Ever made an offer on an in-store cel?

[sugarcels]

We've all likely seen those auctions that give you the chance to make an offer on that awesome image. But have you ever tried to make an offer where that option is not specified as available? For example, a cel you really like has been sitting in an online store for 3, 4, 5+ years, and nobody has bought it. Have you been tempted to say "I'll give you $XX for it" thinking the owners are probably desperate to get rid of it at this point? Or do store owners generally ignore these emails or tell you that isn't their policy. Is it worth a try?

Just curious

[ReiTheJelly]

You could politely ask if they would be willing to discount the cel a bit. Don't expect a huge drop, though. 20% (or less) would be pretty standard, if the merchandise hasn't moved in YEARS. I wouldn't give them a price, though. Let the dealer give you a discounted quote. If you still don't agree, then might be the time to say, "hey, I was thinking more along the lines of $$"

Like you said...it doesn't hurt to ask.

Then again, some dealers seem to love hanging onto old merchandise. I understand the need to not sell things for a loss, but in this changing economy it would be suicide to hang on to merchandise on the off chance that things will get better in the future. They may as well take what they can get and run with it. *shrugs*

[zerospace]

Yes, I've actually done this with some degree of success, but it totally depends on the store owner and the price of the cel. In the case where I was successful, the cel was very expensive, and the store owner had done sales, etc in the past. I also bought a good bit from him/her in the past. I simply politely asked if they'd be willing to bring the price down on the cel at all, and if so, how much.



I think the key would be to ask politely ...

[duotrouble]

Yes, I've done it a few times with success. I was very polite in my inquiry and didn't start by giving a price. I just simply asked if they would be willing to sell "x" for a little less. My best was a $200 drop with free shipping but the item in question was still 4 figures so that's really not that much of a drop all things considered. But hey, any little bit helps especially nowadays.

[zerospace]

Yes, I've done it a few times with success. I was very polite in my inquiry and didn't start by giving a price. I just simply asked if they would be willing to sell "x" for a little less. My best was a $200 drop with free shipping but the item in question was still 4 figures so that's really not that much of a drop all things considered. But hey, any little bit helps especially nowadays.

This is basically the same kind of situation I had .

[star-phoenix]

I do that all the time with my expensive Disney cels. But, then again, I am a frequent client on some VIP lists with some of the stores and they are very much okay with negotiation. I think the most I have been able to drop a cel's price (dont' freak out) was $4000 on a Disney cel + had free gallery museum framing thrown in.

But, one of the biggest tricks to getting the best discounts is to offer them non-credit card payment. I would only do this with someone I trust. But, sending a check to them and allowing them to hodl it for clearance, etc, they save at least 3-5% in CC fees and are very happy to going down a bit with the price.

[MyBaby]

Hi, I've tried it. I can't hurt to ask. Just be polite and ask them what their "best price" is for the cel.

[dark-water-dragon]

I do this all the time personally. What I usually do is buy many items for a reduced price or like a 20% discount. I find that sellers that are known to have sales are more likely to take offers. The one thing you have to remember is that most of these shops are in it to make money. If they can make a profit they will more than likely listen if it is within reason. Also if you have had a good buying history with someone it just increase your odds of success. Good luck

[sugarcels]

Great feedback everyone - thanks

[Eternal Squall]

Great Question sugarcels!

Nice answers everyone, I shall use these tactics in future acquiring......