Setting a price (when buying)

Phil · Member Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 32

I'm generally offering the average price that I'm seeing at other sales. So if it's marked $3 at a sale, but I commonly see it sold for $1, I just offer a buck. Seems to work fine.

Last weekend I tried, 'How about xx$ for this pile?'. Before I could finish, seller offered a number lower than I expected.

What's your approach?

- Phil
_________________
The thrill of the deal...

judyc · Likes to Talk Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 1213

I think I must be losing my mind... didn't you have a much longer post about this topic?? It was gone before I could respond!!

Most of the time, I just use the "would you take $..... for this?" It usually works, but if it doesn't I put the item back, unless it's something really special. I generally always ask if they'll take lower, unless it's a really good price to start with.

I hate it when something isn't marked and the seller asks "what do you want to pay for it". They usually have some price in their minds and it's very easy to offend them with a low-ball offer.

melanell · Likes to Talk Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 533

oldkeet · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 12:14 pm Post subject:

My approach is always have them set the price. If they try to get me to set the price. I have a standardized joking reply of "well if I get to set the price its going to be a dime for everything!!" Say it with a big smile. Normally you'll get a laugh and they'll come back with a price. And you can work from there.

In the super rare chance I can't get them to set a price (and its an item I really want). I offer 20% of what I know I can get out of it. Not what I think it might sell for. Say your looking at a vase. You know the maker...but not the pattern. The makers items can sell for up to 300 for a rare pattern. But common patterns sell for about 100. So offer 20...if they counter at double your offer $40 you still have wiggle room. If they get offended...because they wanted 100 oh well...you can't pay that...move on to another bargain. Your not there to make a friend so if you leave and they hate you...does it really matter? But normally even if they think your offer was a lowball...if you play it right and remind them they asked you to set the price...they won't get to offended...be personable even if it is an act...you can rant about them (and your treasure) when you get back on YSQ!!
_________________
Experienced Mischief Maker

cyberdan · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Setting a price (when buying)

What is my alternate name here?
Yep my usual offer is $1

Sometimes (on more expensive items) I say "would you be insulted if I offer $XX?" usually I get it at that price.

There have been a few times that they get insulted with my $1 offer and come back with something much higher and I remind them this is a yardsale/swapmeet and NOT Macys.
_________________
cyberdan (at yardsales I am dollardan)

eddieboyky · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 5:22 pm Post subject:

cyberdan · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 6:07 pm Post subject:

Earlybird Esq · Super Advanced Member Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 152

Agree with Keet and CyberDan - Get them to give you the price and be polite and sincere. Put yourself in the subservient position when haggling with the seller - reminding them that they have the power to grant your request as opposed to sounding like you're doing them the favor by buying it - and you're much likely to get the lower price.

For example, if the seller quotes me $10 on an item, I will say, "Would you be willing to go $5?" as opposed to "I'll give you five", which sounds a bit arrogant to the seller.

Other favorite phrases:

"I really like this, but would you be willing to help me on the price?"
"Can you go any lower than $XX?"
"Would you be willing to take $XX?"
"Would be be willing to give me a lower price on the books if I bought a bunch?"
"I like the toys. Do you have a price for the whole box?"

And I like Cyberdan's phrase, "would you be insulted if I offered you $XX?"

If the seller says, "I really can't go lower than $20" and that's still too high for you, say "I understand. Thanks for considering it though". Look like it's really hurting you to leave it behind, but walk away. They'll often call you back if you're polite and drop the price a little further.

I love haggling. My mom taught me how to do it when I was a little kid. If done right, no one should get offended.

PocketChange · Likes to Talk Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 1473

Buckarooblues · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 5:50 am Post subject:

Good discussion!

I went to an American Pickers type sale last weekend. The ad said "Estate Sale-explore the buildings!"

While I didn't find a lot, it was fun...I felt like Mike Wolfe with my flashlight looking in nooks and crannies...lol...

At the end there was a box of...no clue what. Looked like cartridges for a printer, and a roll of paper. The seller had no clue, either, so we sorta started bargaining. I asked how much and he said $1 a roll. I kind of backed off at that time, explaining that $1 a roll was too much, especially not knowing what it was or what for. He countered with 25c a roll...and I countered with $5 for that and my other 'treasures'.

SOLD!

Turns out they're for a graphics arts printer, everything in the box would retail for about $1000...tried CL first, looks like I'll be going with ebay.

OH...and I ended up with a deck of vintage Elvgren Pinup cards, a Cadillac Hub (Keet I need your advice on this one), a cool chippy pan, a wooden hanger from the Drake Hotel in Chicago, and a car license holder from a VW dealer.
_________________
I'm Laurie!! Not Chris!

judyc · Likes to Talk Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 1213

Great tips Earlybird. I think the main thing to remember is to be polite to the seller. After all, you are hoping to take home that treasure they're selling!

cyberdan · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 11:35 am Post subject:

oldkeet · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:09 pm Post subject:

michgc · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 1:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all of the great ideas, everyone! I have been mostly thrift store shopping lately rather than yardsale shopping, and they have a no haggling polciy there. Mr. Green

But I'll keep these thoughts in mind next time I go to a yardsale.

Judy, I read a much longer post by Phil, too, on how he asks for a good price - I guess he decided he didn't want to share his secrets. Wink

_________________
Michele
Buy Used, Invest the Difference

Phil · Member Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 32

Well...I didn't want to hog the discussion..

Here's one, an oldie?..

1. The 65%. Sellers are comfortable with a $6.50 offer on items listed for $10, $12 on 20, etc..

2. If I know the going YS price, just hold the item up and state that number (with honest confidence). Successful 90% of time.

Holla back!
- Phil

-
_________________
The thrill of the deal...