This question

"Alfalfa" (alfalfa-romeo)
12/10/2016 at 11:15 • Filed to: None

Always this question. I feel like this is equivalent to asking someone on a date but starting with “just how low are your standards?”

(Price in ad is $500)

DISCUSSION (14)

Grindintosecond > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 11:22

Car ad: whats the lowest price that lets me get in and take it home?

Date: whats the cheapest dinner/drink that lets me get in and take her home?

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 11:36

Ask them what price will it take to earn their business. People love that.

Alfalfa > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/10/2016 at 11:59

I’ve tried to accommodate the request many times, and not once have I ever had someone even serious enough to come see what I was selling in person. So I’d kind of just rather tell them to fuck off.

Frenchlicker > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 12:20

That’s like saying “Hey you want money right? How about I give you as little as possible without working for it?”

comes over to help work on your car and only drinks beer > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 12:26

I agree that this statement as an opener in negotiations between 2 people is pretty dumb...it’s listed at a price, if you feel that price isn’t fair, offer a price that you think is fair, however, I understand where people get into it...they might be used to dealing with dealerships wherein you got thru several ‘bottom dollar’ offers before you get to the real point where there will be no more negotiating.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 13:54

I hate dealing with annoying CL/Autotrader people just as much as anyone does, but... are you trying to sell a car or are you trying to make a friend? This type of transaction isn’t nearly the same as going on a date and although their message may be a bit curt you do have the option to simply reply with “$450" or “won’t budge” or similar. Keep in mind this buyer may have just got in touch with 15 other people about their Broncos. Nothing wrong with getting to the point.

sdwarf36 > Frenchlicker
12/10/2016 at 13:55

Alfalfa > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
12/10/2016 at 14:11

Yeah but I’ve wasted enough time saying “Price firm” or giving them a lower price and I’ve not once met in person with anyone who asked this question. I feel like getting to the point is either making an offer or asking to see the vehicle. All these people have consistently shown no regard for my time.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 14:19

I’m not disagreeing with you but this is just something to consider. People have different (and sometimes weird) negotiating styles. Had you replied to him with a price instead of your message - which, let’s face it is a bigger waste of time than typing out 3 digits - maybe he would have considered it in relation to his other offers and got back to you. Don’t give this guy much of your time but why slam the door on his face?

Alfalfa > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
12/10/2016 at 14:26

Because dealing with too many of these people has made me salty.

shop-teacher > Alfalfa
12/10/2016 at 18:29

I fucking hate this.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa
12/11/2016 at 20:50

I’m glad I read the last part, because I did a double take thinking you’d ask $1,000 for that Bronco.

Pre-actually-looking-at-the-damn-car negotiations are virtually a complete waste of time. Also a useful tool for unpleasant people to weed themselves out.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa
12/11/2016 at 20:50

Make your ad email only. Worked wonders for me on my last purchase and my last two sales.

ateamfan42 > comes over to help work on your car and only drinks beer
12/12/2016 at 10:28

it’s listed at a price, if you feel that price isn’t fair, offer a price that you think is fair

This is exactly the correct approach.

One of the first rules in haggling is “don’t move twice”. If I list it at one price, and you want me to change that number without an offer being presented first, then I’ve just moved down for nothing. Why wouldn’t I just keep reducing my price further then, over and over? I never blame anyone for asking about a lower price, but at least make the effort.

When someone says to me “what’s the lowest you’ll take for it?”, that to me says “I’m lazy and don’t want to put any effort into negotiating, so why don’t you just give me a free discount for nothing, because I’m entitled to a great bargain with no work.”