Web superstore Speedy Camel will allow its customers to barter for items they want to buy.

The site features an animated character called Ali Barter, who guides the user through the haggling process.

This involves making offers based on an initial guide price for a product. The aim is to bring the atmosphere of the north African souk to internet shopping, a representative of Speedy Camel said.

All the goods on the site are supplied by other traders, including Halfords, jeweller Beaverbrooks and holiday company Mytravel.

Products from local traders around the country will also be available for sale. But as with every online transaction, users should shop around and compare prices with online and high street retailers.

This is because initial prices for some goods at Speedy Camel can be higher than at other sites or in shops, so while haggling can bring prices down, savings may not be as big as the user thinks.

The site, which has been running since late 2006, has become the first in the UK to use Google Checkout, a new payment processing method provided by the search company.

Like Paypal, users of Google Checkout need only log into the one site to be able to pay for goods and services at a variety of other sites.