My First Haggler...

[#1]

Someone sent me a convo today asking about a custom listing—a non-matted version of a 5x5" print that I currently only offer in a matted version and a matted and framed version in my store. I quoted the person a price of $10, which is what I charge for 5x5" prints both on Etsy and at shows. They replied with, "Would you take $7?"

It seems a little insulting to try and haggle on something that's already only $10. After my time, the cost of materials to both produce and package the item, and the Paypal and Etsy fees, it almost makes anything less than $10 not worth the effort unless you are doing huge volumes sales. I'm not sure what to do...should I take the $7 just to make a sale, or stand my ground at $10?

[HildesJewelry]

I would have said no. It`s nothing but rude to to haggle about a small amount like 10 dollars.

[lewisandbucky]

Definitely stand your ground. Etsy isn't an "outdoor market" where you haggle prices. There is certainly a time and place for that sort of business, but that's not here on Etsy.

[watermediaworks]

Try this: "Thank you so much for your interest in my work. I am a professional artist, and my prices reflect the quality of my work and the effort I put into it. I believe the price I originally gave you is a fair price, and I would be happy to sell it to you at that price if you are still interested."

[wildwomanbeads]

I love Alicia's recommendation. It sets a very professional tone to saying "No, thank you!" and yet keeps the door open to this buyer coming back at a later date. Very well done.

I think we all need to learn how to say "No, thank you" to many things we know aren't right for us but try to adapt into being right anyway because we want the approval of others. It's part of being an adult, being a self-employed business person, and part of setting limits with people who are simply testing them. That only makes us look like we value our work and expect others to value it too.

I recently had a haggler who wanted to buy three of my bracelets for a MUCH lower price than they are priced individually. She seemed to think I would jump at the chance. In truth, the price she was offering didn't even cover the cost of materials, labor and shipping. I would have been paying her to buy and wear my bracelets.

I politely declined, much along the lines of Alicia's recommendation, though not quite as polished, and never heard from her again. A week later, two of the bracelets sold at full price.

There are some folks who seem to think "handmade" means "cheap." Or means "I can haggle with this artist."

When we stand with each other on issues like this, we remind ourselves and our buyers that we are gifted artists, that is our work in the world (to make beautiful creations), and that work deserves to be valued.

[Former_Member]

Claudia said:

Alicia, next time when someone ask "Would you take 7 $?" give the answer: "Would you give 12 $?".

This was a tip from another seller when someone on a market ask for a discount. I used this answer and I allways get my price with a laugh ;-))
____________________________________

Great advice! Make people laugh AND get what you want.

Why lose money just to get a sale?

[Former_Member]

I am sorry we all work very hard on our shops and we are not a garage sale...I stand by my prices I believe in my work and so should you you have nice shop

[Former_Member]

Others value your work by the value you put upon it...and I'm not talking about just the money. Frankly, the sale isn't worth devaluing your artistry.

[anythinggoeshere]

i would tell them that you don't discount.

[Former_Member]

Haggling is not the term I would use because its connotation is negative. Bargaining is a nicer word.

I deal with many international clients and they want to feel like they got my best price. It is a part of their world-- when they feel like I gave them a good deal, trust is developed and they come back to do more business.

I am asked quite often if I would take X amount for a dress. If the deal is a good one for me, I might take it. If the deal is a bad one, I just say no thank you. Why get offended? I mean, don't we all want the best deal? And how can we get it if we don't ask? If you don't want to bargain, that is completely understandable, but thinking it is rude to ask seems myopic to me.

[Mollymoojewels]

Love your prints, Tanya, simply stunning. Well done for standing your ground!

[artpassionsdesign]

Many times when people haggle, they will accept the fact you don't. They just want to try. Usually, once you let them know you are firm with what you believe are reasonable prices, they'll come back with, "Thank you, just thought I'd try."

[Former_Member]

I learned a neat trick from an old vendor along the lines of what Claudia
posted. Someone would ask"would you take $15.00 for that $20.00 item?"
"OK, for you, it's $27.50." Great looks of confusion on their faces! LOL

[Former_Member]

Redwolf,

I have been tempted, believe me! But you gotta say it to them straightfaced, like you are giving them the deal of a lifetime!

[Davs]

I appreciate hagglers. While I've had people make offers that I've turned down, I've also had offers that I was pleased with. I don't get why so many people think haggling is insulting. If you don't like the offer say no, it's that simple. Has anyone considered that maybe the haggler doesn't have a big wallet but wants your item so badly that they have the guts to ask for a lower price? I'd take that as a compliment. Doesn't mean you have to take the offer. Also some people have it ingrained in them to haggle first, my dad is one for instance. He is just trying to save money wherever he can, but he's a kind person and I know he would never mean to be insulting by asking for a lower price, it's just how he was raised.