buyers begging for a discount

[fashionista27]

Is it common to get messages from buyers begging for a discount?

I read all different weepy stories why people cannot pay the price I listed something for. Their daughter wanted it for birthday, they just had a life-threatening operation, they lost a job. Some people send me a screenshot where the item I listed was sold for less so I should as well.

[tressygirl]

I  wouldn't say it's common,  I think I only ever had one in 13 years selling,  but end of the day,  it's up to you if you are willing to lower your price or not,   no matter what the reason.

@fashionista27 

[jonat_broad]

People may obviously be genuine, or it may be a fake story. Its obviously difficult to verify.

Frankly, I'd prefer they just make an offer and thats it.

I think you just need to treat it as an offer. You either accept it or you don;t. If you don't and they get angry - block them.

[fashionista27]

I agree. My stock my decision. People waste their time letting me know they bought something for less or that my item is not made of diamonds to justify my price. So what? Doesn't mean I can't sell it for more if I am happy to wait and if it does not sell I can always lower the price later on.

[*vyolla*]

I got a great message just before Christmas one year telling me that I should sell a top dollar necklace for a fifth of its advertised price because it would change their life beyond belief and they really, really wanted it and would love it beyond anything etc but didn't have much money and couldn't afford to buy their daughter a Christmas present even. 

I told them that it would be sensible to spend the £25 on getting their daughter a present and then I blocked them.

God might love a trier, I certainly don't. 😀

[fatbobfan]

Probably about 6 a year, add another dozen for ridiculous insulting offers even though my inventory is not offer items. Listed for £20 they offer £5 when the post alone is £4

Sob stories I try to accomodate/negotiate where I can if it appears to be genuine, always research the account as for a lot its just a blag

In all cases I point out what fees business sellers have to pay and in my case the prce includes UK postage, many a dumb person doesnt believe me and thinks it free for me, had the occassional troll, probably delist a few items a year to stop the trolling just to A. stop the communication and the purchase that will inevitably lead to case or neg feedback. B. Hack them off when they become rude

There used to be away to get the potential buyers post code, its seems to have gone, if its elsewhere please point it out. A quick google on a postcode will quickly highlight a lifestyle, had many try it on living in luxurious property areas

[kab7607]

I've only had them from business sellers trying to get what I'm selling for even more of a bargain than I've put it up for (I'm a private seller) which is WAY way below purchase price, so they can obviously sell it on themselves for a large profit.  Safe to say I don't even bother to reply any more to them.  I used to but that just encouraged them to keep pestering me.  I had to actually block one of them as she was so awful, constantly badgering me.  

[tpogodin]

A buyer using manipulation tactics is also highly likey to scam you, I just ignore those messages having been burnt one too many times.

[parsley2003]

I had one, am selling my boys old toys now they are grown up. She wanted 5 would i combine postage and how much would the total be. I gave it then it was 4 then 2 because she was collecting for a school and money was tight. It is for me too i sell to pay for my rescue animals food etc. I told her i wanted no more to do with it and blocked her

[fashionista27]

I had once a person telling me she wants some gifts for a charitable event, another to buy something for a friend from a church. Playing on my feelings because one is religious or charitable does not work with me. If I can I will reduce the price but not because of God blessing me as a result.

[fashionista27]

Me too. In most cases I ignore those requests. If you struggle with money why do you buy stuff not necessary for survival.

[fashionista27]

I hardly have an resellers or businesses buying from me because my prices are high enough. If they try I don't mind but they end up losing money in most cases.

[9150simon]

I like the ones who choose 2nd class postage and then ask for a faster delivery and "willing to pay more for this service".  I think they do it hoping I'll pay the extra for the updated post, but I always point out that there are 1st class, 2nd class and special delivery to choose from at checkout and will send by the chosen service. 🤔

[fashionista27]

worse when they pay for the item, keep quiet and suddenly rush you to post because they need it in the next 2 days. I try to post asap but if you have some event coming up let the seller know straight away. Don't just expect they will be running to the post office as soon as you pay.

[fatbobfan]

A very good point made

[keepsakesandkollectables]

I also get similar messages from time to time.

It's hard to know if they are genuine or not in all honesty but it really makes little to no difference to me.

I list my items to sell at what I consider a fair price & am open to offers ( Sensible ones I should add ), but from tome to time these again do make me laugh when they want HUGE discounts, which I tend to ingore or send a polite counter offer & ask if they had entered the wrong amount originally.

But I always try to find the positives - At least someone somewhere wants the item & those items are getting views, which is always a good thing, however you look at it.

[eastern_standard_time]

I always tell them "Buy it from there then" and then block them.

I've noticed an increase in potless chancers with sob stories this past year or so; I just ignore them.

[dch2112011]

I always get very dissapointed when customers message saying they can buy it cheaper elsewhere  - I always send a really excitable enthusiastic message back explaining that the price they are suggesting that the item can be purchased for is below our manufacturer's price, thanking them profusely for providing the information and offering to buy as many of these bargain items as they can supply for the price suggested.

I then regularly message them begging them to sell them to me at the price they can buy them at, explaining how they would help our business.

Strangely they tend to go very quiet and you tend not to hear from them again, what they seem to misunderstand is that most of these items are our own branded goods.

It is very dissapointing that none of these well intended informants just don't want to become a cherished supplier !

[myriad*seller]

I like your  style! 

[svincec]

Hmm, think ourselves lucky, if ebay was the buyer they'd
mandatarily deduct 13% for starters,  and
then charge you fees for the privillage, and
force you to pay inflated postage costs (whithout allowing fair competition on carriers), oh and
charge you interest until several days after delivery?
?