Is it better to make an offer in person?

[SandyCheeks]

I need some serious advice. I'm going to look at a vintage jewelry piece tomorrow and if I like it I want to purchase it. However, should I make my offer right then in person, face to face or go home and do it over emails? When I make my offer do I say I am willing to give you X amount with a 7 day return period as long as a 3rd party appraiser verifies the stones/setting to be what you say? Or do I say I will give you X amount and if we agree on the price then tell the seller I will take to an appraiser within the 7 day return period. I ask this as I wonder if the seller will negotiate further if I don't mention the professional appraisal until after the price point is agreed upon. I hope this question makes sense. I am not strong in price negotiation so I'd rather do it over emails. Plus I will have my 2 year old with me which will highly distract my thought process. Thank you!

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Sandy,
1) make sure the baby's had a nap
2) Look at the piece VERY carefully to see if you really love it.
3) establish a money back guarantee agreement with them.
If there is not a stated money back policy, make sure it's clearly written on a bill of sale you can see BEFORE you pay. Make sure there's no contingencies on the refund- that you can return for ANY reason for a period you're comfortable with (7 days maybe) If you want to take it to an appraiser, that's none of their business- or put another way, it should not impact the policy or price.
4) if all the conditions above are met, and you're standing in front of the seller, cash at the ready, make an offer. I think cash in the hand is the best motivator

 

[Imdanny]

There's the expert's opinion. Here's the layperson's: cash is the best motivator. LOL. Good luck to you, OP.

 

[Enerchi]

I don't think you can go wrong if you adhere to Rockdiamond's advice! Cash talks, that's for sure.

Good luck! hope you get what you want for the price and conditions you want to pay!

 

[SandyCheeks]

Hi Rockdiamond, ImDanny, and Enerchi! Thank you for your replies. Yeah, I guess cash is King right? However, I'd feel more protected with a paypal/or credit card transaction. Plus the store is not in the best part of town, I saw the store front on yelp and it's a little dicey looking. Maybe I should have my husband accompany me but I don't want to wait for the weekend, then we'd have to bring my older kids as well and I really won't be able to concentrate. I'm going in the morning so the baby won't be grumpy.

Rockdiamond, I hope I can remember all the things you told me, it's great advice. Wish me luck!

 

[Enerchi]

Any chance you could enlist the help of a friend or relative or hire a babysitter to keep the kids at home, while you focus on the negotiating of the purchase. There will be subtle nuances in speach and movement that you'll want to be alert to - not distracted by your children and their attention needs.

Could you swap time with another mommy in the area and pay her back later in the day with an equal break for her and her hubby?

Cash is king, yes, but if you are more comfortable with a credit card. STart the negotiations with the cash and assure him you could pay in all cash but for protection of our peace of mind, you'd like a portion of the fee on credit where at least that much of the item is protected. You can only ask, right??

Between now and the deal - can you check out via city hall/records/BBBureau, what this business has on record in terms of customer service complaints? If you are worried about it being in the shady side of time?

Good luck!

 

[Imdanny]

Good luck! BTW, please feel free to call me Danny.

 

[Rockdiamond]

A few more pieces of advice:
1) even though you're excited, don't rush.

2) if you have ANY consideration about the location, please be very careful- its a lot of cash to be walking around with
I love the idea abou cheking them out locally- and you can also " google" them

Like Danny you can call me David!

 

[Enerchi]

How did it go yesterday Sandycheeks? Did you make it to the shop to present your offer? Were they receptive?

Interested in the update! Hope it went well for you --- and we'll have some new bling on the horizon!