Negotiating before viewing - bad idea?
Discussion
Just something that's been on my mind more as I've sold a fair few of my vehicles online over the last decade. Is it a good or bad idea to entertain negotiation via text/phone prior to the buyer viewing?
In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
I wouldn't normally negotiate before viewing, but have done once if I really needed the price to come down.
As for agreeing a sale, verbal agreement doesn't really cut it. The first person who turns up with real cash moneys takes it.
If a buyer is really keen, then they should have no problem transferring a £200 non refundable deposit.
As for agreeing a sale, verbal agreement doesn't really cut it. The first person who turns up with real cash moneys takes it.
If a buyer is really keen, then they should have no problem transferring a £200 non refundable deposit.
I hate selling cars, you have to deal with absolute bellends like the guy you had. A few years ago I was selling a Volvo V70, which really brings the weirdos out of the woodwork, and this young lad was keen as mustard but couldn't come to view it for over a week he said. I offered to bring it to him sooner to view, or pick him up from a local station, nope it HAD to be this weekend with his friend.
Obviously I told him that in the meantime if someone turns up with cash, it'll get sold. He starts texting about the tat he's bought for the car, new badges, all sorts.
Then someone turns up, pays full asking, hands over cash, drives it away. The young lad FLIPPED OUT over it.
Anyway, like all things the answer to the OPs question is nuanced. I phoned once about a car up for £14k and said look I have a strict, and I do mean strict, budget of £11k so I want to check I'm not wasting your time and mine if I come to view. Bloke said to come along, car was magnificent, a deal was done at £11k. Normally though I'd say to be taken seriously you need to be standing there next to the car with the cash ready.
Obviously I told him that in the meantime if someone turns up with cash, it'll get sold. He starts texting about the tat he's bought for the car, new badges, all sorts.
Then someone turns up, pays full asking, hands over cash, drives it away. The young lad FLIPPED OUT over it.
Anyway, like all things the answer to the OPs question is nuanced. I phoned once about a car up for £14k and said look I have a strict, and I do mean strict, budget of £11k so I want to check I'm not wasting your time and mine if I come to view. Bloke said to come along, car was magnificent, a deal was done at £11k. Normally though I'd say to be taken seriously you need to be standing there next to the car with the cash ready.
As a seller, I don't like it and I tend to shut it down. If you're interested, come and have a look. The only time I've responded ("Wot's your lowest mate?") on the last car I sold, it was because they wanted to low-ball me and not bother travelling otherwise.
If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
bangerhoarder said:
As a seller, I don't like it and I tend to shut it down. If you're interested, come and have a look. The only time I've responded ("Wot's your lowest mate?") on the last car I sold, it was because they wanted to low-ball me and not bother travelling otherwise.
If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
The "what's your lowest m8" tools aren't even worth responding to, ever. Apparently when these fools come in with a low offer, even the "swop 4 two staffies n a PS4" cretins and you say "yeah ok mate you can have it for 1/3rd asking, see you later?" they STILL don't actually turn up If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
Why not ? The last three cars I have bought have been some distance away. I requested additional photos, occasionally asked for a video, and the usual questions to gauge the seller and car. That's usually enough to give me a sense of whether the seller is straight or not.
If the price I have in mind is a discount to the asking price, best to be upfront before travelling and negotiate first. That done, pay a deposit based on the car being as described.
It used to be that you'd grab an Autotrader or newspaper and phone around locally when buying a car. These days, cars could be anywhere so yes, definitely negotiate beforehand and don't completely lowball the seller.
If the price I have in mind is a discount to the asking price, best to be upfront before travelling and negotiate first. That done, pay a deposit based on the car being as described.
It used to be that you'd grab an Autotrader or newspaper and phone around locally when buying a car. These days, cars could be anywhere so yes, definitely negotiate beforehand and don't completely lowball the seller.
aceofspades1 said:
Just something that's been on my mind more as I've sold a fair few of my vehicles online over the last decade. Is it a good or bad idea to entertain negotiation via text/phone prior to the buyer viewing?
In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
Yes mainly due to distance. Most of the time I want to bargain and get something off. Normally works but at least you know what the ballpark is going to be before you set off and it also builds some sort of relationship that shows some commitment once a price is agreed. If it’s close by I would view them haggle. In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
Tell the buyer who’s hassling you to jog on.
GeniusOfLove said:
I hate selling cars, you have to deal with absolute bellends like the guy you had. A few years ago I was selling a Volvo V70, which really brings the weirdos out of the woodwork, and this young lad was keen as mustard but couldn't come to view it for over a week he said. I offered to bring it to him sooner to view, or pick him up from a local station, nope it HAD to be this weekend with his friend.
Obviously I told him that in the meantime if someone turns up with cash, it'll get sold. He starts texting about the tat he's bought for the car, new badges, all sorts.
Then someone turns up, pays full asking, hands over cash, drives it away. The young lad FLIPPED OUT over it.
Anyway, like all things the answer to the OPs question is nuanced. I phoned once about a car up for £14k and said look I have a strict, and I do mean strict, budget of £11k so I want to check I'm not wasting your time and mine if I come to view. Bloke said to come along, car was magnificent, a deal was done at £11k. Normally though I'd say to be taken seriously you need to be standing there next to the car with the cash ready.
Blimey! Yes, it's very offputting.Obviously I told him that in the meantime if someone turns up with cash, it'll get sold. He starts texting about the tat he's bought for the car, new badges, all sorts.
Then someone turns up, pays full asking, hands over cash, drives it away. The young lad FLIPPED OUT over it.
Anyway, like all things the answer to the OPs question is nuanced. I phoned once about a car up for £14k and said look I have a strict, and I do mean strict, budget of £11k so I want to check I'm not wasting your time and mine if I come to view. Bloke said to come along, car was magnificent, a deal was done at £11k. Normally though I'd say to be taken seriously you need to be standing there next to the car with the cash ready.
I've had countless faultless handovers, but the couple of bad experiences I've had certainly make me understand why people trade in cars or sell to WBAC.
paul_c123 said:
100% No
If you're a seller and you're willing to accept less money from someone you've never met, based on the advert text and other information you've given, why not just set the price to that lesser value and get more interest in the advert?
Because most people expect (or fell better) if they can get something off. It's just a game and can help a buyer feel better about the deal, like they've 'won', beaten you. So for me just add a small buffer, and on enquries I'd say there is some small room for negotiation.If you're a seller and you're willing to accept less money from someone you've never met, based on the advert text and other information you've given, why not just set the price to that lesser value and get more interest in the advert?
I try and do everything to not put off potential buyers.
Scootersp said:
Because most people expect (or fell better) if they can get something off. It's just a game and can help a buyer feel better about the deal, like they've 'won', beaten you. So for me just add a small buffer, and on enquries I'd say there is some small room for negotiation.
I try and do everything to not put off potential buyers.
Exactly this. We all want to feel like we've done well so a few quid off is fine as most sensible sellers stick a few quid on top of what they'd realistically accept. It's a game of cat and mouse but if the players are decent, then no problem. The "Best price 4 cash m8?" types are best ignored but if somebody expresses genuine interest and is a fair distance away, I wouldn't be offended if they said "Where do you need to be with it? / Are you open to an offer of XXXX?" before they travel. Sometimes you can hold firm, sometimes you're happy to take a few quid off verbally ahead of viewing to secure said viewing. I generally say there will be no further reductions on arrival though... never had an issue with this plus if you verbally agree before you arrive (assuming no glaring omissions) then it saves the awkward haggling on the drive, especially after a long trip. Works both ways and works fine if we're all playing fairly and respectfully. I try and do everything to not put off potential buyers.
bangerhoarder said:
As a seller, I don't like it and I tend to shut it down. If you're interested, come and have a look. The only time I've responded ("Wot's your lowest mate?") on the last car I sold, it was because they wanted to low-ball me and not bother travelling otherwise.
If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
This, they are either time wasters who will never turn up if you say OK, or are the sort of people who are expecting a brand new car virtually for free and will be a complete pain in the arse messaging you every five minutes or want you to pay for made up repairs.If I'm interested in a car the price advertised will be attractive already. I'll negotiate once I've seen it, and I'm ready to pay.
Personally I never discuss price until I am in front of the car.
recently sold a car,
advertised at £15k, mid range price for year condition, dealers a couple of grand more, private sale high miles a grand less,
youngish bloke contacted me says he only has £14k as just sold his wifes car
agreed for him to come,
came saw paid and left,
both happy
WBAC offered £11k
advertised at £15k, mid range price for year condition, dealers a couple of grand more, private sale high miles a grand less,
youngish bloke contacted me says he only has £14k as just sold his wifes car
agreed for him to come,
came saw paid and left,
both happy
WBAC offered £11k
As a buyer I always agree the price before I come to view unless it's less than an hour away.
I'm not travelling 3 hours to find out the seller isn't budging an inch, it's a waste of time for both of us - especially me.
Not only that but it puts the seller in a stronger negotiating position if they know it's a 3 hour train trip back home if I don't buy it.
Some sellers don't seem to like it through - one guy recently was adamant I see the car before negotiating but now he's just lost a potential sale.
I'm not travelling 3 hours to find out the seller isn't budging an inch, it's a waste of time for both of us - especially me.
Not only that but it puts the seller in a stronger negotiating position if they know it's a 3 hour train trip back home if I don't buy it.
Some sellers don't seem to like it through - one guy recently was adamant I see the car before negotiating but now he's just lost a potential sale.
paul_c123 said:
100% No
If you're a seller and you're willing to accept less money from someone you've never met, based on the advert text and other information you've given, why not just set the price to that lesser value and get more interest in the advert?
Because people expect to negotiate (especially in this market) so you need to factor that in to your price. It's called anchoring, if you anchor a higher price and negotiate down you have a better chance of selling at the price you want.If you're a seller and you're willing to accept less money from someone you've never met, based on the advert text and other information you've given, why not just set the price to that lesser value and get more interest in the advert?
If buying a car rather than bargain over the phone I will just ask if the price is firm or if there is room for negotiation.
I'll then go see it and negotiate on the basis of what its actually like.
I'm not prepared to entertain those who just fire a derisory offer over the phone. If you're not prepared to see it then its full price.
I'll then go see it and negotiate on the basis of what its actually like.
I'm not prepared to entertain those who just fire a derisory offer over the phone. If you're not prepared to see it then its full price.
At a slight tangent, without derailing the thread, I wouldn’t buy a car at a distance (say, drivable within an hour) unless it were something unusual or exotic. Unless you live in a heavily salted area, I suggest most mainstream cars don’t vary so much. This avoids the problems which the thread began discussing ie viewing before offering, or not.
aceofspades1 said:
Just something that's been on my mind more as I've sold a fair few of my vehicles online over the last decade. Is it a good or bad idea to entertain negotiation via text/phone prior to the buyer viewing?
In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
Similar to this? Seller lost in Court: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?host...In my view, it's perfectly normal to do and certainly with some of the distances people travel it's quite reasonable to want to get an idea of what the seller will accept before you travel 200 miles.
However, as of recently I had someone who texted asking what I'd take for my car, followed by back and forth negotiation to which he then said "I'll take it at that price." I then didn't hear from him for hours and took a deposit from a second interested buyer in the meantime, when I told the first chap a deposit was taken he was enraged and claimed he would be taking action against me... haha right.
I didn't use any language as such to indicate I had agreed a sale with him, that was all in his head - I just told him what I would accept for the car so I know I'm not in the wrong from a legal standpoint, but it makes me wonder.... should you entertain negotiation at all before the person has seen the car?
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