Bartering 101

[Jim]

Hey,

In my recent effort to rebuild my Sega collection I've found myself in a lot of video game stores and pawn shops. Although I've come across a few good finds, I'm still a little fuzzy on how to negotiate a price. Some places were insulted if when I offered them $2 for this cart, $5 for that one - especially when there are price tags on them. Others expected me to quote a price right off the bat (and accused me of 'playing games' when I asked them how much they wanted).

Long story short, what have you found is the best approach to reaching a desirable price without ticking off the shopkeep? (and thus ruining the potential for a good deal).

-Jim

[ShinobiMan]

Hey all,

I've made a few offers on the Buy and Sell board (and haven't gotten a single response! Bleh ) so I figured this might be a good opportunity for me to introduce myself. My name is Jim and I'm a 23-year-old student from Canada. Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I've been playing PC and console games in my spare time. Over the years, I developed a special affection for anything Sega-related. More recently, I purchased a used Genesis deck on eBay and have begun to rebuild my game collection (most of which was sadly traded to Microplay for a Nomad in the late '90s). I'm pretty knowledgeable about Sega console history and would love to participate in discussions related to this.

Anyways, just wanted to say hello and let you know a little about me.

Cheers,
Jim

I think you are looking for this thread:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11

[Jim]

I think you are looking for this thread:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11

Sorry, my mind is porridge tonight - went to visit the parents this past week and just got in from a six hour trainride. In any case, I tried to turn my stupid post into a semi-useful topic.

[evil_genius]

act like you dont really want it

[EnzoSangiorgio]

Hey all,

I've made a few offers on the Buy and Sell board (and haven't gotten a single response! Bleh ) so I figured this might be a good opportunity for me to introduce myself. My name is Jim and I'm a 23-year-old student from Canada. Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I've been playing PC and console games in my spare time. Over the years, I developed a special affection for anything Sega-related. More recently, I purchased a used Genesis deck on eBay and have begun to rebuild my game collection (most of which was sadly traded to Microplay for a Nomad in the late '90s). I'm pretty knowledgeable about Sega console history and would love to participate in discussions related to this.

Anyways, just wanted to say hello and let you know a little about me.

Cheers,
Jim

I think you are looking for this thread:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11
Way to be a dick, idiot.

[InsaneDavid]

Hey all,

I've made a few offers on the Buy and Sell board (and haven't gotten a single response! Bleh ) so I figured this might be a good opportunity for me to introduce myself. My name is Jim and I'm a 23-year-old student from Canada. Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I've been playing PC and console games in my spare time. Over the years, I developed a special affection for anything Sega-related. More recently, I purchased a used Genesis deck on eBay and have begun to rebuild my game collection (most of which was sadly traded to Microplay for a Nomad in the late '90s). I'm pretty knowledgeable about Sega console history and would love to participate in discussions related to this.

Anyways, just wanted to say hello and let you know a little about me.

Cheers,
Jim

I think you are looking for this thread:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11
Way to be a dick, idiot.

You know Enzo, I haven't said anything until now but the only example of the things you refer to others as I've seen in the threads you post them in is yourself.

ShinobiMan was simply pointing out the same thing I did in the previous thread...

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84762

[Darth Sensei]

Way to be a dick, idiot.

Exactly how was he being a dick? :roll:

[GrandAmChandler]

Way to be a dick, idiot.

EnzoSangiorgio. This is your first AND LAST warning. Trolling is a big no-no on these boards. Stop.

[tylerwillis]

To get back on topic...

It depends on the shop, how knowledgable about games they are, and how often they have inventory turnover. Normally I only wheel-and-deal if I'm buying a decent amount (whether number or value). Usually save just a few bucks, sometimes they won't budge. Just try it a few times, you'll get the hang of it.

[c0ldb33r]

In my recent effort to rebuild my Sega collection I've found myself in a lot of video game stores and pawn shops. Although I've come across a few good finds, I'm still a little fuzzy on how to negotiate a price. Some places were insulted if when I offered them $2 for this cart, $5 for that one - especially when there are price tags on them. Others expected me to quote a price right off the bat (and accused me of 'playing games' when I asked them how much they wanted).

It sounds like you're dealing with a couple of assholes. Don't let that put you off.

If you see a cart you like, if it's got a sticker on it, don't be afraid to offer something lower. The worst that'll happen is they'll say no. If they get offended, then too bad for them, they have some growing up to do. If you still want it at their price, go ahead :D

If there's no price tag, just make an offer. Low-ball it. Again, if they're offended, too bad for them. Just ask what they had in mind.

That being said, you should try to have a ballpark figure of what something is worth. Not so you don't offend anyone, but instead to stop yourself from looking stupid.

Also, if someone sets a price that you think is too high, and isn't willing to budge, it's their decision and you should respect it. There's nothing worse than "what do you mean you want $5 for a loose mario/duck hunt, that's stupid and you're stupid for asking that". Again this is more important with people than shops. Have respect for other collectors and they'll respect you back.

In summary I offer the following:
Don't let a couple of bad experiences stop you from bartering.
Don't be afraid to walk away.
Don't be afraid of offending someone. This doesn't mean you should be rude, but if someone's offended by you offering a price, they get offended too easily.
Above all, despite all the above, respect other collectors.
Good luck! :D

[Truffle]

act like you dont really want it

That works, really.
This isnt really fair, but it has always been easy for me when the store clerk/yard sale attendant is the opposite gender.
If I try and haggle with another female, I get a blank, unimpressed look. And no deal. ;)
When I deal with men, I almost always get a deal.

Oh yeah it also helps your case if your nice.
Ive witnessed some real pricks get burned quite publicly; it was great!! LOL

[suckerpunch5]

I always barter in pawn shops. But I don't think you should ask "How much do you want for this?" or "What is the lowest price you'll sell this for." Instead, I just make an offer of how much I'd be willing to pay. That way they know I'm an interested buyer, and they can make a sell if they accept. Just asking for lowest price seems kind of insulting (IMHO).

My opinion on the ease of bartering, ranked from easiest location to most difficult:

Garage Sale/Flea Market
Pawns Shop
Mom & Pop Video Game Store
National Game Store
Walmart

The first two: make an offer!! Number 3, get to know the people working there first. Last two: good luck. The most improtant thing is don't get offended, and don't be easily offeneded.

[Jim]

These are all really useful tips! I agree that it's much tougher to barter in a national chain like Microplay since all the carts have a set price in their database. Had the most luck in a pawn shop where I was able to acquire Revenge of Shinobi, Shadow Dancer and Ghouls 'n Ghosts (complete) for $15 tax included.

c0ldb33r also made a good point in saying that it's useful to have a ballpark figure if your head when going into a negotiation. Is the Online Rarity Guide something I could rely on to make reasonable offers? (some of the entries seem rather low...)

[Slate]

If you really want something, Try to not let them know it. Pretend to be interested in something else they have, And then while you are looking at something else, ask "How much for that old game thing" - Never say what it really is, Don't let them know you are looking for it. :)

HOWEVER, If it is something REALLY insane and at a steal price, don't hesitate to pick it up As soon as you see it and pay for it. (Example: Gold NWC at $10 or even $50)

But if it is something like a Boxed SNES, try to do the usual - Pretend you're not interested, look at other stuff first.

And, finally, If it is missing items, (A super nintendo with cables but no controllers, or vice versa) Point it out, you'll definately get it for a lower price. I've bought an xbox for $20 since it was missing the power cable and controller. (The system was believed to be broken and the original price was $40)

[unbroken]

Who cares if they laugh at you. I lowball prices all the time, especially if the price is way to much, for instance the other day I was at the swapmeet and this dude had a really nice looking boxed mario 3 for nes, he wanted 30 bucks for it, and I offered $5.00, he laughed at me, I laughed back at him and said "good luck" and walked away.

[evil_genius]

act like you dont really want it

to build on that for a brief moment. when you approach a table dont rush straight over to whatever it is you want. notice it and acknowledge that little old lady next to you is not gonna grab that boxed 3do before you and wait a few minutes. pick up a few other things and look at them act like youre interested. then notice the 3do and ask how much do you want or straight up make an offer on it. evil_genius was not a name i pulled out of thin air.

[Steven]

act like you dont really want it

to build on that for a brief moment. when you approach a table dont rush straight over to whatever it is you want. notice it and acknowledge that little old lady next to you is not gonna grab that boxed 3do before you and wait a few minutes. pick up a few other things and look at them act like youre interested. then notice the 3do and ask how much do you want or straight up make an offer on it. evil_genius was not a name i pulled out of thin air.

heh thats a good tip but of course it doesn't work all the time. We have to remember some vendors are crafty and smart as hell -- just like us, and they can see methods like this a mile away. Sometimes, the smart vendors, regardless of what approach you take, they know their shit and know their price, and won't be willing to budge.

However, many are not as cunning and thus the method quoted works pretty well. just be aware it's not 100% failproof. Some vendors know all the tricks of the trade, and aren't "dummies" by any stretch of the imagination.

[Moo Cow]

Wow, this is all great advice!
My dealings suck, and I mostly disdain buying games, but I love playing them. Occasionally, I'll find some deals, but more often then not, I won't find any good deals.
I'm gonna try this stuff for more often.

[aaron7]

Once again, don't be affraid to walk away. Many times I've offered something and it was turned down, but when I put it down to walk away (after saying thanks), they call me back for it :D


HOWEVER, If it is something REALLY insane and at a steal price, don't hesitate to pick it up As soon as you see it and pay for it. (Example: Gold NWC at $10 or even $50)

Dude, If I saw a NWC cart for $1000 I'd jump at it! LOL

[kirin jensen]

OK. Upfront, let me just say I'm a complete dick for even mentioning this, and I apologise profusely.


You're referring to haggling, not bartering.

Bartering is the exchange of goods and services for other goods and services, usually without an exchange of money.

Haggling is the processs of negotiating a price for sale of an item.

Sorry I'm being a pissy asshole about it. :(

[Jim]

You're referring to haggling, not bartering.


Fair enough, although I think the line between the two is often blurred. For instance, a shopkeep might throw in another cart to sweeten a deal instead of knocking down the price. I've also used a cart in my pocket as a wildcard sometimes...as in "well, how about $5 and this game?" After all, money is a store of value, as are the games we trade in.

-Jim

[cyberfluxor]

You're referring to haggling, not bartering.


Fair enough, although I think the line between the two is often blurred. For instance, a shopkeep might throw in another cart to sweeten a deal instead of knocking down the price. I've also used a cart in my pocket as a wildcard sometimes...as in "well, how about $5 and this game?" After all, money is a store of value, as are the games we trade in.

-Jim

Yes, I have don that quite often. I'll pick up a dozen games for cheap someplace, then wondering by another shop if they have something nifty I give up 1 treasure for another as a discount. It works quite well and I'm genearlly pleased with the results.

Last month I picked up 12 games for ~$32 and turned around selling all but 2 games at another place getting $74 cash. Continuing home I ran by another great game store and ended up trading 1 of my other games and got $8 towards a Gamecube game and Saturn arcade stick. So spending around $45 I got $29 profit, 2 games (Super Buster Brothers (SNES) & Eternal Darkness (GC)), and 1 arcade stick. I somewhat wish I held out and kept the other 10+ games because they weren't titles I see everyday but I'm sure another time they'll pop up. :)

[kirin jensen]

true enough, folks.

Thanks for not ripping me new one for being so pointlessly fussy. :)

[Moo Cow]

Kirin, stop being so fussy!
It doesn't matter if it's bartering or not!!1111
:angry: :angry: :angry:
LOL

[Flack]

Here's my only tactic.

Flack (sees something for $25).
Flack: "All I have is a $20."
Flack pulls out $20, holds it up.
Other person: "Well I need $22."
Flack: Oh well. (starts walking away)
Other person: Wait wait wait I'll take $20.
Flack: :)

[Jim]

Let's see if we can get a few more voices to chime in on this...

BUMP

[67dash]

One thing I was taught by a man whose best friend owns a pawn shop, never ask "What do you want?" or "What will you take?" Always ask "How much do you need for this?" It's a small difference, but the words mean so much more. I may want 5 bucks for something, but I only need 3. You get my drift? This small tactic has worked wonders for me.

[norkusa]

Pawn shops are easy. If you ask for 25% off what the sticker price is, you'll usually get it. At least from my experience anyway. Anything more than that though is going to be tougher.