Low ball offers

[leghog]

I don't see a loathing of the art of negotiation, it's more that the majority just completely suck at it. They have no idea how to approach, communicate or how a strategy works. Negotiation maybe the way of the world, but being good at it is a completely different matter. I disagree, venue does matter. Some places like grocery stores refuse to barter. Last time I bought groceries, they refused to give me a discount or price match any items that were priced slightly lower at a different grocery store. Sometimes the price is what it is, and any bartering has been done at levels before we get to the item. Usually when things are bought in bulk, that is when most of the negotiation has been done, the rest may not amount to much.

You'd be surprised where you can barter. My son and I did at a Giant last summer for produce. The manager couldn't change the price but he gave us more for the price. I've done the same at the deli/bakery in a Food Lion. Heck, my wife once was able to negotiate at a Sears and at a Walmart.

But, yes, "sometimes the price is what it is", and as I've posted earlier in this thread, the seller should then state so clearly and right off the bat.

 

[KELAMA]

Thanks, I like to think I'm a pretty nice guy too.

I simply fail to see how an offer to buy can be construed as insulting. It's an offer, not an accusation or an indictment of your character.

I save my righteous indignation for things that matter, like the pass interference that wasn't called against the Broncoes that cost me $20 last week. I tried to offer the guy $10 but he made me pay him the full $20...

You are right about one thing, I don't sell here. Primarily because I don't tend to sell things like knives, I buy working knives that I can use in my bush crafting/outdoors hobbies or to be given as gifts, if they don't perform I'm more likely to give one away or sell it locally than I would here.

But I guarantee that if or when I do sell a knife here I won't be insulted by an honest offer to buy it, I may reject the offer but I simply don't have the time of the inclination to walk around feeling insulted over such trivial things.

^ After reading this post; now I know that you really are a cool dude. :thumbup: That Bronco/Patriot game, was insane! Great analogy btw! I disagree however- I thought that the play you're referring to, was incidental contact, & not pass interference.

I do completely agree with your last sentence. This is just a fun hobby- & in the scope of life, this issue is pretty trivial. I don't personally get "insulted" over low ball offers. I do however, file certain situations away in my memory bank, & sometimes use that information for the future.

Thanks for the clarification, JohnWE. :thumbup:

It's life & family, that really matters...knives probably take a distant 4th or 5th place. I'd be willing to bet that for some people, knives must be the #1 priority in their lives. :hypnotysed:

 

[JohnWE]

^ I completely agree with this! :thumbup:



^ Counter offer on this logic? What counter offer- there would be no counter offer!

JohnWE- you seem like a nice guy, but with all due respect- I find that your 50% negotiating strategy (on used knives), an offer that most seller's here would find totally insulting.

Example: if I were selling my used PM 2 & had it listed for $95 (PP Goods & USPS shipping included), & you came along & offered me $47.50- I wouldn't even respond. In fact, I'd most likely add you to my never do business list. After shipping & PP fees, I would net approximately $39.00 for a PM 2 that I'd much rather give away to a friend, than sell to someone like you.

Like everyone here- you're entitled to your opinion. I just think that you need to look at this from a seller's perspective, & how you would feel, if someone offered you 50% of your asking price. I'm guessing, that you don't do a lot of selling here on the forums?

You're not countering my logic, you're countering my offer. In your specific example, what makes your used PM 2 worth what you're asking for it? You may know what it cost new or what you paid for it if you bought it used but what logic; to use your term, did you use to arrive at your asking price?

I see your ad and what I know is that you're selling a used knife, I don't know or care what it cost you or what your emotional attachment to it is. That's not my concern. I make an initial offer which you feel is too low, rather than taking insult at my offer why not make a counter offer? You might get exactly what you ask for and in my case you'll be paid immediately and you'll be told to use the least expensive shipping method you wish and that I'm not in a rush to get it. I'm pretty much an ideal customer though I say it myself. On the other hand, you may choose to feel I've insulted you, wished ill will upon you and your family, cursed the ground you walk on and then take the extreme measure of adding me to your "list"...

In the end you'll still have a knife that you don't want, I'll still have my money and being on your "list" won't affect me in the slightest way, who comes out ahead in that scenario?


In the interest of lessening the many offenses I seem to have caused as well as tempering(see what I did there?) the numerous insults I've unknowingly tossed out I have consulted my sales and legal team and I can happily state that my new official "buying a used knife from an unknown person on Bladeforums policy" will be to increase my initial offer to 67.25% of the asking price, I hope you'll all join me in celebrating this welcome news...;^)

 

[MercyfulfateXX]

KELAMA says::,,

It's life & family, that really matters...knives probably take a distant 4th or 5th place.


and that's a wrap fellows.






My take on lowball offers, shoot your best shot,i can only say no. But, if im asking 100$ for a knife and you send me an offer of 40$ youll not get a response from me. I have made offers on knives listed for a certain price, ill try and cut it 20$ or so. But I wont be disrespectful and make an unreasonable offer.

 

[GronK]

When I have received 50% type offers I've always sent a counter offer, usually about $1 less than the original price. No one seems to want to negotiate after that.

 

[KELAMA]

I don't know or care what your emotional attachment to it is. That's not my concern.

^ Empathy, is the ability (an art if you will), of understanding. :apthy:

I honestly didn't think that I would ever share my innermost deepest secrets with this forum, John, but here you have it: I AM emotionally attached to some of my knives! In fact, I slept with 3 of them just last night (a Hinderer, Strider & CRK Zaan). Please don't judge me for this startling admission, John. Likewise- I'll try my best, not to judge you for being a master at, low balling.

 

[knifehunt]

You're not countering my logic, you're countering my offer. In your specific example, what makes your used PM 2 worth what you're asking for it? You may know what it cost new or what you paid for it if you bought it used but what logic; to use your term, did you use to arrive at your asking price?

I see your ad and what I know is that you're selling a used knife, I don't know or care what it cost you or what your emotional attachment to it is. That's not my concern. I make an initial offer which you feel is too low, rather than taking insult at my offer why not make a counter offer? You might get exactly what you ask for and in my case you'll be paid immediately and you'll be told to use the least expensive shipping method you wish and that I'm not in a rush to get it. I'm pretty much an ideal customer though I say it myself. On the other hand, you may choose to feel I've insulted you, wished ill will upon you and your family, cursed the ground you walk on and then take the extreme measure of adding me to your "list"...

In the end you'll still have a knife that you don't want, I'll still have my money and being on your "list" won't affect me in the slightest way, who comes out ahead in that scenario?


In the interest of lessening the many offenses I seem to have caused as well as tempering(see what I did there?) the numerous insults I've unknowingly tossed out I have consulted my sales and legal team and I can happily state that my new official "buying a used knife from an unknown person on Bladeforums policy" will be to increase my initial offer to 67.25% of the asking price, I hope you'll all join me in celebrating this welcome news...;^)

WOW.... The PM2 that I paid $150 and list as lightly used for $100, and you offer $50... That is NOT a Serious offer to buy so no, I would not waste my time to even respond to you. Lightly used around here generally means the darn thing has opened a few envelopes. More then half the knives for sale have never done more then that. So I'm offering 1/3 off of the original price for opening an envelope or two, but you want to offer $50, lol. If the person accepts that ridiculous offer of yours, do you feel good about yourself? You would tell them to ship the cheapest way possible? What a peach are you. The seller ships how they ship, you don't decide that anyhow, unless you want to pay extra.

This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read, and there are a lot of ridiculous things to be read around here.

 

[KELAMA]

KELAMA says::,,

It's life & family, that really matters...knives probably take a distant 4th or 5th place.


and that's a wrap fellows.

^ I stand corrected. Knives actually fall into my 2nd hierarchy of needs (before friends & family v

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

The original hierarchy of needs five-stage model includes:

1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. A. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.
2. B. Knives

3. Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, affection and love, - from work group, family, friends, romantic relationships.

4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.

5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

 

[knifehunt]

^ Empathy, is the ability (an art if you will), of understanding. :apthy:

I honestly didn't think that I would ever share my innermost deepest secrets with this forum, John, but here you have it: I AM emotionally attached to some of my knives! In fact, I slept with 3 of them just last night (a Hinderer, Strider & CRK Zaan). Please don't judge me for this startling admission, John. Likewise- I'll try my best, not to judge you for being a master at, low balling.

Any other member's here sleep with any of their knives? Or should we start another entire thread for this.

This would have to be started in (Whine and Cheese)......

 

[JohnWE]

L

WOW.... The PM2 that I paid $150 and list as lightly used for $100, and you offer $50... That is NOT a Serious offer to buy so no, I would not waste my time to even respond to you. Lightly used around here generally means the darn thing has opened a few envelopes. More then half the knives for sale have never done more then that. So I'm offering 1/3 off of the original price for opening an envelope or two, but you want to offer $50, lol. If the person accepts that ridiculous offer of yours, do you feel good about yourself? You would tell them to ship the cheapest way possible? What a peach are you. The seller ships how they ship, you don't decide that anyhow, unless you want to pay extra.

This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read, and there are a lot of ridiculous things to be read around here.

I'll learn to live without your input into my daily life.

Don't forget to add me to your list...

 

[JohnWE]

^ Empathy, is the ability (an art if you will), of understanding. :apthy:

I honestly didn't think that I would ever share my innermost deepest secrets with this forum, John, but here you have it: I AM emotionally attached to some of my knives! In fact, I slept with 3 of them just last night (a Hinderer, Strider & CRK Zaan). Please don't judge me for this startling admission, John. Likewise- I'll try my best, not to judge you for being a master at, low balling.

Any other member's here sleep with any of their knives? Or should we start another entire thread for this.

Rimshot...

 

[JohnWE]

WOW.... The PM2 that I paid $150 and list as lightly used for $100, and you offer $50... That is NOT a Serious offer to buy so no, I would not waste my time to even respond to you. Lightly used around here generally means the darn thing has opened a few envelopes. More then half the knives for sale have never done more then that. So I'm offering 1/3 off of the original price for opening an envelope or two, but you want to offer $50, lol. If the person accepts that ridiculous offer of yours, do you feel good about yourself? You would tell them to ship the cheapest way possible? What a peach are you. The seller ships how they ship, you don't decide that anyhow, unless you want to pay extra.

This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read, and there are a lot of ridiculous things to be read around here.

In your self-righteous zeal and rush to make a point you failed to read. My offer for your worn-out piece o'crap PM 2 would actually be $67.25 if you were to offer it for $100. Try to keep up.

Given some of what I've read here from you and others, your threshold for ridiculousness is pretty low.

 

[JohnWE]

^ Empathy, is the ability (an art if you will), of understanding. :apthy:

I honestly didn't think that I would ever share my innermost deepest secrets with this forum, John, but here you have it: I AM emotionally attached to some of my knives! In fact, I slept with 3 of them just last night (a Hinderer, Strider & CRK Zaan). Please don't judge me for this startling admission, John. Likewise- I'll try my best, not to judge you for being a master at, low balling.

Any other member's here sleep with any of their knives? Or should we start another entire thread for this.

I won't judge you...

 

[Kels73]

"When has someone presented me with a lowball offer?"
VERSES
"When has someone simply presented me with an offer?"

It's a judgment call. Either way, when someone presents me with an offer of any kind, I respond politely. I don't take it personally. It's a business transaction.

As to why people make lowball offers, I'm guessing there are a number of reasons. I think most people do it in the hopes of getting the lowest possible counter-offer. In other words, they know that most sellers have a minimum amount that they are willing to accept. By lowballing, the potential buyer hopes to drive the seller down to that minimum amount quickly.

And then there are those who do it because they're greedy! Either way, I don't take it personally. I just respond politely. Sometimes I make a counter-offer, whereas other times I don't.

"Have I been lowballed?" It's a judgment call.

 

[JohnWE]

"When has someone presented me with a lowball offer?"
VERSES
"When has someone simply presented me with an offer?"

It's a judgment call. Either way, when someone presents me with an offer of any kind, I respond politely. I don't take it personally. It's a business transaction.

As to why people make lowball offers, I'm guessing there are a number of reasons. I think most people do it in the hopes of getting the lowest possible counter-offer. In other words, they know that most sellers have a minimum amount that they are willing to accept. By lowballing, the potential buyer hopes to drive the seller down to that minimum amount quickly.

And then there are those who do it because they're greedy! Either way, I don't take it personally. I just respond politely. Sometimes I make a counter-offer, whereas other times I don't.

"Have I been lowballed?" It's a judgment call.

Exactly right.

 

[knifehunt]

In your self-righteous zeal and rush to make a point you failed to read. My offer for your worn-out piece o'crap PM 2 would actually be $67.25 if you were to offer it for $100. Try to keep up.

Given some of what I've read here from you and others, your threshold for ridiculousness is pretty low.

$67.25, you are laughable. You are the exact type of person that would list your item, for way more then it's worth and not want to negotiate. This is why I do not deal with people like you. You want top dollar for you thing, but want to buy for next to nothing. It is clear as to what we are dealing with here. No one's ever asked me for a refund!

 

[knifehunt]

Exactly right.

Everyone who agrees with is correct, right?

 

[rxavage]

I sleep with a knife under my pillow and one on my night stand, which could be considered sleeping with them i suppose.

 

[KELAMA]

Rimshot...

Sorry bro- you shot air ball from the free throw line, with your 50% offer logic. I'd be willing to bet, that if you made 100 of your 50% offers here (folders priced in the $200 -400 range, you'd be batting .000 Just my opinion.

I'd hate to see you walking into a 99 cent store- it would be hilarious, watching all of the people standing/waiting in line behind you! Same thing if you walked into a Burger King (HAVE IT YOUR WAY).

 

[cigarrodog]

I can usually discern which individual I want to transact with. The extreme lowball PM offer(i.e., 50 to 68%) tells me everything I need to know. My experience has taught me to simply ignore, not negotiate with such an individual. Nothing personal.