Power Sellers Unite

Nobody_Special · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 108

If I post to sell something on CraigsList, every single time, they ask for a lower price. It is so infuriating. I lower the price just to make it look like a better deal, then they always try to low ball me more. I have to raise the price, just to come down. It's so silly how human nature is to always haggle. I once had someone who had a stove all loaded up on his truck, and he wanted $5 less. I mean, WHY!?

dlrane · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 2406

Yes, it is Human Nature I guess. I learned some time back to raise my price so I could come down on it. Both end up happy that way. You get what you wanted pricewise and so do they. Crazy :lol:

I was selling a Car not long ago and 4 out of 5 people who called, asked if that was the least I would take without even seeing the confounded thing. It was a really nice car already cheap enough. :roll:

elgato · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 17231 Location: Texas

Sounds like some of the local auctions I attended a few years back :roll:
I sell mostly at local/live events and set my prices to where I can make a profit, restock merchandise, pay taxes and perhaps a couple of bills due here at the casa.
When I first got started many years ago I would offer deals to folks who passed through town or to locals, THEN after the first year I realized I wasn't making any $$ offering such deals, THUS no more deals.

Most buyers, especially in the current economy, want to find the best deal. IMHO, if they can afford it, they'll buy it, otherwise why waste MY (ie) the sellers time haggling over a few $$$!
It states on my own humble web store, if they purchase MULTIPLE items at the same time, I'll offer a decent discount on shipping or overall cost to save them $$.

The one thing sellers need to learn, especially if you actually purchase your own items to sell and or make them yourself, make sure you make a profit!!! Otherwise you won't be in the selling business very long.

Be firm but kind when dealing with any buyer :D

beckysthisnthat · Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1577 Location: Texas

Totally, Cat! Happens every time I do a 3-day show especially. Peeps ask for a discount on the last day and actually sya something like, "Since this is the last day of the show, will you give me a discount?" I politely grit my teeth and explain to them that I have another show the following weekend, so will save it until then. They must think I am going out of business after THEIR show. Geez. With the price of metals going up like they are, I really don't get now what my product is worth let alone the fact that I craft them myself. Human nature.

ritabd · Joined: 17 Dec 2008 Posts: 10

dlrane wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Yes, it is Human Nature I guess. I learned some time back to raise my price so I could come down on it. Both end up happy that way. You get what you wanted pricewise and so do they. Crazy :lol:

I was selling a Car not long ago and 4 out of 5 people who called, asked if that was the least I would take without even seeing the confounded thing. It was a really nice car already cheap enough. :roll:

I always inflate my initial asking price with the intention of lower t a little.

campu2 · Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 334

I always post "firm" on my prices (i.e $200 firm ). I still receive
email offers asking if I'm negotiable, but I havn't had anyone show
up at my door and ask for discount.

Most email offers won't even commit to a price. They ask if I'm
"negotiable" or "what is your rock bottom price? ".

I've already posted my price and they don't have the courtesy
or maturity to make a counter offer. It's like dealing with 8 year olds.

Usually an indication, they have no intention of buying unless they
are getting a "give away" price and are too embarrassed to actually
state their silly low ball offer.

That may sound a little harsh, but this was my experience from
15+ years of shows and flea markets.

hblt46 · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 296

I love when I'm having a yard sale and let's say I have an item marked $10.

I always get at least one person who will say "is that your best price"

I say no.... $15 is my best price, but I'll let you have it for $10.

Usually shuts them up!

cheddarmoon · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 31

I always post "firm" on my CL prices also. If they want to drive to my home and then try to bargain they get a surprise. I just say, I'm sorry but I listed the price as $xx.xx firm, and if you had asked before driving all this way I would have told you that. Most people will cough up the money since they're already here. And I never let anyone load anything into their car/truck before they've paid me. But if you want to look like a good guy, list it for $10 or $20 more than you really want, and then let them negotiate. Sometimes you get lucky and they just pay what you're asking. :)

northstar01 · Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 172

I get that on ebay when i don't even list with make me a offer. And then when i accept their offer i never hear from them again. This happen to anyone else? I'm fed up with it. From now on the standard answer is NO!

campu2 · Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 334

I always post "firm" on my CL prices also. If they want to drive to my home and then try to bargain they get a surprise. I just say, I'm sorry but I listed the price as $xx.xx firm, and if you had asked before driving all this way I would have told you that.

cheddarmoon; My thoughts exactly. Even though I post "FIRM"
on all my listings, I don't mind if people make offers by email or
on the phone before they show up at my door.

People who refuse to make an ACTUAL OFFER and just keep
asking for a lower price are just trying to manipulate you.

Typical Scenario:
Posted: $200 FIRM
Buyer asks for a " deal " without making an offer.
Seller says " O.K I'll take $180 "
Buyer says " Will you take $120 "

Whatever discount you offer they will ask for an additional discount.

I've been through this so many times, I finally learned to post
my "best price", and eliminate all the pain in the A$$ people
who are only looking to buy if you are giving it away.

MaelinDesigns · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Arlington, TX

I've been considering selling on Craig's List, but I'm not sure if hand crafted items would do well or not.

I do Artisan Jewelry, and I also teach crafting classes in a home party format. Do you think those would do well, or would people just keep asking for deep discounts even on services?

I appreciate any advice you can give me. :)

purple_reading_giraffe · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 5485 Location: Indiana, USA

For hand-crafted items, you might look at Etsy.com and see if it might meet your needs. I don't know, but I suspect that Craigslist (and Oodle) might be a very good place to advertise your service. You might also search Yahoo! and Google Groups for those that might be interested in your services, and where you could also participate and gain a reputation to become the go-to-gal in Arlington for learning the skills you teach. Welcome to PSU & Best of luck to you!

dlrane · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 2406

I sell a lot of bigger items on CL, havn't had a lot of luck with small items under 50.00. Etsy, Ruby Lane, Atomic mall and others might be good for that. You could just give out your store URL's at the Parties.

I would think you might get some good interest on the Home Party Jewelry Making with so many looking for ways to make a buck. You might even be able to help get them set up on some of the venues mentioned and help put feebay out of business!!!! :lol:

AD: Lost your job? Want to quit your job? Just looking to make some extra cash with your Creative Talents? Let me show you and your neighbors how to make Quality Handcrafted Jewelry, and Sell it Online from the comfort of your Home. Don't wait a minute longer, your Electric Bill is almost Due!!!! Call now to schedule an Artisan Party SOON!!! :lol:

MaelinDesigns · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Arlington, TX

Thanks for the great advice! :)

I'll get my home party service listed on Craig's List this weekend, and also check out the Yahoo and Google groups as well.

I think I'm starting to love teaching almost more than selling at this point. It's really rewarding to get paid to do what you love and see people just "get it". <grin>

SneekerIsOnline · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 263 Location: Blackpool

its called haggling lol