Asking for the "bottom line" or lowest price.

fracmeister

fracmeister

Petroleum Engineer
Joined
May 26, 1999
Messages
1,686
Ever try to sell something and someone asks for you "Lowest price"? I find it pretty annoying. They aren't saying "Hey, 600$ is too much for me, but I'd go 500 if you'll take it." (substitute any numbers..) I can live with a counteroffer, even if it is ridiculous. But I don;t think asking someone to bid against themself is ... well, it doesn't hack me off, it is just annoying. Asking a custom maker that question might get you a higher price... :rolleyes: Am I just being unreasonable?
 
i think that makes sense. on a related topic, the thing i hate is sellers who sell used items at fixed prices. the swap meet for example -- i hate when i find something i want, and ask the seller the price, and they say something kinda pricey. then i ask if they'll take (fill in the blank with a slightly lower price), and they say no. that's SO stupid!

here's some advice for folks out there. don't EVER start something at your lowest price. at best, you'll get MORE than you are willing to let an item go for, and at worst, you'll be able to lower your price to a more attractive number, and still get what you want for it.

abe "sorry if this had nothing to do with what you asked" m.
 
You're not unreasonable.
I'm amazed at how often I see just that line in the sale area "what's your lowest Price?"
It must gall the seller no end.

it brings a shake of my head when I read it.

It is OK, in my mind, to offer $25, $50, or whatever, to buy something being offered at $100.
All the guy can say is no or ignore your post or email.
Course I do have my dignity and doubt that I'd offer a ridiculous lowball number. A waste of my time and the seller's
:)
Tom
 
I guess counteroffers will be better, although I don't think I'll be offended by someone asking for the lowest price. I think it's in the "tone". Usually, if I'm looking to buy, I'll mention to the seller thatI'm interested, but can only offer XX amount.
Would be great if he could consider my offer if he didn't find a better offer.

Lowballing is relative - it works both ways. If the seller really needs to sell, he will. If not, then no offence taken.

Like I mentioned, IMO it's all in the tone.
 
Tell me about it. Especially when it's "Hey, I'm wearing a huge diamond ring, $15000 rolex, and a 24 carat braclet that looks more expensive than your car; so what kind of deal can you give me?"
 
yes, I can see where that would annoy you. I had someone ask me about a small folder I made. I priced it at $100.00 to be nice and they thought it was too much. Well that was insulting. People who do not make knives, usually do not have any idea the time that goes into making one, especially a folder!!!!! not too mention you have other factors that affect the price.

It seems, for me personally to politely try to explain that this may be improper (to make such requests). Some people though, genuinely, do not know any better.
 
....good haggling should be fun for both the seller and buyer. Coming from a retail background, and now operating my own studio, I have had plenty of "lowballers". My own pet peeve is someone that thinks they will get a better price by insulting whatever I am selling..."Well, that kayak has been sitting out in the sun, so it is probably going to break. I'll give you an old cat and my left sock for it."

Or my current "favorite" is the person that brings 3 pots up to my counter and asks "What kind of a deal will you give me if I buy 3 of these?" "Well", I say, "you give me the asking price, and I will give you those 3 beautiful pots." If they laugh, then we can have some fun. If not, I probably don't want my stuff sitting around in their house anyway.

On the flip side, some folks think they are hassling you by haggling and may think they are saving you time by asking what your lowest price is. Probably not, but they might be that cool.

Thom
 
If the seller says "flexible," "offers entertained, " or "OBO," then definitely, I'll try to strike a bargain.

However, if the seller says "firm," I think it's only right that the buyer respect that request.

And as the buyer, I would never expect to open with a "how low can you go?" or deliberately try to lowball the deal.

A buyer should always be educated about his/her purchases, and should have already done their homework on just what they can expect to pay for goods -- be they new, used, or abused.

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
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