Is asking to negotiate the price of a single reptile rude?

There's nothing wrong with offering a respectable price. Like others have mentioned, the intent should be fair and not disrespectful.

I was in the same place you are now recently. I was very honest with both breeders in that I explained to them I'm new to online purchasing and further explained I didn't know if it was proper to negotiate with them. Subsequently they both were really cool with me and we worked things out. I continue to pass their names along when someone asks about a snake purchase and I know it may be a snake they breed.

Good luck to you.

^Same here. When I got my kalatoa gal I simply asked "are you firm on ($inset dollar amount)?" And was offered free shipping if I paid in full up front. Just go about it tactfully and I think most people would negotiate a bit.


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If I feel a item needs to be haggled I usually send a inquiry asking if they are open to entertaining reasonable offers

You might want to lead off with the fact that you'll need a payment plan. Many people don't want to deal with the hassle of a payment plan and holding the animal and feeding it while waiting for payment that might not come. Then there's sometimes drama as someone pays off part of the price, then decides they can't pay it off and wants the money back, which is more hassle.

I'm not saying YOU intend all this, but just pointing out as a general member of the public, the seller doesn't know you from JoeSmoe.

If you ask for a payment plan, I wouldn't ask for a discount. If you ask about a lower price in a respectful way, then you should be prepared to pay immediately.

And as always, the key is to be respectful and pleasant in the communications. The annoying emails I got when selling animals were people who sent messages saying "Well I can get that animal from XX for $XX(half the price or less)". My response was always "That's a great price, and I suggest you go do that right away." and then refuse to deal with them afterwards.

I've been offered around 20% of my asking price and it didn't bother me at all. I understand some folks don't want to spend bigger bucks on an animal or simply want a killer deal. It only takes a minute for me to deny/counter an offer. Low ballers are a part of any business, it's something every seller will handle in their own way. My only advice is, don't make an offer unless you're willing to pay it. I don't mind folks haggling on price but it's annoying when I say yes and they respond with an even lower one. I usually take the opportunity to retract my previous acceptance and counter with the original asking price - firm.

I arranged for a payment plan on one and the other was negotiated and paid in full.

Thanks for the help everyone.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

If you ask for a payment plan, I wouldn't ask for a discount. If you ask about a lower price in a respectful way, then you should be prepared to pay immediately.

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This. Also expect a percentage of the price to be non-refundable if the critter isn't paid off on time.