The secret to second hand haggling

by Ian Buzer on 16 May 2011  |  4 comments
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We take you through a step-by-step guide to haggling for second hand items!

Buying second hand is a great way to save money, recycle and meet new people, but you have to know how to haggle if you want to pick up a bargain.

Here, Ian Buzer, founder of the second hand selling site, www.preloved.co.uk, gives his expert advice on sealing the deal.

Do your homework

From caravans to cars, antiques to children’s toys, once you have found the item you’re after on a website such as Preloved, it’s time to put in place your strategy for doing the deal, making sure you get the possible price to bag a real bargain.

In the current economic climate, we’re all making sure that we get the most from our hard-earned cash to ensure every penny counts. It’s worthwhile, then, spending a little time doing your homework to compare the various advertised prices of the item you want to buy.

Once you have a firm idea of a fair asking price, you will be in a much stronger negotiating position. Cost comparison websites can also prove useful for building up a picture of how much an item is sold for new. Even in perfect condition, you can reasonably expect to snap up the second hand equivalent for less.

Best of British?

While many societies have retained bartering as an integral element of the buying process, thoroughly enjoying the cut and parry of securing the best deal, we Brits seem generally more comfortable paying a fixed price for goods. Yet, if you are to increase your chances of walking away with a bargain, it’s worth brushing up on your bartering skills.

Question time

Try to strike up a rapport with the seller and be sure to drop in a few timely questions to give you a feel of their situation. Ask them why they are selling the item and how quickly they are hoping to sell. This can give you an idea of how willing they might be to reach a deal, rather than refusing to move from their advertised price.

First is last

What’s the first rule of bartering? Never, ever accept the first price. What’s the second rule of bartering? Never, ever accept the first price!

Deal maker

Impress upon the seller your desire to get the deal done, but at a price that is acceptable to you both. Tell them that you need to work together to reach a mutually agreeable deal. It’s also worthwhile telling the seller that you would love to make the purchase but your wife/husband/partner would be furious you paid so much – ask them to help you out with a discount!

Paying a visit

If possible, arrange to visit other sellers in the area so that you can compare prices, quality, etc. Make sure that your preferred seller knows you have other potential irons in the fire.

How low can you go

Make sure you enter negotiations at a low price and don’t be too eager to increase your offer in increments that are overly large. Increase your offer slowly and in small amounts, again, always demonstrating to the seller your willingness to work together to reach a deal.

Instant expert

If you’ve done your homework, you should have a good idea of the item’s real market value, so make sure your buyer is aware you ‘know your stuff’ and have done some research. If you have the necessary air of authority, the seller is far less likely to resort to making the sale seem like an opportunity not-to-be-missed!

Keep your cool

Make sure your negotiating remains calm and collected. It’s best to keep things friendly and courteous, so don’t splutter with laughter, or try to make out something is not in tip-top condition when it is.

Yes, you’re trying to strike a deal, but if you offend a seller they are much more likely to dig in their heels over the price, particularly if they are confident they will eventually sell the item.

Silence is golden

Be prepared to remain quiet during negotiations. If the seller says a certain price, keep quiet as if you’re appearing to mull it over. It may make for a slightly awkward atmosphere, but could also result in the seller throwing in a further sweetener by bringing down the price a little more.

Mutual attraction

Ensure that the seller is fully aware you have the necessary cash in place to make the purchase quickly. While it’s not always a good idea to take cash along with you for larger items with a higher price tag, it’s still important that the seller views you as an attractive buyer who has the readies in place if you can seal the deal there and then. 

The price is right

Have your best and final offer in mind and stick to it. Explain to the seller your reasons for reaching this figure and stand your ground. If this is still not acceptable to the seller, be prepared to leave and continue your search elsewhere, taking that wad of cash with you!

Clear cut

When shaking on it, make sure you repeat the agreed price, so that everyone is clear and there is no later confusion when it comes to handing over the money.

Barter star

As with most things in life, gaining confidence and the requisite assurance to become a successful haggler takes practise. The more often you try it, the better you will become, so get out there and barter your way to a bargain.