Reasonable offers...

[BigSteads]

What do you guy's consider an "reasonable offer" on something.

I am eying up a particular boat that has been on the market for years...and I mean years. 10-20% of the asking price with this market? 30%?

Been asking around with salesman in the area in other fields (housing, commercial, auto etc...) and word around this area is your lucky to obtain 75% the value of what your selling right now.

Anyway, Thanks for your input.

[wauwinet]

Here's how I've been approaching it.

Find ten of the same boat (or similarly valued boats) that are for sale. Throw out the lowest and highest prices and then average the remaining 8. Offer 70-75% of this number.

[Big Fish Billy]

Here's how I've been approaching it.

Find ten of the same boat (or similarly valued boats) that are for sale. Throw out the lowest and highest prices and then average the remaining 8. Offer 70-75% of this number.

The only change to this I would make is, rather than use asking price, try to find the book value, consider the condition, naturally reduce for poorer condition, then offer 70-75% of that price. I've bought boats for 50% of asking prices by leaving your name and phone number and a standing offer. Politely saying "I hope you get what you're asking, but I'd like to leave this offer. Please call if you find you're interested." I've gotten a few "out of the questions." And a day or two later a call back and acceptance. It's a game you have to be willing to play if you want to get something for fair value.

Bill

[Captain Jay Kavanagh]

When I am negotiating for a big ticket item a few of my guidelines

He who names the price first always looses.

You can always go up on your offer, but never down.

Offer the lowest amount you can and not piss off the owner.

Buy low, sell high.

[clt_capt]

If the boat has been sitting for a while, there is a very good chance that it is gonna need some serious tlc to get back into shipshape. 75% of the average book is probably not unreasonable.

Obviously, a reasonable price to the seller and the buyer are 2 different things - But if I am the potential buyer and going to make an offer below asking, I will have everything lined up - financing, conditions of sale, etc and be ready to deal on the spot.

If I'm making a lowball offer, I also make a point of figuring out what my high end is.