Shopsmith Forums

A recent sequence of events illustrates a sellers initial ignorance. A shaper fence was listed a couple of weeks ago with a starting price of $25(IIRC). I inquired as to the mounting hole spacing since it appeared to be a Mark VII version. The seller responded with a measurement that confirmed my guess.

Next thing I know the item is 'ended' and relisted with a starting price of $85(again IIRC) or make offer.

Now it is described as a 'Very Rare Mark VII fence'!:D

It sold for $49.99 - one bid!

The SPT's that are clearly visible in that photo are alone worth $1k at going E-Bay prices, so add the 510 and the unknown factor (what else is in all that pile) and this would be a bargain at $1k IMO...not to say playing your cards right could get it for cheaper but just as likely is a seller with an unreasonable expectation of it's worth...I agree that you ask the seller to name their price as a starting point and respond from there. Certainly used SS are a buyers market regardless of condition and what's included, so you certainly have that in your favor.

I'm not much of a believer in haggling (moral reasons). I do my research and if they have a high starting price I ask if that is their best price, if yes, I figure out how much I want it versus realistic price. If they say "make me an offer". I give them my "best offer" take it or leave it. If they say no I thank them for their time and walk away.

When selling, I list with my lowest accepted price (not interested in how much more I can 'squeeze' out of someone) and add to the listing that they can offer less if they like hearing the word "no".

I know all the psycho-babble mumbo jumbo (technical term) that goes with negotiation (even have a degree in it) so could have taught about buying and selling like Pay versus Spend; saying that "nothing is better than xyz (but then again nothing is worse) blah, blah. I use an idea based on being upfront and trying to say what I mean. Yup, that is why I failed as a politician.

But then that is just me.

I don't like when a seller says make offer either. It either means they really have no idea and didn't try to see what others sold for, or they are hoping a sucker comes along and offers too much. In my experience, you can tell which side of that they fall into if they won't give a ballpark within two e-mails.

I stick to the same pattern. First ask what price range they are thinking. No answer, tell them you don't want to be rude and offend them with a lowball offer. That's usually the dividing point where you can tell which type of "make an offer" seller they are.

If they were they kind that had no idea, I make a low but fair offer but support it with why I think its fair and try to show some evidence.

If they are the type just angling for money, I tell them we are to far apart to even bother negotiating. Sometimes they take the bait and come down, but sometimes they just keep waiting for a sucker. Whatever you do, only use anonymous Craigslist email with this guy. I've been getting texts at all hours of the night for 3 months from a guy in St Louis selling a 14' jon boat he "improved" and wants a ridiculous amount for.