Never Agree On A Price Over The Phone

I just thought I would post this tip after I made the mistake today. After having my largest pickup of the year yesterday, I had a pickup today of about 15 computers, a decent sized server, a few printers, and some other boards and parts. The guy mentioned some of the stuff over the phone and told me he wanted $150 for it. From the sound of it, he had enough stuff for that price, so I agreed.

I get there this morning to pick everything up, and I see that there wasn't nearly the amount of stuff I had thought. There was still enough for me to make a bit of profit at that price, but $150 isn't even close to what I'd usually pay for that amount. I probably wouldn't have offered any more than $120 for it if I had seen it first. I'm just glad it wasn't more money

Good advice. I will quote per item prices, but won't give a full price for a load without seeing it first hand.

things can very easily be misunderstood over the phone. Unless you really know the situation (and the person) very well, I've found it's best to be standing there looking at the job before discussing any costs, charges, payments, haha, or even much of anything else ; )

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Originally Posted by parrothead

Good advice. I will quote per item prices, but won't give a full price for a load without seeing it first hand.

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I usually do the same thing. The way the person described it was a lot of boards and other stuff. I was picturing a few boxes of boards and small stuff, but there was only one small box of boards and a few other small things included. I think this was where I went wrong

Wow..I wouldve had a hard time paying 50 for that

Was there any resale there?? Seems quite steep

that may be with computers or on cleanups, but if your buying cars I always make the deal on the phone, make my offer on scrap value and worse case I make my scrap profit, anytime I make a trip without a return load im losing money

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Originally Posted by scrappy888

Wow..I wouldve had a hard time paying 50 for that

Was there any resale there?? Seems quite steep

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Well, with about 16 computers at $5 each, a larger server at $10, maybe $20 worth of boards, plus a bunch of larger printers and some smaller stuff, I'd have no problem paying $120 for it. Those are the prices I usually offer, which is how I came up with the price

Good advice and a good thread. One mans bunch is another mans couple. A ton of boards in one mans eyes may only equal 10 pounds on my scale.

No reason you couldnt have renegotiated on the spot....just say "I normally stick with the price I quote because I dont short my customers (hurts your rep you know)...but I guess I was mistaken somehow...what I thought we were biddibg on is different that what it here (tell him what you thought vs what is there specifically)...I really can olny pay $ x for it...I gotta eat you know!" :). And then renegotiate it...you gave him facts as to why it was different...just be prepared to walk...dont buy a losing deal as that sets the precedent the next time he calls you. Negotiate fait and explain why...that will get you referalls and callbacks.

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Originally Posted by webuyselltradestuff

No reason you couldnt have renegotiated on the spot....just say "I normally stick with the price I quote because I dont short my customers (hurts your rep you know)...but I guess I was mistaken somehow...what I thought we were biddibg on is different that what it here (tell him what you thought vs what is there specifically)...I really can olny pay $ x for it...I gotta eat you know!" :). And then renegotiate it...you gave him facts as to why it was different...just be prepared to walk...dont buy a losing deal as that sets the precedent the next time he calls you. Negotiate fait and explain why...that will get you referalls and callbacks.

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I know I could have done that, but I just don't feel right about breaking a promise like that. I gave my word, which means a lot to me. I would have felt bad about it and I couldn't imagine the customer would have been too happy either. I'd rather take a hit any day. Oh well. Lesson learned.

Well if it were a few bucks...sure. but if itwas significantly different then you have to speak up...be respectful and show him you dont jack your customers...just you cant take a $75 hit on say $175 worth...Iit is business and it is not going back on your word...your price was for X as you understood it...but if there is Y there, you have to walk through it with him. What if you went to buy a used whatever and agrredon price...when you got there it had some issues you were not aware of...say a car...then I bet you would renegotiate...this is the same thing IMO. you quoted in good faith but there was a misunderstanding. Again I wouldnt if iit was just a few $$$ but if enough you have to...its business not personal.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Scrap man

I know I could have done that, but I just don't feel right about breaking a promise like that. I gave my word, which means a lot to me. I would have felt bad about it and I couldn't imagine the customer would have been too happy either. I'd rather take a hit any day. Oh well. Lesson learned.

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I think you did right to go ahead with your deal, it's not like either was trying to scam the other, it was just a miss-communication. You still have the customer, you're still on his good side, and if he ever does bring it up, believing he's fixing to get a similar deal, you'll be well prepared to explain that you had to eat the last one, but you thought too highly of the relationship to withdraw an agreement. Then he'll be an even more dedicated customer than ever

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Originally Posted by webuyselltradestuff

Well if it were a few bucks...sure. but if itwas significantly different then you have to speak up...be respectful and show him you dont jack your customers...just you cant take a $75 hit on say $175 worth...Iit is business and it is not going back on your word...your price was for X as you understood it...but if there is Y there, you have to walk through it with him. What if you went to buy a used whatever and agrredon price...when you got there it had some issues you were not aware of...say a car...then I bet you would renegotiate...this is the same thing IMO. you quoted in good faith but there was a misunderstanding. Again I wouldnt if iit was just a few $$$ but if enough you have to...its business not personal.

Good luck!

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I suppose so. It just felt wrong at the time. Now if it were a larger difference or a higher price, I would have definitely renegotiated. And yes, if I were to go to buy something and it wasn't close to the description or I felt as if it had been mis-represented, I would negotiate accordingly. But for that little, I just couldn't bring myself to break my promise. It's hard to put a price on your word, but $30 definitely doesn't cover it.

You can make a buck back quicker then you can get folks to trust your word once you've broken it.

Just how I view it.

An I'm not commenting on the deal, just in general is how I mean the above!

As Al Pacino said in Scarface.."All I got is my balls and my word, and i don't break either for no man!" Or something like that...ha!

Sirscrapalot - Say hello tah my little frieend! - Tony Montoya/Scarface

well when you start opening cases and seeing no cards and one ram chip you know theyre trying to pull one over on you, so i make them take the side off each case so i can inspect before buying


ive bought a few items sight unseen and they have turned out to be good deals though