MANY A TIME I have been tempted to tell some person “Don’t let the gate hit you on the ass on your way out.” Most of the time this is the result of dealing with someone who has been watching too many ‘picker’ shows on the television. Vegas Rat Rods is another ‘bad influence’ on TV. These programs seem to teach the viewer that throwing out a ‘LOW-BALL’ offer is an appropriate technique for dealing with someone selling vintage goods.
THIS particular ‘RANT’ comes as a result of having to deal with someone who I will loosely refer to as a ‘friend’ who I have known for over 40 years. The point here is that I place a high value upon friendship; however, friendship shouldn’t come at a cost. I threw him a fair offer for some parts- which was about 40 % less than I would have asked for a newby customer. He proceeded to offer me 20% of my asking price. I thought he was joking. After going back and forth for another 15 minutes we were $20. bucks apart. Bottom line here is he left empty- handed. Frankly, I don’t much care if he comes back or not.
THE takeaway here is that when I give out a price quote, I try to come up with a figure that is fair on both sides. I will even ask some people if they think this is a fair price. I might even round out the price if you are buying in quantity and I am not doing all the work. (I watch those shows too.) You also need to remember that I have bills and a mortgage to pay too.
IF you throw out a counter-offer that is 50% less than what I am asking you are telling me two things: You think my ask is 100% over-priced. You don’t respect me. You do not come to my yard and dis-respect me. Time for you to leave.
I’m a firm believer in ‘The Golden Rule’: Not the one where “He who has the most gold rules”, but “Treat others as you would have them treat you.”
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