Negotiating Better

[mikeMc6]

I agree, this is an excellent thread and a good review of proper pickin' techniques on the eve of the high garage sale season. I've spent upwards of twelve months waiting for hoarder collectors to let me enter their homes. It is sad to see stuff rot before your eyes in poor storage spaces because the seller is not being logical/realistic. Someone commented they wished they could do vintage toy hunting full time. I know people who do and the successful ones are out there in the physical or cyber world seemingly 24/7 (!). So enjoy the times when you can hunt and when your in a situation like that again, to quote Mark Twain, "When in doubt, tell the truth." Sincerity combined with actually sharing with the sellers your real joy of these vintage items has helped me in the past. Good luck!

[megocrazy]

I've learned so much from playing poker that helps me in reading sellers at yard sales and flea markets. Always determine the factors in your seller before you do anything else.

1. Is the seller simply cleaning out and just want it gone?

2. Listen to what is being sold to other buyers. If they sell a stereo system to another buyer for $5.00 you probably have a good chance of getting your stuff cheap. If they're selling Pokemon cards for $5 each you better prepare yourself for a showdown.

3. If it's a couple selling stuff determine which wants it gone and which one is a hoarder. Pay attention when you go to yard sales and you'll be amazed at how often that is the case. Opposites attract. Never deal with the hoarder. You'll pay more.

4. If it's at a flea market check out the site. Is it neat or cluttered? If it's cluttered it's probably because the prices are high and he simply restocks week after week by piling the new stuff on the old stuff. I find working on bulk lots works well with these types. They're much more in favor of moving large amounts, they know it's messy but they're not motivated enough to cleaning it up. You're "helping" them by taking volume away.

5. Always be friendly. Saying "good morning, how are you today?" can go a long way. Listen to old people blab. They feel important when you do. I've spent 5-10 minutes talking to people and been invited into their cellars and houses to look at stuff they never even thought about putting out. 2 weeks ago I hit a very nice 80's lot while my wife was buying kids clothes from the lady's daughter. Struck up a conversation and got to dig through 12 draws of what she probably would have thrown away next time she cleaned up. About $300 in toy value for $15. She was an antique dealer. Obviously not toys.

6. Getting a smoking deal is always a great feeling but read your seller and rate your items. Last summer I had a yard sale where I hit a great deal on some video games. Through conversation I learned the lady was being evicted and had to have the apartment empty by the end of the week. I paid her double what she asked, because it was an easy quick flip for a profit. I'm not religious but I do believe in fate and sharing the wealth. She got double what she wanted and I sold the lot later that week for double my investment. Win Win.

[livnxxxl]

I never mind negotiations with people as long as the dialog is positive and productive and above all fair for both sides. I do not have any empathy for low ballers at all though.

The first thing most buyers want to presume is that the seller is always desperate for the cash. Maybe this holds true for some. However, not in my case. Money talks and BS walks! That is one of my motto's.

I have learned to hold out a long time ago. I stick with my guns so to speak. IF some one truly wants something for their collection they will pay the fair asking price. IF some one is just wanting to low ball for resale they are wasting my time as well as their own.