AngryOnion Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 So I'm beginning to aquire the tools I need to start blacksmithing, and I'm trying to plan ahead. When you find somebody with old tongs, anvil, or whatever else and doesn't have a price in mind, what do you offer? Do you low-ball and risk offending them and killing the sale? I'm probably more worried people will Google the tool and have some rediculous price in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 While none of us wants to pay more than what we have to I try to offer what I think is a fair price. I may preface the offer by comments, good or bad, on the item and what, in my experience, is the fair market value. Most North Americans are not very experienced or good at haggling in the way you might in a bazaar in the mid-east or Asia where both parties know the game well. Also, there is a difference between asking "What do you want for it?" and "What will you take for it?". If a seller won't or can't come up with a price I will say something like, "Well, over the years I have paid about $15 on average for a pair of decent tongs. These are nice and I would like to have them. So, I will offer you $20. (or "These are kind of beat up and loose. So, I will offer you $12.) I don't want to screw over someone who doesn't know the value of what they have. That would be a weight on my soul which would outweigh getting a good deal. On occasion, I have given someone more than they asked because I thought it was worth more, I could afford the higher price, and thought they were asking too little. On the other hand, I won't pay more than it is worth to me. If the seller wants the sun and the moon and all the stars for something I will tell him/her why I think it is too much, wish them luck getting that price, and give them my phone number and tell them my offer will remain open either for a certain period or forever. In the end, the best deal is where both parties are happy and feel that they are satisfied. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 What George said. Also, now after forging and collecting for a while my prices I'm willing to pay for many tools went down. With knowledge and experience some things are easier to make than to buy for the prices some want. Let knowledge and experience be your power. Only buy what you absolutely need till you get some experience and always keep learning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 One method is to offer what you are happy to pay, then what you are willing to pay. A lot of people have outrageous prices they think are "reasonable". I remember being at a fleamarket and when I made an offer the dealer said that it wasn't possible to buy it at that price ---I waved the very same item that I bought for my exact same offer at a dealer right across the aisle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Absinthe Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 Everything has a price but all prices depend on the situation. For a used item in perfect condition: If you need a thing, and are on your way to the store to pay full price, anything less than full price is a good deal. (3/4 x Retail) If you don't need a thing right now, but wouldn't mind having a backup , (1/2 x retail) If you don't need a thing at all but it would be fun to play with, or hang on the wall , (1/3 x retail) If you know the value of something and it's a great deal (1/4 x retail) At some point you look at the price and say WT& It's only a buck!? Once an item is used and shows signs of wear and tear or abuse... All bets are off. If a person won't give you a price on an item, I suggest "I don't know how much you have invested in it. Shall we start at a $1 :D:D:D" Or, you can quote them the scrap price. People in this country especially are terrible at haggling, but due to the the DKE they think they are brilliant at it. I try to avoid doing it if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedefiddle Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 Good Morning, A lot of water has gone under the Bridge in the last 3 years and one of the people who posted, above, is in the Spirit World. Welcome from the Left Coast. The air is cleaner now, until when the Forest Fires start. It is tough to hold the Hot Dog, when the house is on fire!! Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 SHHHHH NEIL! There's a forest fire burning along 97! You do know what the "Non reciprocating law" is don't you? NO hot dog for you! Are those the rules you use to bargain Absinthe? I've been bargaining, for decades, literally horse trading a few times back when and I don't think I've ever heard something like it. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 It was interesting to read my own thoughts from 3 years ago. I think that all I can add is that it is absolutely necessary to understand your own motivation and the difference between "need" and "want." And even if it is a great deal can you do it logistically? Maybe you've just been offered a Little Giant power hammer for $100 which is the deal of the century. BUT, can you transport it home, can you load it in your vehicle or, if not, can you get a vehicle which will carry it, and can you unload it at home? I had to go through this a few months ago regarding a 25# Little Giant that was in an auction in Colorado and I sadly had to turn my back on it. I still have regrets. And an issue today is that with the advent and more common usage of on line auction sites it is sometimes difficult to evaluate an item and whether it is a good deal or not from posted photos. That's not too big a problem with a hammer or a pair of tongs but may be with a more complicated piece of machinery. If an auction or a seller isn't too far away you may be able to inspect it before bidding but it is still a hassle. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 You have to be aware that auction companies have shills working the crowd to drive bids up. Supposedly they are there to make sure your bidis seen and called but it's surprising how many times nobody has. The bids just aren't far enough into the profitable range for the auctioneer. A tactical must is, "Never let them see you want it." The more you want something the more you have to present an air of casual indifference. Spotting people who WANT something is part of the shill's job. It's a game that doesn't exist online. If I see something I might like online I divide the minimum bid based on how easy it is to hid or miss flaws. Everything with rust is a rare, vintage, ANTIQUE!!! Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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