Annoying bargaining when selling antiques

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
A woman in church approached me about the antique stoneware jugs she saw I had for sale on Marketplace. She followed me home from church and I showed her the jugs. She offered me $15 for both. I said they were $25 each (which was clearly stated in the ad), or both for $45. She let out a long "Ohhhhhh", then said that she only brought $15 and a hundred dollar bill and added that she didn't expect I could change $100. SURPRISE! I told her I could. Then she said in that case, she'd only get one and she didn't look happy. Did she seriously think I sell $45 worth for $15? This is starting early this year and this is someone I know!

This is the one she bought:

stoneware jug1.jpg
 

debodun, I don't know how you put up with those types, I'd rather throw an item in the trash rather than deal with predatory buyers.
I used to sell a lot of computer hardware on ebay, not any more after getting burned by crooked buyers 'working the system' and getting ebay and/or Paypal to force me to refund them, while they keep the item. About a year ago I just took all my vintage computer stuff to e-waste, shed a small tear, then moved on.
 
That's why I do a "cash and carry" sale. I don't ship - I can only see too much hassle and a lot of complaining by buyers. When people come to look, they know exactly what they're getting and no complaining afterwards. However, a lot of people shy away from coming to my house. I admit I'm a nut, but a harmless one. People these days act so mistrustful - like everyone else is a homicidal maniac.
 
debodun said:
That's why I do a "cash and carry" sale. I don't ship - I can only see too much hassle and a lot of complaining by buyers. When people come to look, they know exactly what they're getting and no complaining afterwards. However, a lot of people shy away from coming to my house. I admit I'm a nut, but a harmless one. People these days act so mistrustful - like everyone else is a homicidal maniac.
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I'm not trying to scare you, but it's people coming to your house that you should not be too trusting with. I can hold my own in a fist fight, and have guns for when fists aren't enough, but I would not think of having strangers come to my house.
 
OldFeller said:
The whole reason people buy second hand stuff is to get a bargain. Haggling has always been the way to go. Growing up, haggling was considered an art and people were respected for their ability to get a bargain.

What's different today?
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This wasn't "Haggling" the (censored) thought she'd play a game on the seller ASSuming they'd let it go cheap so as to avoid not selling.

I've had people like that, when told "No, my price is firm" they think I wouldn't want to lose the sale, well as I had 2-3 buyers waiting, I can wait.
 
Unless it was someone I knew well, I wouldn't go to their home or let them in mine! Mind you, everyone knows I don't like surprise visitors and never open the door to someone I don't know, unless of course they have an appointment. :)
 
I'm glad to hear you stood firm, Deb. I don't sell things, but years ago I sold for a while through eBay (back when eBay was *very* different and better than it is now.) My daughter wanted to sell her American Girl doll and someone was bugging me with a sob story about how she could only afford half as much and her little girl was going to be so sad if the doll wasn't under the Christmas tree. I only said sorry, I can't reduce the price because I was getting much higher bids, but I wanted to suggest maybe she should be looking for something besides a $95 collector doll for her little girl. I guess there will always be someone trying to do that... stand firm! @debodun
 
Disgustedman said:
This wasn't "Haggling" the (censored) thought she'd play a game on the seller ASSuming they'd let it go cheap so as to avoid not selling.

I've had people like that, when told "No, my price is firm" they think I wouldn't want to lose the sale, well as I had 2-3 buyers waiting, I can wait.
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I understand all that. As a seller, your art is to stand firm and wait for your price. That's the game.
 
CallMeKate said:
I'm glad to hear you stood firm, Deb. I don't sell things, but years ago I sold for a while through eBay (back when eBay was *very* different and better than it is now.) My daughter wanted to sell her American Girl doll and someone was bugging me with a sob story about how she could only afford half as much and her little girl was going to be so sad if the doll wasn't under the Christmas tree. I only said sorry, I can't reduce the price because I was getting much higher bids, but I wanted to suggest maybe she should be looking for something besides a $95 collector doll for her little girl. I guess there will always be someone trying to do that... stand firm! @debodun
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Or the people saying "X is dying of cancer" or "YOU'RE the reason my child's birthday will be RUINED by your GREED!!!" and silly crap like that.
 
Disgustedman said:
This wasn't "Haggling" the (censored) thought she'd play a game on the seller ASSuming they'd let it go cheap so as to avoid not selling.
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Agreed. Haggling is something like "will you take $40 for both instead of $50" or "if I buy both, will you knock ten bucks off".... not "I only have a hundred dollar bill" thinking the seller will cave. Haggling is great... either a seller takes the deal or not... it's when it moves into manipulation that it gets annoying. @Disgustedman
 
Nathan said:
My wife has a ton of Mary Moo Moos in a couple display cases. At one time I had thought to encourage my wife to let me sell them, but now am of the mind to just let her kids deal with the Moos when she / we pass.
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I had a lot of Royal Worcester china at one time but rarely used any of it so donated it to the local hospice. They were so pleased, they sent a driver to pick it up for their fundraising sale.
 
Nathan said:
I'm not trying to scare you, but it's people coming to your house that you should not be too trusting with. I can hold my own in a fist fight, and have guns for when fists aren't enough, but I would not think of having strangers come to my house.
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You're right @Nathan. I remember a lady who let some guy in to see the pool table she and her husband were selling. Hubs was at work. Yep, afterward, he killed her.
 
OldFeller said:
The whole reason people buy second hand stuff is to get a bargain. Haggling has always been the way to go. Growing up, haggling was considered an art and people were respected for their ability to get a bargain.

What's different today?
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Oh! Don't like "haggling". That's kind of a "man thing", isn't it?
My late husband had a business card that said,
"Horse and Tack Trader"
"Raconteur, (Bullshitter)"
"Unrepentant Sinner"

My gallery has a small sign that says, "Prices are firm and fair."
They don't care.
 
RadishRose said:
You're right @Nathan. I remember a lady who let some guy in to see the pool table she and her husband were selling. Hubs was at work. Yep, afterward, he killed her.
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That is probably an isolated incident. There was only one time I had trouble with a person. I saw a post on a bulletin board that said something to the effect "I BUY ANTIQUES - ANY KIND - ANY CONDITION". I copied the number and called him. He came down, looked about 10 seconds and stared to shout, "Why did you get me down here to look at this JUNK?" I pointed out his message that he said buys anything. He then said, "Yes, but it has to be good stuff. I oughta sue you for wasting my time!", while shaking his fist in my face. He stormed out and that was that.
 
Trish said:
I had a lot of Royal Worcester china at one time but rarely used any of it so donated it to the local hospice. They were so pleased, they sent a driver to pick it up for their fundraising sale.
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At auction, Royal Worcester china and porcelain can go for anything between £1,000 and £30,000, depending on the design.😳😳😳😭😭😭😳😳😳
 

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