The Art of Negotiation

[stevied]

So I''m close to purchasing one of 2 Old European Cut diamonds from a relatively high-end estate/antique store in NYC. I am also working with the same store on the proper setting. Each of the diamonds is listed in excess of $30k.

Now comes the hard part -- I''m a bad negotiator. The first question is, will this particular retailer negotiate? Trust me, if I''m at any of the diamond dealers on West 47th street, I don''t have a problem asking what their best price is. Should I feel any different in this type of environment? And how much of a drop from their list price should I ask for? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[fanboy]

You need to find out how similar diamonds are priced on the market. Don''t be afraid to throw out an offer: if they''re going to negotiate, they will counter-offer. Otherwise, you''re no worse off then you would have been without trying to bargain anyway. Be polite about it, and have reasons to support the price you want. You can start the conversation by saying: "I''m very interested in this stone and I''m hoping we can workout a price suitable to both of us. After doing some research, I feel comfortable offering $XXXX."

I would name a price slightly below (but not absurdly below) the lowest price you can find elsewhere. Hopefully you''ll meet somewhere in the middle. If you''re lucky or persuasive, you might get a price close to your original offer. Take time to respond to each counter-offer so that it appears you''re taking things seriously. Also, have a mental ceiling for how high you''ll pay before walking. Good luck.

 

[crown1]

i would simply ask if the price was negotiable.

 

[Harriet]

Charm.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 7/18/2007 6:15:34 PM
Author: fanboy
You need to find out how similar diamonds are priced on the market. Don''t be afraid to throw out an offer: if they''re going to negotiate, they will counter-offer. Otherwise, you''re no worse off then you would have been without trying to bargain anyway. Be polite about it, and have reasons to support the price you want. You can start the conversation by saying: ''I''m very interested in this stone and I''m hoping we can workout a price suitable to both of us. After doing some research, I feel comfortable offering $XXXX.''

I would name a price slightly below (but not absurdly below) the lowest price you can find elsewhere. Hopefully you''ll meet somewhere in the middle. If you''re lucky or persuasive, you might get a price close to your original offer. Take time to respond to each counter-offer so that it appears you''re taking things seriously. Also, have a mental ceiling for how high you''ll pay before walking. Good luck.

Nice.

 

[surfgirl]

1. What are the stones gradings (color, clarity, carat)?

2. And are they Transitional and well proportioned (great sym & polish) or are they older cuts with steeper dimensions?

I ask since I went through this a few months ago and have a somewhat good idea of what's out there and how much it costs. Also, can you say where you're looking? Depending on the vendor I can tell you if I'd bargain hard or not.

ETA: Better yet, if this vendor has a web page with the stones listed, give us a link so we can see them stones you're considering.