View Full Version : What is the lowest you will take?
tmleadr03
12-09-2013, 16:00
Am I the only one who is very annoyed by this question when selling something?
If you don't like the price I have listed and I state I am willing to negotiate make me an offer YOU think is fair.
My response is now "how much are you willing to spend?"
ChuckNorris
12-09-2013, 16:03
What is the lowest you will take?
'You're looking at it - take it or leave it'
For you? Now, after your question? List price +20% :)
Goodburbon
12-09-2013, 16:07
America is actually quite mild on this front. I've seen overseas listings and you'll commonly see "what is best price" "What is the lowest price?" and "I'll take it for the price of (your price/2)"
Seriously, you should see Indians negotiate...
Great-Kazoo
12-09-2013, 16:11
worse yet is when someone replies and blatantly ask . Is that the best you can do? Not even a courtesy pm or em.
tmleadr03
12-09-2013, 16:13
America is actually quite mild on this front. I've seen overseas listings and you'll commonly see "what is best price" "What is the lowest price?" and "I'll take it for the price of (your price/2)"
Seriously, you should see Indians negotiate...
I have a few Indians who come to the shop. They usually offer me a number. i.e. I say repair is 600, they say yes, then come to pick it up and say "oh that is too high, will you do 450?" Or some such.
In a negotiation, two parties take turns making offers. I made my first offer when I listed the item. Don't ask me to make another offer until you've made your first. I generally tell people who ask for a best price to buzz off.
brianakell
12-09-2013, 16:19
I have a few Indians who come to the shop. They usually offer me a number. i.e. I say repair is 600, they say yes, then come to pick it up and say "oh that is too high, will you do 450?" Or some such.
I get people like that too. Ive gotten good by how they talk, and questions they ask, statements made, (all over the phone) that I'm 95% right, and they get quoted higher than anyone else. Because I know theyre going to be a pita to deal with throughout the whole transaction, Ill make sure I get paid for the pita factor. Example, part would take 2 week, and cost 1k normally. They get quoted 4 weeks, and 1200-1300. Theyre never going to be happy anyway!
So in answer to OP, yes hate it. As biz, Im nice as can be. As individual, not so much. [LOL]
Oh, also Ive found, these people are almost 100% of the time, NEVER going to buy anyway. I seriously think its some kind of bizarre hobby, really.
Yes, 100x over. This is one of the reasons why I hate being an FFL some days. The internet only makes it worse.
sellersm
12-09-2013, 16:22
In a negotiation, two parties take turns making offers. I made my first offer when I listed the item. Don't ask me to make another offer until you've made your first. I generally tell people who ask for a best price to buzz off.
^This.
And a reminder to all the 'cultural negotiators': this is America!
I think it's the Craigslist effect. Although I grew up overseas where haggling over price is expected, I don't recall it being nearly as prevalent in the U.S. a few decades ago as it is now.
In terms of listing things on online forums, buyers from some states seem noticeably more apt to lowball than others, with CA being the worst I've encountered.
tmleadr03
12-09-2013, 16:30
It would be one thing for a lowball offer, it is different then asking how much I am willing to cut my throat by.
I had one guy call and offer me half price cash. And it should have been worth it because it is a cash offer? LOL.
Zundfolge
12-09-2013, 16:41
What is foolish about the "what's the lowest you'll take?" question is that most people won't actually respond with their bottom dollar.
For example if I'm asking $150 for something and you ask what my bottom dollar is I'll likely say something like "$125", but if you just offered $100 I would have taken that.
Now what pisses me off is when someone asks what your bottom dollar is, you tell them and then they counter with an even lower offer.
Anyway, I'm glad we don't live in one of those societies where everyone has to argue for 30 minutes over price ... haggling annoys me.
Ive gotten some good deals by low balling. Guy had an offroad trailer on CL for a month. Price was originally at $1,800, then down to $1,400...and so on. It was finally down to "First guy with $1,000 cash". I emailed him with a "$600 cash tonight" and he accepted. You never know what they'll say but you also have to be smart about it. Don't low ball the guy on the first day of the ad. You have to find stuff that's been for sale for a while and people just want it gone.
kidicarus13
12-09-2013, 16:54
I hate when people that you don't know lowball you through email or PM. Show up with cash in your hand and and we can talk otherwise you're wasting my time. Or you agree to the price they offer and they still say, "Let me think about it." WTF?! Don't offer unless you want to buy it for that price.
Ehh, whatever. This is why we all have to overprice everything we sell so we can come down to what we actually wanted and the buyer thinks he got a good deal.
As far as the original question that was posted, no, it doesn't really bother me. I just don't reply to those idiots. Although, maybe a reply back with a price higher than my listing would be fun.
Zundfolge
12-09-2013, 17:02
Ive gotten some good deals by low balling...
Its all about the way you do it.
I've successfully low-balled by saying something to the effect of "I know this is kind of a low offer and I understand you're probably not ready to drop this far yet, but if you don't get anything better know that you at least have this offer. Good luck with the sale, let me know if you get a better offer, thanks."
Then you wait for the whole "bird in the hand" to sink in ... or someone offering more buys it.
spqrzilla
12-09-2013, 17:05
Negotiation is negotiation. I don't bid against myself but I don't take offense at an offer. I just say 'no' if I won't accept it.
Now if someone tries to renegotiate a deal afterwards, that's different.
Hate when the person meets you up to buy THEN tries to negotiate price at meet up.
Ehh, whatever. This is why we all have to overprice everything we sell so we can come down to what we actually wanted and the buyer thinks he got a good deal.
Yep, that another problem right there. I can have the best prices from anywhere around, but people are conditioned now not to buy without some sort of sale or discount.
RblDiver
12-09-2013, 17:18
"How much for this?" "Five galleons." "How much for me?" "Five galleons." "But I'm your brother!" "TEN galleons!"
Its all about the way you do it.
I've successfully low-balled by saying something to the effect of "I know this is kind of a low offer and I understand you're probably not ready to drop this far yet, but if you don't get anything better know that you at least have this offer. Good luck with the sale, let me know if you get a better offer, thanks."
Then you wait for the whole "bird in the hand" to sink in ... or someone offering more buys it.
Agreed. Be respectful and things always go better. As long as you do that, it never hurts to throw an offer out there.
BTW, ended up re-selling that trailer 6 months later for $1,200. Best part was getting to smile at the wife after she questioned me buying it.
jhood001
12-09-2013, 17:23
When someone asks for a lower price on something where their initial opinion was that it is a really good price, it is gross and disgusting greed. No more and no less.
If the price starts at or above what could be reasonably expected, it is simply haggling.
People that do the former land on my shit-list.
lpgasman
12-09-2013, 17:26
"How much for this?" "Five galleons." "How much for me?" "Five galleons." "But I'm your brother!" "TEN galleons!"
Who trades in wizard currency?[LOL]
Goodburbon
12-09-2013, 17:36
Who trades in wizard currency?[LOL]
I thought he was trading in 17th century Spanish ships...
BuffCyclist
12-09-2013, 17:47
What's worse is, "would you take this much because I can get it new for your asking price?". Oh really? So you can get it new for my asking price, where at, because if you can get it new, why would you bother buying used?!
This also is hilarious when you're selling a firearm with $200 worth of non-factory accessories/ammo and they try to tell you they can get it new and for $200 less (they're referring to the entire package).
What's even more annoying is that everyone now prices everything higher on ads, so that they can negotiate down to the price they have in mind. I usually only add at most 10%, but thats because I'm usually not in a rush to sell and its so close, people usually offer me 5-10% less and I accept.
Hate when the person meets you up to buy THEN tries to negotiate price at meet up.
This is incredibly annoying. I've had it happen where we've agreed upon a price in email/phone ahead of time, then they try to act like they couldn't get the cash or whatever, cause the bank is closed (ATMs still exist, right?). [facepalm]
I personally like the negotiation of items. I have purchased items for much less than they were listed for and both myself and the other party were very satisfied with the transaction. That being said, I don't set out to "do harm" in my negotiations. It's important to be polite and kind in making offers. And by all means, if you've put a deal together, follow through.
I guess we could have the government step in and help regulate all these "low ballers". They're really bringing down the free-market system we have going on.
MileHighOutlaw
12-09-2013, 18:15
Great topic today!
Just the other day I had somebody text me about the price on the ATV I have listed here. He asked me if there was a little wiggle room for negotiation and I told him sure I would be willing to go much. His original offer was way to lowball so I bumped halfway. then he came back with halfway between his lowball offer and what I was willing to take so I raised my praise to just 50.00 less than the asking price. He came back with, "Whoa wait a second you went up in price and you are only 50.00 less than your asking price" I replied," Why yes I did,you see I gave you a very fair price to begin with and and you wanted to keep getting a better price over and over again so this is what I will take" I never heard back from him.
I also contribute a lot of this to shows like "Pawn Stars" and the like. People watch those shows and think it makes them a wheeler and dealer.
<MADDOG>
12-09-2013, 18:36
I guess we could have the government step in and help regulate all these "low ballers". They're really bringing down the free-market system we have going on.
Yea, that would work as well as it has for the USACE construction market....[LOL]
BPTactical
12-09-2013, 18:39
So what's your bottom dollar?
So what's your bottom dollar?
The last one in the stack?
BPTactical
12-09-2013, 18:55
The last one in the stack?
Oh your good!
Goodburbon
12-09-2013, 18:56
I will take it for $1, call me to let me know when I can pick it up.
BlasterBob
12-09-2013, 19:09
Ehh, whatever. This is why we all have to overprice everything we sell so we can come down to what we actually wanted and the buyer thinks he got a good deal.
As far as the original question that was posted, no, it doesn't really bother me. I just don't reply to those idiots. Although, maybe a reply back with a price higher than my listing would be fun.
I feel that anyone who does not at least TRY to buy stuff at the lowest price is either damn rich or a fool. The majority of sellers will price the item that they are selling at a little higher than they really want for it, expecting to get the lowball offers anyhow.. If someone does pay the original asking price then the seller is just that much ahead of the game. A good degree of diplomacy is necessary when either buying and/or selling so neither will be considered to be an asshol-. Some buyers with very limited funds may see an item that they really need and have wisely placed his reasonable limit on what he can afford and offer so if they hit the seller at a point where he just wants to get rid of the damn thing, he may jump at the low offer.
tmleadr03
12-09-2013, 20:02
I feel that anyone who does not at least TRY to buy stuff at the lowest price is either damn rich or a fool. The majority of sellers will price the item that they are selling at a little higher than they really want for it, expecting to get the lowball offers anyhow.. If someone does pay the original asking price then the seller is just that much ahead of the game. A good degree of diplomacy is necessary when either buying and/or selling so neither will be considered to be an asshol-. Some buyers with very limited funds may see an item that they really need and have wisely placed his reasonable limit on what he can afford and offer so if they hit the seller at a point where he just wants to get rid of the damn thing, he may jump at the low offer.
I understand people want to negotiate. Not the issue. But there is a way to go about it. Guy today called and asked what lowest price was. Didn't make an offer just asked how low I could go. If you don't like the listed price make me an offer (by the way half of the listed price is not an offer i will take seriously).
Jesus-With-A-.45
12-09-2013, 20:03
I ignore them, no ticket no laundry.
When I post a price I expect you to make an offer, then I will counter & hopefully we can meet in the middle somewhere, that's the American way.
BPTactical
12-09-2013, 20:10
What will ya take?
lpgasman
12-09-2013, 20:25
I thought he was trading in 17th century Spanish ships...
Well shit, there's that too. They would be pretty hard to carry around though.
There is the price you want to sell it for and the price I want to pay. Everyone is happy when they happen to be the same price. Otherwise it is just a conversation.
I don't think I've ever been upset about not getting the price down low enough. I am sometimes envious when someone tells me they bought the same thing I did and they got it for less. Then I remember that I was happy when I bought the item and the value of an item is relative to what the buyer thinks it is worth.
Metalhed
12-09-2013, 21:22
I have been trying to sell a car for a few months now on Craigs-- What a bunch of dip$h!ts. Can no one read and understand English
I clearly state in the second line no lowball offers or trades
I get people throwing out stupid prices, sight unseen. All I have are 5-6 photos on Craigs and people are sending me offers that are ridiculous for a vehicle they only saw a picture of.
Someone wanted to trade a low end 10 speed for a $1500 car
I am not asking the world for the car but dont insult me with a $1000 offer on a sight unseen vehicle
I officially hate craigs due to the number of idiots and flakes.
Maybe I will try negotiating with the checker at Kings next time.
spongejosh
12-09-2013, 22:04
Craigslist is a whole different animal. Take down the listing and put it back up next week for $2250. Then you will get "lowballed" to $1500.
On CL I either list it for free (which is a whole different nightmare) or way over priced so I can settle for what I wanted anyway.
On CL I either list it for free (which is a whole different nightmare) or way over priced so I can settle for what I wanted anyway.
Posting stuff for free on CL is fun. Nice way to get my in box filled up. You do get to meet some interesting people.
Great-Kazoo
12-09-2013, 22:51
I'm not good at dealing so it's this or that price.
This is how you negotiate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDXYzUlv0S8
ChunkyMonkey
12-09-2013, 22:55
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qtrAMK7_Qk
Citizen_Soldier
12-09-2013, 22:58
This is a huge pet peeve of mine, especially from working in a pawn shop. Yes I know no prices are usually "concrete", but don't just storm in, walk up to something, then shout 'hey how much for this?' when it clearly has a pricetag in plain sight. Typically when people just do this, or ask 'how low can you go?', I will tell them to read the sticker price, and move on with my day. At least make some conversation or offer up a price you'd be willing to pay.
Another issue is sale items. Most things we throw on the clearance table are being sold at or under cost, then people (typically hispanics...) come in and want to give us half of that sale price. Really grinds my gears.
RCCrawler
12-09-2013, 23:08
I've been know to haggle a bit in my time, I bought my '65 Cadillac for less than half of the guys asking price. I'm also fine with paying full asking price if it's someone I know, like on this forum and I see they have the item priced right.
Wow. Some serious animosity in here.
I've made some offers just like this. But it has usually been a bit different. A couple of times, someone has had two or three guns listed, and I'll politely ask them what is the lowest they would take to do a package deal on all of them. I figure less hassle, headache and running around to sell for them, it isn't unreasonable to see what they might take for a bundle. I've also asked the same for a "lot deal" on a variety of ammo being sold at the same time. I've also seen Trade only ads, indicating that the person doesn't want to sell. If I'm interested enough, I'll ask what the lowest they will consider for a cash deal (assuming this will be higher than their trade value, as they don't want to sell outright). Maybe I'm an asshole, I dunno.
There is also another side to this around here. There are plenty of things that I "can never have to much of" but "don't really need right now". I'd love to buy from a member here and I don't gouge them down to an absurdly low level in their need to sell, but instead based prices on what would make me buy extra right now that I don't really need. I can always use more in reserves, but I'm not going to stock up for 10 years worth at retail prices. These members have all posted positive feedback for a quick cash deal.
Either way, Imma keep doin what I'm doin, and if you hate me for it you don't have to deal with me.
I guess I'm a bit lucky, I'm probably not likely to get someone blowing up at me if I ask for such things. Perk of the job.
There was once that I'll admit to being an asshole. A member here contacted me for first dibbs on a scarce product, and was just 1/2 of a hair over retail price, if you can find it. He sent me a text when I was at a football game after a few hours of tail gating. I tried to talk him down on it, and he agreed. The next day I realized I was an asshole for talking him down on the product he was nice enough to give me first scratch at. I apologized and paid the man his asking price even though he didn't ask me to.
ChunkyMonkey
12-09-2013, 23:23
Wow. Some serious animosity in here.
I've made some offers just like this. But it has usually been a bit different. A couple of times, someone has had two or three guns listed, and I'll politely ask them what is the lowest they would take to do a package deal on all of them. I figure less hassle, headache and running around to sell for them, it isn't unreasonable to see what they might take for a bundle. I've also asked the same for a "lot deal" on a variety of ammo being sold at the same time. I've also seen Trade only ads, indicating that the person doesn't want to sell. If I'm interested enough, I'll ask what the lowest they will consider for a cash deal (assuming this will be higher than their trade value, as they don't want to sell outright). Maybe I'm an asshole, I dunno.
There is also another side to this around here. There are plenty of things that I "can never have to much of" but "don't really need right now". I'd love to buy from a member here and I don't gouge them down to an absurdly low level in their need to sell, but instead based prices on what would make me buy extra right now that I don't really need. I can always use more in reserves, but I'm not going to stock up for 10 years worth at retail prices. These members have all posted positive feedback for a quick cash deal.
Either way, Imma keep doin what I'm doin, and if you hate me for it you don't have to deal with me.
I guess I'm a bit lucky, I'm probably not likely to get someone blowing up at me if I ask for such things. Perk of the job.
There was once that I'll admit to being an asshole. A member here contacted me for first dibbs on a scarce product, and was just 1/2 of a hair over retail price, if you can find it. He sent me a text when I was at a football game after a few hours of tail gating. I tried to talk him down on it, and he agreed. The next day I realized I was an asshole for talking him down on the product he was nice enough to give me first scratch at. I apologized and paid the man his asking price even though he didn't ask me to.
Naw man.. I am like you. Always looking for a deal as buyer..and want the highest price when I sell. Wife called me cheap til one day I got her a 90 Rolex Datejust with MOP and 1ct bezel for under $1000 while market is in the $6k range. Then I sold in law's 2000 ford focus for double the blue book. Now she let me do all the negotiating for her. :D
JM Ver. 2.0
12-09-2013, 23:32
I'm making a list..... Any time any of you lists something I'm going to ask....... Just because I can.
Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.
DangerLee_Industries
12-09-2013, 23:36
I enjoy the art of negotiation just like the next guy as a lot of you can attest to and I expect the same in return sometimes as well. However just like most things in life it's how you approach it. Being asked what the price is when it is clearly stated in the post (in bold nonetheless) gets old as well. Actually reading the entire post and researching an item goes a long way in my book......
I don't care if someone haggle before I meet them on a set price at a set location. I will just go to next person who wants to buy the item.
It really annoys me when someone already agree on the damn price/location, and start haggling when I meet them. It happened to me few times on Armslist/craigslist/Gunsamerica listings.
It reminds me of the "FIRM" thread [LOL]
I read all the way to the end expecting to be able to use "FIRM" in a pithy reply and MrPena went and lowballed me first.
The worst is when you trade something. I had a guy in the past tell me this story about how he will trade me his firearn, told me he was a SF in the Army and this was his handgun through multiple deployments. ( I was getting all excited ) turned out to be a highpoint 9MM. At least with money you have some kinda wiggle room, when trading the offers crack me up.
kawiracer14
12-10-2013, 09:07
So I should have talked down TFOG when he worked on my bike? Damn I missed the chance! [LOL]
Bailey Guns
12-10-2013, 09:12
When I owned my shop two types of people pissed me off:
#1) Item is marked at $500 and is clearly a very good price. This person asks, "What's you best price on that?" I'd usually say something like, "Well, my best price is $850. You're best price is $500, just like it's marked."
#2) This is the guy who says, "Dealer X sells that for $500." I say, "Well, go buy it at Dealer X." Guy says, "He doesn't have one right now." I say, "Oh, yeah. When I don't have those they're $500, too. When I have them they're $600."
I also hate it when people send me a text or email, without a name, and leave just a brief one, two or three word message. That, to me, is very rude and I usually don't respond. Sometimes I'd rather just keep what I have than deal with an asshole.
sandman76
12-10-2013, 09:39
Selling or buying thing is one thing. What I hate is when I give someone an estimate for a job they are needing done and they try to haggle that price. I had a guy tell me after he tried to play lets make a deal the his dad told him to always ask for a lower price. I told him that my dad always told me that my price was the price.
The worst is when you trade something. I had a guy in the past tell me this story about how he will trade me his firearn, told me he was a SF in the Army and this was his handgun through multiple deployments. ( I was getting all excited ) turned out to be a highpoint 9MM. At least with money you have some kinda wiggle room, when trading the offers crack me up.
Did you inquire as to WHICH Army?
osok-308
12-10-2013, 11:20
When I list something for sale. I'm posting it for what I would pay for it. I think it's fair. If you want it cheaper, go somewhere else. When you can't find it cheaper, come back and pay my asking price.
I have also had people offer me awful trades. Hi point, guns worth half my price w/o cash. Who are these guys?
"Will you take a used 870 tactical shotgun for your (new) AR?"
[LOL]
Ive listed on this site LNIB items priced individually and bulk price both at significantly marked down prices. Then had yokels get all miffed when they realized they couldnt pay bulk price for individual or paired items. I then refuse to sell to said folks.
Sent from my PRC 117A in my Batmobile disguised as a sedan.
BlasterBob
12-10-2013, 12:36
I have always wondered just WHEN or at what point an offer is considered to be a lowball offer. Say an item is priced $1,000 (by an individual - NOT a retail store) at what point is an offer really considered lowball, $900, $800, $700, $600?????
Another thing, buyers should never make a bona fide cash offer unless they have the immediate cash available and that cash wouldn't prohibit the buyer from making his usual payment for little Junior's braces or a car payment, mortgage, etc.
Some good old fashion diplomacy can help if a lowball offer is really all a buyer can afford. That diplomacy might help in the seller NOT considering the lowball offer was made by an [ahole]
I go for the lowest price I can get as a buyer and the highest price I can get as a seller. Any other way and you are wasting money.
BlasterBob
12-10-2013, 16:02
I go for the lowest price I can get as a buyer and the highest price I can get as a seller. Any other way and you are wasting money.
Yep, that is exactly the point I was trying to make. I am not in any financial position to merely piss my money away so I have to get the item at the lowest price possible. If the seller can't live with my offer and I can't handle his counter offer, then I will not be buying the item and the seller can just hold out for some offer that he feels is much more reasonable. Still hope someone passes along what they personally feel is considered "LOWBALL" -which should generate a lot of different opinions. [blaster]
Personally, I think a lowball offer depends on the asking price. For a $1000 item, I wouldn't find an $800 offer unreasonable. But, take a $450 item and offer $250 for it then that is just ridiculous. Even though both offers were $200 off the asking price.
BlasterBob
12-10-2013, 17:24
Personally, I think a lowball offer depends on the asking price. For a $1000 item, I wouldn't find an $800 offer unreasonable. But, take a $450 item and offer $250 for it then that is just ridiculous. Even though both offers were $200 off the asking price.
Thanks ray1970;1435907....this a great start as to what the members feel is a LOWBALL offer. Now hope we have a lot more opinions from the many potential sellers and buyers.
On CL I either list it for free (which is a whole different nightmare)
I listed a great condition claw-foot bathtub on Craigslist for FREE and had at least five people call up and ask if I would deliver it for free as well....I ended up taking it to the dump. I purchased it the week prior at $250 for a photo shoot, I just needed the thing GONE once I was finished with it. Apparently FREE isn't low enough for some people.
BlasterBob
12-10-2013, 18:23
I listed a great condition claw-foot bathtub on Craigslist for FREE and had at least five people call up and ask if I would deliver it for free as well....I ended up taking it to the dump. I purchased it the week prior at $250 for a photo shoot, I just needed the thing GONE once I was finished with it. Apparently FREE isn't low enough for some people.
Wow, I am amazed that they didn't also want you to PAY THEM to allow you to deliver the freebie to them, to take off your hands. I presume you politely told them [goFyourself].
buffalobo
12-10-2013, 18:40
IMO, if asking price is approx "fair market value", any offer more than 30% below asking price is low ball. I am not usually going to come down 30%, but would not be offended by the offer.
If item is listed really high then anything goes.
Holger Danske
12-10-2013, 20:03
I once sold a nice childs car seat on CL. The price was $50 and was fair. I had 3 folks text and ask to get it for free. One of those argued that they were entitled to get it for free because the bad hand life had dealt them. Finally had a lady say she would take if for full price. She sent her husband to pick it up, and he tried to lowball me, cried about the gas he spent, etc. I knew I had him on the hook because the old lady wanted. Took me a half hour but we finally saw eye to eye on the $50 price. I like to haggle, but if the price is right Ill pay Asking price.
Fentonite
12-10-2013, 20:15
I advertise at the price for which I will sell an item. If someone wants to give me that price, great. If not, fine. Likewise, I typically don't contact a seller unless I'm interested in their item at its advertised price (occasional exception, if advertised OBO). I don't like games, and I consider haggling a game. I'd prefer to just be straight-forward and honest. Makes life easier.
KevDen2005
12-10-2013, 23:06
Am I the only one who is very annoyed by this question when selling something?
If you don't like the price I have listed and I state I am willing to negotiate make me an offer YOU think is fair.
My response is now "how much are you willing to spend?"
Ha, I was just complaining to my wife about that comment with something I have listed on Armslist. Make an offer if you don't like the price.
I advertise at the price for which I will sell an item. If someone wants to give me that price, great. If not, fine. Likewise, I typically don't contact a seller unless I'm interested in their item at its advertised price (occasional exception, if advertised OBO). I don't like games, and I consider haggling a game. I'd prefer to just be straight-forward and honest. Makes life easier.
This is me. I've never haggled over anything in my life that I know of. If I'm not interested at the price offered, I just move on. Not saying that's the right way, I'm just not good at haggling.
james_bond_007
12-11-2013, 10:52
...Anyway, I'm glad we don't live in one of those societies where everyone has to argue for 30 minutes over price ... haggling annoys me.
Apparently you have never bought a new car from a dealer in the USA? [facepalm]
ChunkyMonkey
12-11-2013, 11:09
I advertise at the price for which I will sell an item. If someone wants to give me that price, great. If not, fine. Likewise, I typically don't contact a seller unless I'm interested in their item at its advertised price (occasional exception, if advertised OBO). I don't like games, and I consider haggling a game. I'd prefer to just be straight-forward and honest. Makes life easier.
Come on now, do you always buy gold and silver at market + premium??
tmleadr03
12-11-2013, 11:14
Apparently you have never bought a new car from a dealer in the USA? [facepalm]
Apparently you are doing it wrong.
Figure out what car you want. What options, color, everything. E-mail every dealer in a a radius you are willing to travel for said car making sure to CC everyone so they can see that you are sending this out to all the other dealerships. Tell them you are going to buy a car next week Friday. State in e-mail that which ever one of the dealers to give the best price will get your business. They will fight their way to the lowest price.
Go to lowest price dealer with e-mail communication on price, pick up car. Done.
Fentonite
12-11-2013, 11:54
Come on now, do you always buy gold and silver at market + premium??
[LOL]
Unfortunately, I usually do. And when I need cash, I end up selling it below market, so I don't have to haggle. Remember those Kruggerands I sold a while back? Even below spot price, I still had people offering me less. [Bang]
Apparently you are doing it wrong.
Figure out what car you want. What options, color, everything. E-mail every dealer in a a radius you are willing to travel for said car making sure to CC everyone so they can see that you are sending this out to all the other dealerships. Tell them you are going to buy a car next week Friday. State in e-mail that which ever one of the dealers to give the best price will get your business. They will fight their way to the lowest price.
Go to lowest price dealer with e-mail communication on price, pick up car. Done.
Done this. Also have gone through a broker that beat them all.
centrarchidae
12-11-2013, 14:24
Apparently you are doing it wrong.
Figure out what car you want. What options, color, everything. E-mail every dealer in a a radius you are willing to travel for said car making sure to CC everyone so they can see that you are sending this out to all the other dealerships. Tell them you are going to buy a car next week Friday. State in e-mail that which ever one of the dealers to give the best price will get your business. They will fight their way to the lowest price.
Go to lowest price dealer with e-mail communication on price, pick up car. Done.
The last time we bought a car, we let Costco do that for us. Worked out pretty well.
And no, they did not demand to see our receipts. There was no blading at 45 and disengaging at Planet Honda, Costco's Honda dealer of choice that week. (Although I damn near had to piss on someone's door at Kune Honda to establish my dominance. Never going there again unless it's to go all Romans-pacifying-Carthage and plow salt into their fields and sell the sales staff into bondage.)
ETA:
I've had plenty of "what's your bottom-dollar price on XXX?" That always gets "If you don't like my asking price, make an offer. But don't jerk me around. I'm not going to start bidding against myself because you're too damn lazy to crap out a number and call it a counter-offer." It was either that, or by bottom dollar price just became fifty bucks over my original asking price, just because those people grind the snot out of my gears.
OTOH, a low-ball offer is still an offer and if I don't like it I'll either counter it or say "thanks anyway." At least he cared enough to come up with a number instead of asking me to bid against myself.
Besides, if someone offers me 10-25% below my asking price, I may say "no" but I'm not going to jump in his a55 for asking. I don't really consider that range to be low ball, unless the price is already "I'm paying you to haul this stuff away" pricing.
All that being said, whenever I reply to someone else's ad, unless it says "firm" I'm going to assume that he at least won't consider an offer to be a blood insult.
Never had an issue here. It's usually either that other site, or Craigslist that give me headaches.
wctriumph
12-11-2013, 14:39
I don't mind haggling a little bit, in fact it is sometimes enjoyable. I have sold and traded several items on this forum and except Alxone & Jim, every other person that contacted me offered a lower than asking price, even though it was a fair price. But, in most cases a deal was met and we parted friends. The deal can take time and I am never in a hurry to sell or buy. If there is something I take a shine to, I will make an offer and it never bothers me if I get turned down, all part of the "game". What I don't like is the lack of manners people exhibit in not making a reply. If you don't like the offer, politely say no or come back with a counter offer, don't just ignore someone. Plain rude to do so.
Fentonite
12-11-2013, 15:03
... What I don't like is the lack of manners people exhibit in not making a reply. If you don't like the offer, politely say no or come back with a counter offer, don't just ignore someone. Plain rude to do so.
I agree. I respond politely to every offer I get. I still don't understand some people's need to chew down the price. Some folks won't buy unless they can whittle the price down, even if it's a great price to begin with. One fella even told me that he would've paid the price I was asking, if only I'd initially asked more and he had "negotiated" to the price I was actually asking. He was offended that I didn't want to haggle. I just don't get it.
Apparently you are doing it wrong.
Figure out what car you want. What options, color, everything. E-mail every dealer in a a radius you are willing to travel for said car making sure to CC everyone so they can see that you are sending this out to all the other dealerships. Tell them you are going to buy a car next week Friday. State in e-mail that which ever one of the dealers to give the best price will get your business. They will fight their way to the lowest price.
Go to lowest price dealer with e-mail communication on price, pick up car. Done.
Probably best way to buy a car.
When I was working at a dealership ~15 years ago, people who get a screaming deal did exactly that.
This has been done even before internet was available for auto buyers.
IF I may add....
Call/email the dealerships on weekday. Ask for a manager or fleet mgr, and do a deal.
D&H and other fees are another factor.
Try to do appointment on a coldest/snowy weather. It works great.
wctriumph
12-11-2013, 17:14
Probably best way to buy a car.
IF I may add....
Call/email the dealerships on weekday.
Try to do appointment on a coldest/snowy weather. It works great.
And, do it at the end of the month, I have known sales "persons" to give way on price and a lower commission to get their month end numbers up and take a volume commission for the month.
I just had a realization that I thought I would share.
I often receive offers from you guys that are below my asking price. Not one of those offers has ever offended me or rubbed me the wrong way. I think it's because of two reasons. First, every offer I have ever received that was below my asking price is always friendly and polite with lots of built in understanding if I don't accept it. Second, even those of you I have never met don't seem like strangers to me because I have read so much stuff you post here that I almost feel like I know you on some level. Hard to be too upset at someone you "know" if they make you an offer for something you are selling.
[Beer]
streetglideok
12-12-2013, 23:14
I have a few Indians who come to the shop. They usually offer me a number. i.e. I say repair is 600, they say yes, then come to pick it up and say "oh that is too high, will you do 450?" Or some such.
Say pal, how bout I give you this 6.0L powerstroke to diagnose for me. I know you probably want an hour to look at it, but how bout I slip you $20 cash?
tmleadr03
12-12-2013, 23:50
Say pal, how bout I give you this 6.0L powerstroke to diagnose for me. I know you probably want an hour to look at it, but how bout I slip you $20 cash?
People who offer a business cash to do the repairs think it isn't going right into the bank anyways. You are not paying me "under the table". It goes right into the bank account and gets put towards bills. Of all the people I will not mess around with, the IRS is right at the top. They will shut you down so fast it will make your head spin.
streetglideok
12-13-2013, 07:10
Ok fine, I give you $30!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.