Haggling

[boigrrrlwonder]

I'll admit. I've never haggled previously. I fear offending someone by asking to buy something for a price too low. Still, I went to an estate sale today. I saw these beautiful quilts and even a spinning wheel. I used to spin a little with a drop spindle. Both of these were priced about twice as much as the absolute limit I would spend for these things. Tomorrow is the last day. I'm planning on going back tomorrow for the last hour it's open and seeing if I can strike a deal. Any tips on how to haggle? How reasonable is it to think they might sell these things for half price?

[brogansmomma]

If it's the last day I think that alone improves the odds of getting a better deal. No advice on haggling. I'm with you on being nervous about it.

[NullSet]

I have a set of rules for myself, included is my haggling rule. If I see something I really want but too high a price, I set a limit for myself. I offer what I am willing to pay and don't worry about offending anyone. I am always very friendly and chatty so I think that helps in not offending the seller. If they don't take the offer then I walk away, but I do it nicely. I usually say something about not being able to afford it but thank you (all the while profusely complimenting the item). I look at it as a natural way to keep me from spending too much. I have seen some people haggle by acting uninterested in the item thinking that then they will get a lower price. However, I find most will want their item to go to a good home with a friendly, interested person (namely me ).

I think you can get it for half-price, especially right before the end. A lot of the leftovers from estate sales will probably go to Salvation Army anyway, or some other thrift store.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

Your sale is probably over by now, but here is how I haggle.

At yardsales, always take singles and change. When you see something you like, but is priced too high, decide what you are willing to pay. Move away from the seller, count out that amount of money, and have it in hand. Go back to seller, hold money out and say "will you take '$' for this. I only have '$' " This works more times than not. Another tactic is to gather up what you want and say, will you take "$" for these. Most people just want the junk gone!

If it's something more expensive, I agree with the limit thing, but I wouldn't offer that right away. I would start $20/$25 lower than my price.

So, if something was listed at like $75, I would ask them to take $30. They'll counter with $60, I'll say $40, and so on and so forth. Until we agree at a price not to exceed my (theoretical) $50 limit. Think about eBay - you put in your maximum bid, and that's that.

Can I just say, I love haggling! I got a bunch of baby stuff at a yardsale before DS was born. A pac & play, crib set, hamper, etc, all for the bargain basement low price of $40! It was a lot of stuff, and she wanted to get rid of it, and it was all pretty brand new.

[Valkyrie9]

Originally Posted by hklinefelter22

At yardsales, always take singles and change. When you see something you like, but is priced too high, decide what you are willing to pay. Move away from the seller, count out that amount of money, and have it in hand. Go back to seller, hold money out and say "will you take '$' for this. I only have '$' "

That's my MO, too. I love, love, LOVE haggling. I haggle at retail stores if there is something "wrong" with the item--missing a button or whatever. DH despairs, but I love the thrill of victory.

So did you get your spinning wheel and quilts? I need an update?

[blueridgewoman]

I always say, "$xx is all I have. would you be willing to take it?" That way, they know you're not trying to judge the quality but that you really want the item and are just poor.

[boigrrrlwonder]

The wheel was gone when I came back. I made an offer on the quilt, but she turned it down. Apparently, they will have another estate sale with these items. I left my name and number in case she couldn't sell it after all of these, so we'll see how that goes.

[texmati]

awww...don't give up! i used to be absolutely mortified to ask for any money off. a few success totally makes you feel better about the whole thing. Just don't be afraid to hear no!

[Valkyrie9]

That's a good idea to leave your name and number behind. Hope you get the quilt!

[serenetabbie]

I haggle all the time! I hope that you get a call about the quilt

I do the same thing as mentioned above at yard sales. I usually only take singles and a pocket full of change. I don't haggle for stuff that is like 25¢ though and that is all I am buying. BUT if, for example, all the clothes are 25¢ and I buy a pile of 10 items I will offer $1.50 rather than the full $2.50.

We got a great deal on a mattress because I haggled. DH was mortified that I was barganing in a "real store" , but hey, it worked. We got it for an excellent price with free delivery and disposal of the old mattress. I figure a store that sells only one thing is fair game... like a car dealership!