available?'
Because 'discount' is a countable noun in this context. You are asking for one instance of a price reduction.
A discount for older people, usually over the age of 60 or 65.
Yes! This is called 'price matching.' You can say, 'I saw this cheaper at another store; is there a discount?'
Use 'on' for the item ('discount on this shirt') and 'for' for the person ('discount for students').
Sometimes they have 'Early Bird' discounts if you eat before 6 PM, or 'Happy Hour' discounts for drinks.
Related Phrases
On sale
similarAvailable at a lower price than usual.
Bargain
similarSomething bought for less than its usual value.
Price match
specialized formWhen a store lowers its price to match a competitor.
Clearance
similarA sale to get rid of old stock.
