Negotiating Tips

[Zach]

We've all came across that machine we want but the seller is way out in left field. You offer a fair price for both you and the seller (not a Craigslist steal price) but the seller still thinks what they have is gold and won't budge to what the machine is actually worth. Just curious to see if anyone has any negotiating tips for these instances?

[SIGNGUY]

I run into all of the time...
I kindly just explain that I consider myself pretty knowledgable on the item they have for sale, and I ask if I can at least leave them with my phone number and an offer..

I have had several instances where "MONTHS" have passed and I 'll get a call saying if my offer still is good .

Several 81's that where priced 3500-5000 for an unrestored barn condition machine...I leave my offer and have picked up several this way.

Kill them with kindness... you'll stand out more than the other guy calling them stupid...

Good luck!

[mygoose101]

When I look for machines I prefer them to be overpriced (example a $6,000 unrestored 81A) because I know I'm not going to have to fight anyone for it. I call to discuss the machine a little bit then I just ask how they came up with their price for the machine. Usually they are honest and say the did a quick internet search. From there you just need to feel them out and just explain to them that it's way overpriced.

[Creighton]

All great advice. I help folks with what they have. Most don't really know. Explain why x is the best I can do. Leave a card and walk away if no agreement. Need to start a log of those cause feel like an idiot when someone calls back and can't recall what they have. Telling that have several other machines and will give it a good home works as well. Be the nice guy and don't overpay at the first visit.
Creighton

[SIGNGUY]

When I look for machines I prefer them to be overpriced (example a $6,000 unrestored 81A) because I know I'm not going to have to fight anyone for it. I call to discuss the machine a little bit then I just ask how they came up with their price for the machine. Usually they are honest and say the did a quick internet search. From there you just need to feel them out and just explain to them that it's way overpriced.

I agree with this as well.. love those overpriced ones... cause when they do call me months later.. they say "I guess I'll take your offer cause I didn't get a single call on it.".. 

[cormy]

Patience is defiantly a virtue in these cases...

[Zach]

All good information, thanks all!

[cohammer]

I have had luck a couple of times by asking if thats what your asking then what have you been offered .most of the time you get the nothing yet because a high price runs people away. So I always leave a card even with antique stores .