Quote Originally Posted by spitzu View Post
I don't like haggling, but a simple "how firm are you on the price?" often has the other person coming back with a lower number, which has saved me thousands over the last few years. And if they are firm on price? That's cool too because I don't usually bother inquiring unless I'm ready to pay full price in the first place.
I like this too. As someone else said, it doesn't put any pressure on either side.

One other thing I occasionally do, is ask if the seller might include the cost of shipping if I pay their asking price in full (I mean, no payments). That has saved me quite a bit too. Once in a while, the seller will counter if I make an offer, in which case I generally accept. In fact, I recently purchased a boa and asked that very question and the seller countered by splitting the shipping cost with me - worked out quite well for us both.

I don't usually inquire on an animal unless I am prepared to pay the asking price. But I've had to watch my pennies pretty carefully in the last few months especially so haggling a little has made a few purchases possible. I am always grateful to breeders/sellers who'll negotiate at least a wee bit and those that do earn repeat business - and therefore will end up making more off me than they would if they didn't haggle.

It's one of those things that you kind of have to feel out. I figure that it can't hurt to ask (as long as you aren't offensive about it of course) and the worst the seller can do is say no - in which case you're no worse off and can pay the asking price.