Negotiating price on Craigslist.

[tinkamom]

So I'm thinking about buying a used flute for my daughter from Craigslist and the asking price is $700. How much should I offer them if we like the flute? If you were selling something like this would you bump the price up expecting the buyer to negotiate?

 

[Reddy]

what type of flute are you getting?? I know I saw a flute in Hastings for $150

is it solid sliver & have brand new pads??

 

[DMRick]

So I'm thinking about buying a used flute for my daughter from Craigslist and the asking price is $700. How much should I offer them if we like the flute? If you were selling something like this would you bump the price up expecting the buyer to negotiate?

I would go to a music store and buy a used flute from them. So many little things can be wrong and it's as is on Craig's list. Seems pretty expensive.

 

[tinkamom]

what type of flute are you getting?? I know I saw a flute in Hastings for $150

is it solid sliver & have brand new pads??

Its a professional series solid silver flute. A new one would start at around $2000. I haven't seen it yet so I don't know the condition yet but I'm sure it'll need some sort of work.

 

[clh2]

Is there a music professional who could take a look at it? Maybe your DD's music teacher, or if she takes private flute lessons from anyone.

We bought our DD a flute that had been consigned to a music store, and had been a professional players "back-up" instrument. When the pro purchased a "new" $5000 flute, her former "main" flute became the back-up and she took the "third" flute to sell.

It was in great shape and we didn't need to spend any money for pads etc.
I think we paid about $1100 for this. We were able to take the flute home (i.e. left them our credit card info as collateral). So were had a huge confidence level that it was a great flute.

Hope this helps!

 

[tinkamom]

I would go to a music store and buy a used flute from them. So many little things can be wrong and it's as is on Craig's list. Seems pretty expensive.

Is there a music professional who could take a look at it? Maybe your DD's music teacher, or if she takes private flute lessons from anyone.

We bought our DD a flute that had been consigned to a music store, and had been a professional players "back-up" instrument. When the pro purchased a "new" $5000 flute, her former "main" flute became the back-up and she took the "third" flute to sell.

It was in great shape and we didn't need to spend any money for pads etc.
I think we paid about $1100 for this. We were able to take the flute home (i.e. left them our credit card info as collateral). So were had a huge confidence level that it was a great flute.

Hope this helps!

If we like the flute I'll definately have it checked out. If the seller does not agree I will not buy it.

At this point I'm just wondering what the norm is with negotiating price. How much does a buyer expect people to haggle?

 

[erincon23]

I'd try offering $550-$600 and see how that's received. If the seller seems interested in negotiating, you'll know. If you get a "sorry, $700's my final price," you can decide to take it or leave it. I sell on Craigslist, and I've had people try to negotiate on VERY small items ($35) -- sometimes I'll come down $5, depends on whether I'm pretty sure the price I've listed it for is definitely a bargain, or if I'm selling it for someone else.

 

[shaylyn]

I'm in the seller's position

We are about to list our DD's flute that she used for 2 years in high school. We paid $1400 for it brand new and will likely list it for $700 like your seller.

I would likely accept an offer of $650, but not much less.

Edited to add that our flute is in near mint condition.

 

[postage stamp]

I'm in the seller's position

We are about to list our DD's flute that she used for 2 years in high school. We paid $1400 for it brand new and will likely list it for $700 like your seller.

I would likely accept an offer of $650, but not much less.

But would you say, take a deposit, like a post dated check or something, for the amount you were asking for so she could get it checked out? That way both your behinds are covered?

 

[cglaura]

But would you say, take a deposit, like a post dated check or something, for the amount you were asking for so she could get it checked out? That way both your behinds are covered?

As a seller, I'd never take a post dated check. For all I know that account could be wiped out tomorrow. I actually wouldn't take a check period. Cash only. Very high ticket perhaps certified check, but I'd meet them at their bank to verify and be able to draw the funds immediately before giving them the item.

I would agree to have whomever was looking at it for you to meet in a public place, or all 3 of us meet.

As a buyer, I haggle every time. I bought a washer offered at $125 for $75. I figured I'd ask "Would you possibly be able to let it go for $75?", and they'd come back w/ $100. But they said, "Sure!". So it never hurts to try.

 

[postage stamp]

As a seller, I'd never take a post dated check. For all I know that account could be wiped out tomorrow.

I would agree to have whomever was looking at it for you to meet in a public place, or all 3 of us meet.

As a buyer, I haggle every time. I bought a washer offered at $125 for $75. I figured I'd ask "Would you possibly be able to let it go for $75, and they'd come back w/ $100. But they said, "Sure!". So it never hurts to try.

See I've never bought anything from CL mostly because they people in my area want brand new prices for their very used stuff and I'm just too tired to haggle, lol

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

The most expensive item I've bought on Craig's List was $375. I offered them $300 and they accepted. I would offer $100 - $150 less than their asking price for the flute, if it's in good condition.

As a seller I would never take a check, much less a post dated check!

 

[SandrA9810]

If you have a private teacher that would be making the evaluation, then set up a time that they could be there with you. If you plan to take it to a store, ask them to meet you at the store.

Although I'd trust a Dis'er over any craig's list person...

 

[katesorad]

Does your daughter know anything about flutes currently? Does she play? Before you buy it, have her take a look at it if she does play and figure out what needs to be fixed. It could be something as easy as needing a few new pads, or needing to be completely refurbished..so check it out first, either with your daughter if she knows enough, or meet the seller at a music store to get it checked out before the purchase.

 

[DMRick]

Although I'd trust a Dis'er over any craig's list person...

If I couldn't see it and have it evaluated, I wouldn't trust either. Even if the Diser had a lot of posts. vs just a few...I'd have to make sure of what I'm spending my money on.

 

[disykat]

We've had great luck with purchasing musical instruments through Craig's List. We've bought four. Two of the instruments, the price was firm, one of them came down $25, I can't remember the other. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Frankly, I think it depends on the instrument and how much interest they're getting. My sons stalk the instrument ads so they have a pretty good idea of what's available in our area and what the interest level is. It's just not that negotiable when a good instrument comes up.

 

[Ceila]

If you have a private teacher that would be making the evaluation, then set up a time that they could be there with you. If you plan to take it to a store, ask them to meet you at the store.

Although I'd trust a Dis'er over any craig's list person...

Why?? There are just as many scam artists and moocher-type people here as anywhere else.

 

[tinkamom]

Good news so far! My daughter and I met the seller and we are impressed with both the seller and the flute. My daughter loves the flute but the seller suggested she keep it for a few days to try it out before we make a final decision.

She'll bring it to school tomorrow and have her teacher check it out then we'll have a music store check it over. The seller offered to decrease the price by the cost of any repairs. I'm happy with that offer.