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

The title is pretty self explanatory but wanted to get others opinions on this. The snake in question has been listed as available for almost 6 months with the same price tag from day one. It's a female axanthic het snow hognose listed at $350 plus shipping.

I was debating on asking if he is firm on the price but don't want to be rude either and come off as if I'm trying to get the snake for less than its value.

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Most people will negotiate, just don't make such a low offer that you offend the guy. I always negotiate as long as someone is within 75% of the asking price.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Most people will negotiate, just don't make such a low offer that you offend the guy. I always negotiate as long as someone is within 75% of the asking price.

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I was thinking of asking if he would take $300- $350 shipped but wanted other people's opinions 1st.

Thanks.

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I don't think its wrong to offer a lower negotiation as long as in your case you don't throw out $100.......

For yours, I usually just ask for something like $360 shipped.

I dont see a problem with asking like 10% off or something. But the flip side to that is be ready to pay in full. To me, asking for a discount and then asking for a payment plan would be tacky.

With that said, I'm a pretty easy customer as i pay the asking price but in return, i expect my animal to be perfect and not a dent and scratch sale model lol.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I dont see a problem with asking like 10% off or something. But the flip side to that is be ready to pay in full. To me, asking for a discount and then asking for a payment plan would be tacky.

With that said, I'm a pretty easy customer as i pay the asking price but in return, i expect my animal to be perfect and not a dent and scratch sale model lol.

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Touché and that's something I hadn't thought about because I was going to ask about a payment plan as I want to secure the snake now. Full price would probably be in my best interests

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Asking for 10% or free shipping is fine and acceptable when people offer 50% of your asking price that's when it is considered ridiculous and usually will not even get an answer back.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Asking for 10% or free shipping is fine and acceptable when people offer 50% of your asking price that's when it is considered ridiculous and usually will not even get an answer back.

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I want to offer $200 for that nana clown you just showed off.

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Originally Posted by ringorock

I want to offer $200 for that nana clown you just showed off.

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as a 10% down payment? :cool:

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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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.