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.

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.

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

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

Originally Posted by scrappy888

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

Was there any resale there?? Seems quite steep

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

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.

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.

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!

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.