Haggling

From: Greg Mast <gmast_at_polymail.cpunix.calpoly.edu>
Date: Fri Aug 15 12:14:24 1997

> On Thu, 14 Aug 1997, Tim Shoppa wrote:
>
> > I would tend to agree with Roger. Deal with people fairly and they'll
> > respect you and your hobby. If you start haggling over every tiny little
> > thing they'll just throw it away instead of calling you next time...
>
> I disagree. Nobody is going to say "Gee, I'd really like to take all
> this old junk and sell it at a swap meet but those darn hagglers just
> make it such a chore!!!"
>
> It's part of the whole swap meet experience. The fact is, I do treat
> people fairly. I'm paying them what I feel it is worth, and as we all
> know, that is what a "fair price" is. They certainly don't have to sell
> it to me for what I ask, and in fact that has happened on several occasions.
> Sam

At a swap meet or garage sale most people expect you to haggle. That is part
of the game. You can tell pretty quick if they're not into it becuse they say
no to your offer. Most of the people I buy stuff from are just trying to get
rid of it. They're more than happy to bargain. Especially if you buy all the
boxes of "computer junk" they have.

On the other hand there's a lady who hauls out an old Amiga 500 without power
supply or mouse every week and is "Firm at $100". Someday she'll figure it
out. (usually $5-$10 at Goodwill)

I recall a stubborn seller a few years back. I was searching for a collectible
Coke machine. I called a guy that had one for $1000. I mentioned making an
offer once I had seen it and he told me he was "firm" on $1000 and seemed
insulted. Well, before I could get there to check it out, a fellow collector
drove down there within an hour and hauled it away for $200! Funny thing is
that at the time I was ready to fork out at least $600 for it! You can never
tell what people are thinking.
Received on Fri Aug 15 1997 - 12:14:24 BST

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