Negotiation is a skill mastered by few, but it’s something that can be incredibly useful in many situations. Haggling for prices when buying or selling items can be pretty intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Pawnbrokers themselves can be pretty intimidating, too, since you already know they’re expecting you to haggle and are simply waiting for it. Well, worry no more, because the next few paragraphs will tell you how to negotiate an offer at a pawn shop without breaking a sweat.
In negotiations, there are certain things you must and mustn’t do. There is no guide in haggling for prices, but there are unwritten rules about doing so. One reminder is that despite your feeling of being lowballed, pawnbrokers don’t really sell anything more than what it’s worth or pay you for less than what you deserve. The end goal of any negotiation is to arrive at an agreed amount that leaves both parties satisfied.
So in order to get a good offer the next time you’re at a pawn shop, here are examples of what you should and shouldn’t do when negotiating prices.
Making an offer
This can be a crucial first stage in the negotiation process, and how you begin may affect the offer you are going to leave with.
DO: When you are given an initial offer when buying, do try to ask if the pawnbroker can go lower. Politely ask if a discount is possible. More often than not, you will be offered a slightly lower amount than the initial offer. Pawnbrokers are accustomed to being asked for and giving discounts—it’s part of their job. Don’t worry too much about looking bad because you asked for a better offer!
DON’T: Ask for a discount, but don’t lowball them! The pawnbroker is here to get a good price for the shop, too, and if you ask for an extreme discount, they might think you are not serious about the purchase. Try to be reasonable about the discount you’re asking for; it’s highly unlikely they’ll sell the item to you for less than half of its price. Aim for a discount of 20 to 30 percent.
Maintaining a Pleasant Demeanor
It goes without saying that when interacting with people—especially a salesperson—your attitude as a customer may also affect the purchase. If you play nice, they’ll lean towards giving you a good offer.
DO: Be friendly to the pawnbroker. Negotiation is all about two people having a conversation with both compromising to achieve their goals, and you won’t be successful if you think about it as two antagonistic people out to get the better of the other. Being friendly increases your chances of getting a good price for your deal. Don’t be a jerk!
DON’T: Do not point out flaws in an item you want to purchase. This is just rude to the pawnbroker who spends their time assessing the value of the item and has years of experience doing it. Do you think you’re better at pricing secondhand items than them? Perhaps not. Will it get you a better deal? Unlikely. If you notice some flaws, simply ask about them. The pawnbroker will gladly explain to you the pricing of the item considering its flaws.
Conclusion:
Negotiating to get a good deal is all about communicating your offer. Remember—the pawnbroker isn’t here to lowball you, but they are looking to obtain an item for a reasonable price. They are very willing to haggle and negotiate prices since it is what they are hired for. While there may be a few pawn shops that aren’t as friendly as the others, don’t let that ruin your experience with the good ones.
There are a lot of pawnshops that make good deals out there, like River City Pawn Shop in Owensboro, KY. Aside from purchasing items, we offer deals on cash loans and gold selling in the area. Work out a fair offer by visiting us today! today!
