I somewhat understand you, i mean it is ok to try to chaffer lower price, but the guy already had 50$ discount and did it in pretty rude way over the phone.
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My New Zero Tolerance Craigslist Attitude.
- Thread starter FingerDub
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i sell stuff all the time on CL. i never take someone asking to buy for less personally, although i will always say no after a price is agreed on. i have had mostly really good experiences and met some really nice people.
I understand your frustration, and I think you went a little far. I would’ve sold him the item either way.
Instead of resorting to profanity you could just as easily raised the price back up.
He reneged on the initial negotiation by asking for more off. That resets the haggle in my mind.
He reneged on the initial negotiation by asking for more off. That resets the haggle in my mind.
Here in Florida everything on Craigslist has an instant discount on it.
Doesn't matter what is placed in the ad.
I have never been offered the selling price on a cash deal.
That being said, I have had better luck on Cragislist trading stuff.
I usually list anything for trade or sale on FB marketplace and Craigslist and lose track of where I make a deal.
I recently gave away a slab of granite that was on my back porch on Craigslist. It was off a job I demoed and it sat on my back porch for 2 years. I was tired of tripping over it. I also couldn't lift it, about 350 lbs and 10' long.
I have never had so much phone and text conversation in my life over a item posted. Probably talked to 40 folks in a 5 hour stretch.
Finally some guys shows up at dusk and they wrestle it in his truck.
I insisted they put a flag on it because it was dark green and now dark outside and I was hoping someone wouldn't run into them at a red light because it stuck out so far behind the truck. They were some muy sketchy folks.
I understand the Craigslist frustration from that day alone.
I also had an item on sale for $ 100, which became $ 60, which I gave away at $ 40.00 just to get rid of it.
If you're selling on Craigslist expect all the human trash of the universe to make a run at you.
You also will meet some real neat folks, which is also my experience.
Haven't had a bad music experience yet.
Doesn't matter what is placed in the ad.
I have never been offered the selling price on a cash deal.
That being said, I have had better luck on Cragislist trading stuff.
I usually list anything for trade or sale on FB marketplace and Craigslist and lose track of where I make a deal.
I recently gave away a slab of granite that was on my back porch on Craigslist. It was off a job I demoed and it sat on my back porch for 2 years. I was tired of tripping over it. I also couldn't lift it, about 350 lbs and 10' long.
I have never had so much phone and text conversation in my life over a item posted. Probably talked to 40 folks in a 5 hour stretch.
Finally some guys shows up at dusk and they wrestle it in his truck.
I insisted they put a flag on it because it was dark green and now dark outside and I was hoping someone wouldn't run into them at a red light because it stuck out so far behind the truck. They were some muy sketchy folks.
I understand the Craigslist frustration from that day alone.
I also had an item on sale for $ 100, which became $ 60, which I gave away at $ 40.00 just to get rid of it.
If you're selling on Craigslist expect all the human trash of the universe to make a run at you.
You also will meet some real neat folks, which is also my experience.
Haven't had a bad music experience yet.
The buyer lied about traffic and threw out a new price. Once he did that, he backed out of the agreed upon deal and he lost. He played the game and then wanted to unplay the game when he was told “no”. I see nothing wrong.
I have learned that a cool head is an advantage in negotiating.
Flaking and low-baller's are nothing new when it comes to selling something on Craigslist/online, it's pretty much expected these days. Even though you made the mistake it was commendable you owned it and honored your word but also it's your bass, you can choose to sell it or not and reserve the right to not to anyone if you don't want to. Sure it sucks the guy was apparently on his way and I could see the frustration if true, but then again there is no reason for him to insight profanity. Of course everyone is out for a deal and to save money, but it's how you go about it and getting bent out of shape right away whether you're the buyer or seller is usually not the way to go about it. Think of it this way, at least now you can choose to keep the bass or sell it for the $650 price.
Either as a buyer or seller of used stuff, I see no price as final until money exchanges hands. As a buyer, I want to confirm the condition and all that, and as a seller I except the buyer will want to do that... as a seller, you can always say no.
Though the buyer in OP’s case messed up - you go in with a lower offer in person, with cash in hand, after examining the item. That’s when you have the most leverage imo.
Though the buyer in OP’s case messed up - you go in with a lower offer in person, with cash in hand, after examining the item. That’s when you have the most leverage imo.
The OP may not have handled it with much tact, but I see where he's coming from. I've had it happen where I'm selling something and agree on a price (say $500), then the guy gets to my house and says "I only have $400 on me". Well then, it looks like you made the trip for nothing because I'm not playing that game. He goes over to his SO who's with him and comes up with another $100.
No soup for you!!!
PS I’m not sure the character was to be emulated. A simple “no, I won’t go lower than X” was all that was necessary. You’re glad you didn’t sell him the bass? As the buyer I’d be even more glad I didn’t buy it.
PS I’m not sure the character was to be emulated. A simple “no, I won’t go lower than X” was all that was necessary. You’re glad you didn’t sell him the bass? As the buyer I’d be even more glad I didn’t buy it.
Curious… I offer "low ball" offers before meeting, saying that X is what I'm willing to pay if the item is in good condition. Usually I go 10-40% less than comparable adds On CL across the country. I tell the seller that I understand if they aren't interested and that I realize my offer is lower than they might get, but if they're interested, and they have a hard time selling, contact me and I may still be interested. Sometimes I get shot down, sometimes I don't.
I believe this is just doing business. I'm respectful, don't bad mouth what they're selling, and don't attempt to fool anyone. Is this anything less than smart business?
I believe this is just doing business. I'm respectful, don't bad mouth what they're selling, and don't attempt to fool anyone. Is this anything less than smart business?
You should have told him "It's FOR sale not ON sale!"
If this part is true the OP must have sold it for full price the same day, right?
If you are selling something don't get so personally involved with the transaction. State your case ~Price is Firm~ the other party lost that haggle. Beyond that if you back out of the deal because your feelings were hurt that the other party did not honor the original agreement then go and sell it to a pawn shop. You will get way less for it but you will not have to play the buy and sell game of private sales. Once you backed out of the deal you were the bad party in that transaction.
People will still haggle with you even if you say your price is firm. I'm very up front when I sell something that I know what it's worth, that my price is the result of researching similar items in the market, and I price things very fairly (sometimes too fairly) because when I decide to sell something, I don't want it sitting here six months later. People still ask. It's the nature of the thing. But I tell them again I've done my research and reiterate that my price is fair and usually that is that. I used to be in sales and I just have a strong distaste for the game.
I'd let people know ahead of time that you're done negotiating and will happily walk if the other person continues negotiating, but more power to you.
I think I may employ this in the future.
I think I may employ this in the future.
Seems like a pretty immature response to a haggler. But hey, at least you got to brag about it on the internet.
Legally, once someone makes a counter-offer, they are rejecting the initial offer. OP was in his rights to walk away. Being called a name, he had the right to respond in kind. Not everyone would have reacted that way, but it was OP who was called the name and it was his call how to respond.
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