I’ve always encouraged my kids that if they don’t ask, they won’t get.

Many a time they’ve asked if they can buy something, and I’ve surprised them by saying, “Yep, go on. Get the game. Get the sweets. Get the toy.”

It can get frustrating with young kids, but I’ve always tried to instil the idea that if they don’t ask, the answer will always be no.

With my background in sales, asking became second nature. I was always looking for the close.

“How does that sound? Shall we get you signed up?”

Or, if I was feeling cheeky...

“Pass us your bank card then, let's get you signed up.”

Usually followed by a cheeky wink.

I must have said those words thousands of times.

Over the years, they’ve often heard about my mythical ability to ask for a discount wherever I go. Of course, I’m not talking about your high street chains. You can ask for a discount in Sainsbury’s if you like, but they’ll probably just stare at you before politely telling you no.

Independent shops are different.

So are certain chain stores.

And if the sales staff work on commission, they’re usually more than happy to hear you out.

On a recent trip, we popped into an independent shop that had these amazing bowls my wife instantly fell in love with.

Out of habit, I asked, “Any chance you could knock a few quid off?”

He smiled and said, “Yeah, no worries.”

The look on my kids’ faces was priceless.

Equal parts shock and surprise.

I don’t know what surprised them more. The fact that I’d actually asked... or the fact he’d actually agreed.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy to pay full price, especially in independent shops, provided I’m not being overcharged.

This wasn’t really about saving a few quid.

It was about confidence.

The confidence to ask the question, knowing the worst thing someone can say is no.

I always remember one of my university tutors saying to me after class, “I know you ask a lot of questions, but please don’t stop. If you don’t know the answer, chances are someone else doesn’t either.”

Oddly enough, that one conversation gave me the confidence to put my hand up in a packed 300-seat lecture theatre and ask for clarification without worrying what anyone else thought.

Maybe that’s the real lesson.

Whether it’s asking a question in a lecture theatre, asking for help, or asking if someone can knock a few quid off a bowl...

You’ll never know unless you ask.

Although, judging by the look on my kids’ faces, I suspect they took away a completely different lesson.

I might have just created a couple of little hagglers.

God help us all.