The grim outlook of the economy calls for pinching and saving where ever possible. But while in many parts of the world you can talk the price down on almost anything, around here there's a time and a place for haggling.
How To: Bargain When Buying Used Furniture
Like when buying used furniture, for instance. We were at the Alameda Antiques Fair this weekend, which is a great place to bargain. Here are some things we learned:
• Notice any flaws in the piece. If you want a discount, pointing out any problems will usually help your case.
• Be reasonable. Some say it helps to start off with a low figure, but don't go out of control. Ask too little and the dealer won't take you seriously.
• Walk away. If your heart isn't 100% set on the item, check back later, like at the end of the selling day. Oftentimes people are willing to unload their goods at a cheaper price, simply because they'd rather not have to haul it back with them.
• Be willing to compromise. The whole point of haggling is finding a price that both parties can agree upon. If you love the piece, sometimes you got to just let that extra $20 go.
Of course we welcome any other tips, if you've got 'em. This weekend we walked away from a $225 Danish MCM dining table in great condition, only to come to our senses later and find it was gone... so we know we could still learn a thing or two!
Image: Umpqua
Related Posts:
• How to Track Down Bargains
Comments (4)
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Don't ask, "will you take less?"
Duh. The seller would like to get as much as possible, but most are willing to haggle a little. If you're haggling though, don't act like an amateur and ask the seller to come down in price before you make an offer. That's just rude.
If you love it but think it's priced to high, make a truly reasonable offer and be prepared to meet 1/2 way. E.g, asking price for an item that retails for $1000 is $300, you offer $225.... be prepared to pay $250-270. For cryin' out loud, it's already 70% off retail and you love it!
If you love it and can't afford it although it's reasonably priced, offer what you truly can afford. If the seller won't budge, walk away or find more money.
As a frequent craigslist seller, I hate it when people try to nickel-and-dime over something that's already priced so cheap it's practically free (under $50), or worse, when they offer half or less. My answer to "will you take less?" is always, "make an offer and I'll consider it." I sold some chairs recently for $175, and I was asking $200. I felt like I got a fair price, and the buyer felt like they left with enough to buy dinner, too. On the other hand, I was offered $100 for something I'd priced at $300. No way. In this case, I can afford to sit on it until the right buyer comes along. They always do!
view kimg924's profile
Above all else, be polite. It is possible to negotiate pricing politely, but far too many people don't even try.
When quoted a price, a well-timed, subtle wince might help, but a snotty comment like "you're kidding, right?" will not.
Oh, and don't be pushy. This should be obvious, but there are still people who don't understand how important it is to not come across as trying to rip off the seller.
view Stiletto's profile
I agree with both posts: be reasonable and be polite. If you go down 10-20% of the asking price most sellers will be prepared to go down in price a bit.
view Nina79's profile
Good advice all--but the seller needs to be polite, too. I once offered $20 for something priced at $25 at a "antique" (flea) market, and the seller was so rude to me I didn't buy the lovely but poorly framed embroidery. If he had been not even nice but neutral, I would have scrounged up the extra five dollars.
view ValHalla's profile