Sheldon
I agree. Like I said in my first post, I too would have taken that the price was non-negotiable and, as I said then, walked away if I was not willing to pay the asked price. Which apparently was not an unreasonable price. However, as you say, politeness (initially at least as some customers...well I don't suppose I have to tell you about those) is important and could have made the item a sale. Could. If it was me, and that’s all I have to go on, his response (as relayed by the OP) not only would have made me not buy the loco, but I also would not have looked any further at his items. I was only referring to his response as was presented by the OP. I am not mean or non-understanding. Not necessarily related to this item, even though it really isn’t one of a kind, but generally, I may not walk across the convention center for a couple dollars, I might walk across the aisle. But, presented with a why should I attitude, I definitely will make the trek if I wanted or needed it.
As for his possible profit or loss for the day, you are correct. I do not know how he did. However, none of us do. I only used a loss as a basis for my position on your earlier statements that lead me to believe you would settle for nothing less than a certain higher “profit margin”, if you will, regardless of any situation even if it meant not selling anything, or I believe you said something like taking it home for another day was as good as breaking even. Assuming that at that point in the event he was already in the green for the event, I cannot disagree. You assumed he did ok, I assumed he may not have only to use a possible scenario as an example for my differing opinion on that type situation and an unwaivering profit margin per item. I did not intend for it to be a blanket statement to cover any and all situations. Nor was I slamming my hand down saying no you are wrong. Just my opinion as I see it.
My point was. In certain situations, if expenses are being met and business is satisfactory, then I agree steadfast is ok. But, if you are not making sales because you are not willing to cut your actual profit, then well, no sales equal losses and closed doors. Normally. Again not saying every item should be allowed to go for less just because someone asks. I do understanding you can cut only so much without volume. I do have a question though. What do you mean by under capitalized. Are you referring to insufficient profit margins causing it? Or simply not enough capital in reserve to pay expenses other than that which is generated from sales. Such as investors, or multiple stores which recognize sales of each store but lump earnings into a pile where the stronger stores help support the weaker ones. Personally, and this is my opinion only, I think it’s the internet that gives some places the volume to cut prices lower than small shops can handle and though wonderful for those who do not have a LHS, those of us that do suffer because there are a sufficient amount of people who choose to use that route for either cost or convenience and the volume of sales decreases causing the LHS to either increase their prices to the point where they’ve overpriced themselves for the market, or close the doors. Usually the former leads to the latter. Basically lack of being able to generate or maintain capital. Unfortunately the shops require a few more people like you and me who are willing to pay a bit more list price to keep the shop.
I in no way intended my statements to come across as directed that you are wrong in your business practices, or that you are not successful. I know that to not be true. I also did not mean to insinuate that all situations were the same. I was referring to this type situation only and the comments I thought regarding that were meant to support my opinion. As I said, and I still stand by it, do what you need to do to come out of this venture as well as you can, and, if you did not make what you need or want, rethink doing it again. If you’re doing well, then by all means keep doing what you’re doing. (the word "you" in the last couple sentences is intended to be generic meaning any vendor)
What do I do? Well, unrelated to the subject, I’m retired from the Military and also the DOD civilian side. And trust me, the retirement isn’t what some people think. Related to the subject, I’m a customer. The guy who is faced with the decision to buy an un-necessary item from one vendor or another. I guess now I’m just one of those who is needed to generate….capital.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
I work retail for a living in a privately owned men's clothing store. I have owned or managed such a store for thirteen years now. That being said, I certainly understand profit margins. Occasionally, a customer will offer me less and I'll take that offer. Other times I'll politely decline. It depends on how long I've had the item and how bad I want to ring the cash register. As I've said in an earlier post, I certainly wouldn't give someone an attitude for offering $10 less on something that is marked at $70, regardless of the 'regular price'. I especially wouldn't act in such a manner if I was trying to sell something off a buffet table in a hall.
It is quite another to think you can negotiate such a price on an item with a "normal" advertised price.
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Why not? I got my Athearn RTR GATX GP38-2 by haggling the price.He wanted $69.95 and we both settled for $60.00..A fair price for both since these RTR GP38-2 can be found as low as $54.95 plus shipping.I'm sure he knew that just as well as I did and again his competitors wanted my cash as well.
I can give several more examples of the haggling prices I paid..I can give some examples where no deal was reached.
Again Train Shows is all about making money not repacking your stock and adding up the show's lost column.Nobody can afford to do that.
I use to think like you and flop down the asking price until I learn better by asking a simple question:What's the least you will take for this engine or car?
Even at hobby shops I ask that question and usually get 10-12% off..
Guess what? A shop that works with me will get my return business..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"