Sometimes it's hard not to take thing personal

[Americasprice]

Sometimes, it’s hard to not take things person (and I don’t) but when a customer sends in an extremely low ball offer ($5.00) on a 17 dollar product that includes free shipping, it makes me wonder…. Do some customers really think that some sellers are so desperate for a sale that we would accept such an offer? I appreciate the offer but will pass. This is a business not a hobby. Americasprice has to generate a profit.

 How do you usually handle low ball offering customers? I never disrespect or belittle the customer.  That low ball offering customer may actually become a customer.   At least that person now knows Americasprice exist and like I said, maybe one day become a customer.  I hope.   

[phoenixcreation]

Some people feel that they need to haggle for everything and I assume when someone offers a really low price they are hoping that you are willing to haggle back and forth until a common number is reached. I don't generally take it personal, it really has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the potential customer. And you are right - no need to belittle or argue with someone who may become a customer in the future.  I like your thinking that "at least that person knows we exist". I try to keep that same mindset. 

[Americasprice]

Oh, I don't mind the haggling back and forth but when they put in a very low ball offer that makes no sense, I start to think that this might be one of those customers who tend to complain about each and every aspect of the sale just see what they can get out of it.  Sometimes, I think it's best to just walk away and wait for the next sale.  Thank you for taking the time to answer my post.  I do appreciate you.

[AskRalph · Accepted solution]

I have learned in our delivery business its easier to say, this is our price.  If you would like a lower price then either find another company and quality or counter offer with a reasonable offer but be prepared to receive less.

[Americasprice]

That is a good point.  There may be other sellers selling the same item at a lower price, but the service may not be the same.  I personally prefer good service over lower prices. 

[ghiman]

I personally don't like when customers haggle even though I don't blame them for it. When I get into a situation like that, I stand firm with my price. If your 100% confident that you can offer the best product and provide a high level of service, why should I discount it?  As a business owner, you have to have the abundance mindset rather than scarcity. Granted you'll lose a few customers here and there but I value my time & for the quality service & product I provide to my customers, I won't hesitate to walk away from the sale. I know a lot of business owners that are just starting out feel like they don't want to lose a sale and will do whatever it takes, however your core values can change all that.   

[Americasprice]

There is the key word, "Confidence" you are so right.   I think some buyers can sense when you are desperate for a sale or intimidated by competitive prices.  When you show confidence your products, prices and your business then I think it will attract the right buyers.   

[Emiliascc]

I kindly tell them no, this is the price.  Customers don’t take into account all the overhead you have as a business.  Also quality is the biggest difference.  I tell them about my quality and how my products differ from competitors.  Once in a while you might deal with the worst and in that situation I let them walk away.  It’s not worth it.

[Americasprice]

You have a good point.   The buyer who put in the $5.00 offer for a $17.00 product, doesn't take into consideration the cost of shipping, shipping supplies, the cost of the item itself and of course my website.   Just like every other business, I have expenses and I have to generate enough money to pay my business expenses and still have money to make a living. 

[Twpchair]

You must be related to my husband! He put a sign on our door! I am in the retail furniture and decor business. He put up, “This is not an auction or estate sale. We work very hard to maintain our rating by putting out good quality furniture, building tables that will last your lifetime. We do not haggle, dicker, or wheel and deal. Our prices are reasonable and FIRM!” Customers actually like it. Customers will always comment good on you! I do agree that some people just can't help themselves. 

[Anubis]

I sell essential oils & other metaphysical supply products. I don't accept offers. I don't haggle. My price is my price. Don't tell me what it costs at another store. Don't tell me what deals the other guy is giving. If their product was any good you wouldn't be here. They are giving you this product for that price because their product does not match the quality of mine. So I don't haggle, nor do I price match. If their product is equal to mine in quality, and you want that price, GO TO THAT STORE!!!

[Americasprice]

I agree.  Sometimes, I feel like I'm spending too much time haggling with people who may not even buy the product.  I need to focus on serious buyers.  If a customer really wants what you are selling, and they are serious buyers they will buy.   

[Americasprice]

You are so right.   If a customer really wants what you are offering, they will buy.  

[AskRalph]

 have learned over the years to explain to customers, this is our price.  We are competitive and thank you for contacting us.

Ralph Meyer

[Americasprice]

Some people are cool and understanding, then you have those that make it seem like it's our lost.  Not much I can do about those people.  I just wait for the next serious buyer.  

[Bronze_Palms]

I see this a lot too in business - I do my best to tell myself that they are just unaware of the cost to perform the service. I can only educate in this instance on why we are different and therefore more costly

[Americasprice]

That is exactly what I told the customer.   I explained the cost of shipping, shipping supplies, processing fees and such.  Sometimes they understand and every now and then, you get those who just don't care.   They just want the product at a ridiculous price.

[Cubanita]

It’s a mindset thing! I use to be insulted when people would try to haggle. Had all kinds of fun & funny ways to respond to keep it positive while saying no without saying no.  

But one day it dawned on me….they just gave me their budget!

Today if anyone tries to haggle, I quickly grab items they can get in “their budget” to show them alternatives without even addressing the item they just asked for the discount on.

It confuses the hell out of them & they say “but I want this one!” It allows me to say “I know! Isn’t it amazing?! It has this & this & this but this other one is lovely too & it keeps you in your price range”.

95% of the time they get the piece they wanted at full price understanding the value & the other 5% they take the alternative & thank me for saving them $$. It’s become a really fun game to me. 

1. hear the budget

2. show them what they can get for their budget

3. never address the haggle. 
4. stay positive & come from a place of service

5. If they don’t buy…the next person will! It’s business not personal 

[Americasprice]

It never occurred to me to offer them another no name brand product.  What a great idea.  I should start using that.  Thank you for the great idea

[Anubis]

A lot of times it's not their budget... because they go to other stores and pay full price without question for designer crap, but want to haggle with you just because you're a small business owner and they think they can get over on you.

[Cubanita]

I know they aren’t giving you their budget…they are trying to haggle. We have no control over what they are thinking, only our response. My point is, you use the number they throw out or even the fact they asked for a discount & show them other options in that price range or for less. It throws them off their game w/o you having to address their haggle & keeps you in a positive forward motion as opposed to stopping the transaction/conversation with a hard no to their question. I never say “no”, I show them what they can get for less. It’s semantics but it’s really good sales psychology & works in my biz over & over again. Focus on what you can control…how you respond instead of what’s coming out their haggle mouth. NEVER haggle. If your goal is to have repeat business & you haggle for the first sale, you just taught them to haggle every time.