Talk down a thrift shop?

[BadSanta1281]

If you're serious about buying it ask to talk with a manager and make a fair offer.
Show the manager some comps on Reverb with your smartphone.

Usually the person working the register isn't authorized to discount prices at the thrift shops I frequent.

 

[WillyW]

There is a old “yo mama” joke in all this.

 

[retslock]

Ask to play it. If you like it. make an offer. I got one for 140 from a pawn shop. Down from 200 .It sounds great, plays great. Traded my 2020 American Performer P Bass and kept my squire affinity P . Would it stand up to a 200 night tour? Well most of us don't have that problem do we? Most of our sound comes from the unique way we play, not the bass. The bass is just a tool, a conduit. If you like the way it vibrates in your hands when you pluck it acoustically, it's a keeper. Make an offer

A pawn shop is a private business intent on making a profit. Fair game I believe, to haggle with them at will if that’s your thing. A thrift shop is a charitable business with the intent to make goods available to those who are doing it tough financially as I understand it. I would not haggle at a thrift shop but that’s my take on it.

 

[DianaBass]

Was in a thrift shop yesterday looking for kid clothes and I saw a bass behind the counter. Squier Affinity Jazz. They had a $300 price tag on it. Those basses go for $270 new. Would it be cruddy to try and talk them down? The thrift shop donates their profits to all kinds of good causes, but they're charging far more than the instrument is worth. Any thoughts?

I'd just buy a new one, then donate directly to a cause you care about. But also note that many "thrift shops" who say they support many causes, are owned by a corporation, and the donations are very rarely dispersed. Maybe not in this case, but a good thing to know.

 

[beaglesandbass]

It never hurts to ask.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Was in a thrift shop yesterday looking for kid clothes and I saw a bass behind the counter. Squier Affinity Jazz. They had a $300 price tag on it. Those basses go for $270 new. Would it be cruddy to try and talk them down? The thrift shop donates their profits to all kinds of good causes, but they're charging far more than the instrument is worth. Any thoughts?

If they take 100, you still got ripped off.

 

[Wilmingtonian]

OP taking some weird heat from folks for asking about getting a square deal. A lot of the same folks would grab that same bass and run if it were absurdly underpriced.

 

[lunarpollen]

Thrift stores are supposed to sell stuff at cheaper prices appropriate for used items, so that the items are more affordable to people with limited funds. If they are trying to sell an item for way more than the average used price, or even more than the retail new price, then the item is not priced appropriately. If you are certain the bass is bone stock, i.e., no fancy aftermarket replacement parts or modifications that might raise the value accordingly, then it wouldn't hurt to bring it to the attention of a supervisor or manager. They wouldn't want to be overpricing an item. Marking up prices is the opposite of what a thrift store does.

 

[comatosedragon]

I am of the unpopular opinion that asking any brick and mortal (physical store) location to lower their prices is extremely uncouth and classless. Moreso consignment, Goodwill or Salvation Army locations.

I truly do not understand why it has been deemed 'acceptable' for certain items, such as automobiles and hotel rooms.

I see zero difference in asking a thrift store to lower the price of a bass guitar and walking into your local supermarket and asking them to take a dollar of your gallon of milk.

 

[baileyboy]

Perhaps some tact is in order. In your shoes in this situation, I would politely show the manager a few ads of the new version and let him/her come to a conclusion.

Don't assume the owner doesn't already know. Many pawn shop owners do their homework.

 

[prowla]

I think the shop should be told it's overpriced the instrument.
You don't go to a thrift shop to be ripped off.

 

[prowla]

I am of the unpopular opinion that asking any brick and mortal (physical store) location to lower their prices is extremely uncouth and classless. Moreso consignment, Goodwill or Salvation Army locations.

I truly do not understand why it has been deemed 'acceptable' for certain items, such as automobiles and hotel rooms.

I see zero difference in asking a thrift store to lower the price of a bass guitar and walking into your local supermarket and asking them to take a dollar of your gallon of milk.

I think it is perfectly valid to ask for a discount; you don't have a duty to pay OTT for an item.
For some/most stores there is always the option to go elsewhere and competition generally drives the price down overall on your behalf.
Many stores deliberately overprice their items so they can give you a discount; this does apply to cars and wine stores.
The last guitar shop I went to I bought something and the owner offered me a discount, but I said I was happy to pay the ticketed price (he's generally very helpful and has helped me out with bits over time).

 

[Plain Old Barry]

This ^

The people doing the pricing aren't pricing them according to a budget or their revenue needs/goals for the month. Someone just googled it and priced it based on what they found or just estimated it. It was also donated, so it's not as though the OP is cheating anyone if offering a used market price for a used instrument.

I agree... RESPECTFULLY asking for a more reasonable price, especially if you bring along a current example of the new price, is fine.

The worst that can happen is they say no, but it may end with a both parties happy.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

I am of the unpopular opinion that asking any brick and mortal (physical store) location to lower their prices is extremely uncouth and classless. Moreso consignment, Goodwill or Salvation Army locations.

Having worked in retail music and bicycle shops, I think it depends on the item and how it's done...

Many shops might throw in an accessory or match another shop, and really won't be offended if asked respectfully and by someone with actual information. For example, lying and saying you saw a $2000 bass at another shop for $1000 will get you ignored. Pointing out a mail order price may get you some free strings, a free setup or two, or simply declined.

Asking for a ridiculous discount based on lies or or lack of knowledge, on tiny low margin items, or in Wal-Mart? I completely agree with you. Ridicuous cash discounts are in the same vein. We can discount out credit card costs, but asking for 20% off is silly, because we still book the sale and pay taxes on cash sales.

 

[villegastx]

I worked for those stores before. First, they pay expenses, employees salaries and managers big bonuses and keep as much money as possible before helping anybody else.
Sorry, I don't even trust my money to a church.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Just let the market work. Maybe it drives foot traffic to have a bass on the wall. It is not some incredibly rare unicorn.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Thrift stores are supposed to sell stuff at cheaper prices appropriate for used items, so that the items are more affordable to people with limited funds. If they are trying to sell an item for way more than the average used price, or even more than the retail new price, then the item is not priced appropriately. If you are certain the bass is bone stock, i.e., no fancy aftermarket replacement parts or modifications that might raise the value accordingly, then it wouldn't hurt to bring it to the attention of a supervisor or manager. They wouldn't want to be overpricing an item. Marking up prices is the opposite of what a thrift store does.

What you, me, and most of the rest of us expect a thrift shop to do, and what they really do can be two different things. Unless calling one's self a thrift store and and having to operate in a specific manner as a result is regulated by laws then they can do what any other store does.
FWIW, no thrift store I ever shopped in asked to see my pay stub or last year' 1040. So the intent of selling to people in a certain income bracket is also not necessarily true.
Finally, I doubt that a thrift store will consider the extra value of any upgrades in setting a price.
Perhaps if they want to sell used items at above retail prices they should call themselves an antique store.

 

[yodedude2]

stop! hey, what's that sound?

that's the sound of karma, just waiting around to kick your azz

 

[MultiScaleMale]

TalkBass isn't a forum to ask permission to speak to someone. Ask for what you think is a fair price.

 

[Ostie]

I'd just buy a new one, then donate directly to a cause you care about. But also note that many "thrift shops" who say they support many causes, are owned by a corporation, and the donations are very rarely dispersed. Maybe not in this case, but a good thing to know.

I was just about to post this. In the case of Goodwill Industries, they are not a non-profit. The CEO makes a hefty salary, and their benevolence is employing people—at minimum wage.