What's a "Fair Offer"?

DaveH

DaveH

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OK, I'm puzzled by this phrase, is it some percentage of the asking price?

After all, what's fair to me, and what's fair to someone else will be completely different.
Which to me makes it a totally useless phrase to put in an ad, because it leaves one open to create bad feelings by offering an amount that could be considered "lowball" to one person, but perfectly "fair" to the other.

Comments?
DaveH
 
That question is definately open to many interpretions. But you can usually expect offers within reason. Example NIB LCC for $125.00. You offer $110 or even $100. Probably fair. You offer your pakistan bowie and $5 to cover shipping. Not too fair. While there is no definate answer, most knife knuts can understand pretty well what is "fair".
 
Put a price on it, I hate ads that say make offer. You make what you think is a fair and reasonable offer and some act offended. A knife is not selling for price advertised, offer a lower price and some will oblige and some will not. Too many knives are advertised at list price or close. I check the web for prices and can many times buy cheaper from a dealer than the private individual that just happens to be selling for a friend or his overstock. Sorry, you sharpen it and it is not NIB. Drive a new car off of the showroom floor and then try to sell it back to the dealer for new.

Just my 2 cents worth.

sarge
 
Example: I saw a recent post for a knife I wanted for sale on the secondary market. Price listed was $250.00, LNIB I know I could buy the item for $275.00 NIB from a dealer. Dealer purchases give you that guarantee. I offered $225.00 shipped. He accepted and I sent the $. This was not an insulting low ball offer of $100.00. When buying on the secondary market, you should expect to get a good deal. Same goes for selling, don't expect to get dealer prices.
 
I'd mirror the 'check the net' statements. Look for what you want and if you don't know what it goes for then check 1SKS. Their prices are really reasonable. Then it depends on how bad you want it... Hawaiian's example is perfect and he saved almost $30! Just watch your delivery when you send your offer. I always put that 'X' is how much I've budgeted for a knife like this and would be interested if they can sell at that price or close. That usually gets a reasonable response as most people can understand budgeting issues for a collection. Main thing is to always be polite and don't get pissed if they say no and don't forget to keep the dialogue going if it is something you really want... You never know.
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Shawn
 
I agree with Shawn. Keep your dialogue open. I was turned down only to be contacted 2 weeks later wanting to know if my offer was still good. It was and I made a great deal
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Life is good.........
Greg

------------------
Always do right....this will gratify some and astonish the rest.
Mark Twain
 
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