Making an offer

[ChrisE]

Originally Posted by llew

Chris! Where ya been brother?

Been trying to play more and post less.

[llew]

Originally Posted by ChrisE

Been trying to play more and post less.

Good plan!

[Warren01]

I got a quick smile reading this thread. Wasn't there a post a few weeks ago about selling your own guitar and getting a "what's your best price" response from prospective buyers and complaining about it. Yet, in this thread, its suggested. Guess it depends on what side of fence your on.

[guitar12]

Originally Posted by Maryc-k

If the item is consigned, the consignor sets the price.

That's true but there is usually wiggle room built into it as the store owner has skin in the game. When I've consigned stuff they usually say let's put it out at X and settle for X - 15% (or whatever I'm comfortable with). The store owner knows that if you consign it too high not only is it unlikely to sell but it is taking up valuable space and it makes the store's inventory look stale.

Rob

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by Lakewood_Lad

Why not just email them and ask them what the best price they can offer you is? They have margins, they have staff and rent and business rates and other overheads so they know what they can take off the price and still make money. They also want the sale.

Let them tell you and if it's acceptable to you then make the deal.

So...you want the dealer to negotiate with themselves?
How about they reply back with "What's the most you will pay?"
Works both ways.

To the OP:
If you are serious, CALL them with a price that YOU are comfortable with (and is reasonable) and offer them that. They will say yes or no.
Email is a HORRIBLE way to negotiate.

[folkfan]

Thanks for all the replies. Agree with many that email is definitely not the way to go. Going to call, ask for an in hand description and see what happens. Worst case they say no. But maybe I can save a few $.
Thanks

[phcorrigan]

Originally Posted by Maryc-k

If the item is consigned, the consignor sets the price.

Yes, but that doesn't mean the price is set in stone. I bought a consigned item recently, and didn't want to pay the asking price. The store called the consignor and they agreed to my price.

It's always worth a try.

[Maryc-k]

Yes, but the store must contact the consignor first. Generally there are terms set in the consignment contract, and the store follows those, unless they get an ok.


I stay pretty close to what is set by the consignment contract on anything I consign, especially if I have just consigned it. Then again, we set the prices close to market. On more desirable items I set a price, period. You either want the instrument or not.

Most of this depends on what you are selling.

[Dryfly]

Originally Posted by Dwight

Go in and make an offer, bring cash to save the credit card processing charges.

The only problem with cash is you have no recourse if anything isn't as expected.

[Maryc-k]

Originally Posted by Dryfly

The only problem with cash is you have no recourse if anything isn't as expected.

If you don’t trust the store, don’t shop there.

[aknow]

Originally Posted by folkfan

Hi
I have been following the online stores of two well known and higher end brick and mortar stores looking for a particular used guitar/year. Within the last week they both have the guitar I have been looking for. Their prices are comparable with each other but compared to Reverb and Gbase seem to run 15-20% high. Neither of these stores has a Reverb site and my question is: How amenable do you think they would be to an offer on an item that was just added to their inventory? I have done business with them in the past but I am far from a "regular" customer. I am not going to low ball them but wondering what their margin might be and what percent of asking price would be an acceptable offer.
Thanks

They won't care if you're a regular customer. Ask them if they'll price match Reverb's offerings. They'll still make a profit, none of your business.

[stevecuss]

Originally Posted by jimmy bookout

So...you want the dealer to negotiate with themselves?
How about they reply back with "What's the most you will pay?"
Works both ways.

To the OP:
If you are serious, CALL them with a price that YOU are comfortable with (and is reasonable) and offer them that. They will say yes or no.
Email is a HORRIBLE way to negotiate.

Agreed. Chatting on the phone sets the tone. I try not to waste people's time. "Here is what I can pay. I understand if that doesn't work for you, but if it does, I can buy it right now.'

I prefer not to pressure, or use tactics, just a genuine, 'I can pay this, no problem if that doesn't work for you' sort of thing.

People appreciate straightforward transactions with clear communication. Can't think of a time someone has said yes for me to then kick it down the road. A yes means I am buying.

[RP]

Originally Posted by Lakewood_Lad

Why not just email them and ask them what the best price they can offer you is? They have margins, they have staff and rent and business rates and other overheads so they know what they can take off the price and still make money. They also want the sale.

Let them tell you and if it's acceptable to you then make the deal.

That's what I've done in the past, and it's always worked...

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by RP

That's what I've done in the past, and it's always worked...

Again...you're asking the dealer to negotiate with HIMSELF....
And if I was the dealer, my answer back would be: "What's the most you're willing to pay?"

[stephenT]

Gee,...

be honest and tell them you've seen the same model for 15 to 20% less, but you'd like to buy it from them and what's their best price today and be ready to buy it if they match or beat the price. Don't be a tire kicker.