etiquette for inquiring about a car (sc) that isn't for sale - Page 2

danl · 07-30-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wahoofan
No way do I name a starting price if someone approaches me to buy something that's not for sale.

This very true. As you are the one initiating the interest you should be prepared to make a decent offer, or at least offer to get a PPI and make a more educated first salvo.

I owned a highly desirable vehicle (21 window VW bus) and I had literally hundreds of offers to buy. They would always ask me "so what do you want for it?" - as if I had no clue what it was worth and they would get it for a steal. I'm sure a lot of them had their fingers crossed behind their back.

"Make me an offer, you're the one who wants to buy it."

Every offer was insultingly low and betrayed their total ignorance of the value. "Another joker" was my silent thought a hundred times over.

If you approach and make a ridulously low offer (that is, out of touch with the current market) you'll probably never get the car.

Respect the owner, ask if he would consider selling and then ask to get an inspection before any numbers are tossed around.

Unfortunately, it will be very difficult/tricky to get a wicked deal - I used to tell people my sky high price and explain, "part of the price is a bribe to get me to sell!"

best of luck!

wahoofan · 07-30-2006, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Por_sha911
Sorry if I offended you.

Don't sweat it Joe, it would take way more than that to offend me

That's also part of the art of negotiating - nothing is personal. The bottom line is that it is all a game centered around finding the price that works for both parties. Some will get offended at a low-ball offer, but it also may get them to name a price, and then the game begins. My first offer for anything is never my best offer, and I can always raise my offer if someone gets riled. The important thing is that I know how I high I'm willing to go and I won't let a deal die until I get to that point and the answer is still "No, not high enough"

BTW Super - Just because they are not interested in selling today, don't give up on it! Call back in a day or two and keep following up every couple of weeks. My most profitable property came to me as a result of three years "work" reminding the owner I was interested!

wahoofan · 07-30-2006, 09:46 PM

And Super - Remember, everything is always "available" for the right price. (except maybe my '72 Targa

)

Rob Channell · 07-30-2006, 09:55 PM

I got my 72 Targa this way. It was a couple of blocks over and when I talked to the owner he wasn't interested in selling. It never got the engine reinstalled. A couple of years later I inquired again and he had bought a motorcycle and lost interest in the car. He was open to sale discussions and I bought it.

GO ask and be friendly. They may not sell now, but may eventually lose interest or need the money. Ya never know until you ask.........................

wahoofan, I bet even your 72 Targa would go for the right number. In fact, probably most every car on thisa board could be obtained if the right price was offered. It's just a theory, mind you.

wahoofan · 07-30-2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rob Channell

wahoofan, I bet even your 72 Targa would go for the right number.

Rob,
I'm listening - what did you have in mind?

danl · 07-30-2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wahoofan
Rob, I'm listening - what did you have in mind?

....and here we witness the opening lines in an actual negotiation .... have your pencils waiting students, this could get serious any moment....

"Nice-guy-wades-in" negotiation style, it's textbook!

Rob Channell · 07-31-2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wahoofan
Rob,
I'm listening - what did you have in mind?

Nothing in mind. I have too many projects already and if anything, should try to cut back on projects, sell some extra materials, and focus on just a few things. Reference my "For Sale" ads here. It's difficult when you inherited the packrat gene from both sides of your family.

If you told me you only wanted $2500 all I could do is run up and down the sidewalk hollering "Ain't that cheap!".

However I guess you helped me make a point in that almost any car might be for sale for the right number.

I should probably shut up, get off line, and go make some more sale ads now.

Schumi · 07-31-2006, 07:39 PM

Not my usual grounds but on the related note I bought my '87 924S after just making an offer. I heard heard there wasa car sitting and that the people were interested in selling. Supposedly they had wanted 3800, I figured I call and the lady said they were looking for 3400. This was a great price for the condition of the car, but I still asked if they would be willing to go lower. After only a few minutes a talking I got it for $3K even. Total 'barnfind'. As it turns out the car was a gift to her and her daughter, which explains the low selling point. Today, with only a little minor restoration, I wouldn't let it go for less than 4500$.

Good luck in asking about the car...