Is this something you would consider? Antique Ring Question

[Miss Sparkly]

Date: 4/11/2010 4:06:00 PM
Author: heyjudes
I think I will keep on my search for a better quality stone. I have an appointment with Old World this week and am going to visit another estate jeweler to check out their inventory, some items have shown promise.

Of course, anything that I am interested in that doesn''t have an accompanying report will have to pass an independent appraisal.

Out of curiousity - in the world of antique stones, is it possible to get deals? Or is it pretty much you get what you pay for?

It is very possible to get deals - go to the shops that look like a hole in the wall - you can find amazing things there and they''re the ones that you''ll be able to talk down the most.

for example: I have a pawn shop friend who loves to frequent these hole in the wall type shops. His greatest find was an authentic Tiffany broach that he bought for $600 and sold for $5,000 - granted these finds are VERY VERY rare - but stil possible

 

[heyjudes]

Date: 4/11/2010 4:14:21 PM
Author: Rockdiamond
You might as well give the sledgehammer technique a try!

David, you threw in $2000 for a $2500 asking price, the equivalent of 20% off. As a retailer, you obviously deal with customers. Would you say that 20% off asking is a fair starting point for negotiating with regards to this industry (obviously every product has its own dynamics)?

I didn't mean to sound like I was agreeing with Kenny's negotiating method. It was just funny because it reminded me of my father. Every product has its different margins/tactics. I've definitely seen my father tick off some people through his super aggressive lowball negotiating tactics. It works sometimes, although usually with products that are not unique (i.e. cars). I get the feeling he just enjoys it so much.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Date: 4/11/2010 8:12:58 PM
Author: heyjudes

Date: 4/11/2010 4:14:21 PM
Author: Rockdiamond
You might as well give the sledgehammer technique a try!

David, you threw in $2000 for a $2500 asking price, the equivalent of 20% off. As a retailer, you obviously deal with customers. Would you say that 20% off asking is a fair starting point for negotiating with regards to this industry (obviously every product has its own dynamics)?

I didn''t mean to sound like I was agreeing with Kenny''s negotiating method. It was just funny because it reminded me of my father. Every product has its different margins/tactics. I''ve definitely seen my father tick off some people through his super aggressive lowball negotiating tactics. It works sometimes, although usually with products that are not unique (i.e. cars). I get the feeling he just enjoys it so much.

LOL

When I bargin with somebody I always lowball them by 20 to 30% less then what I am willing to pay. That way they are able to "negotiate up" to what I am willing to pay. The seller then thinks that they were able to squeeze some extra money out of me while I know that I paid exactly what I wanted to in the first place. Likewise, the sellers (cars, jewelry, furniture, most anything...) almost always start their items high so that the customer can negotiate down, making the customer feel like they''re getting a good deal (or so they can put in on sale which also gives the customer that good deal feeling).