Do you Haggle?

  Every hotrodder must learn to haggle. Its tough to get a deal and not look like a cheapskate but it can be done.  The important thing to remember is that you need options.  Don't drive a long ways to look at a car if you don't want to pay the asking price. Plan ahead and have 2 or 3 cars to look at in the area. If the price is fair then pay it but if the guy is looking for Barret Jackson money out of his 76 Mustang II then you need to dicker if you want it. Say he is asking 1000 dollars, but you only want to pay $700. Put $600 cash in one of your pockets and leave another $100 in your car with your wife. Tell him you have $600 as you pull it out and ask if he would accept that amount.  You have to make it look like you dug all of your life savings out of your pocket. If he goes for it then great. If he says no way then tell him you need to go talk to your wife to see if you can have some more to make him a better offer.  Go get in the car and take your time. Do lots of talking and waving your hands around in the car. Do some begging. Look whipped.  You get the idea.  Now take the other $100 to him and tell him that thats all you want to pay. He will most likely go for it. If not then if you are willing to pay more ask him if he will split the difference, say $850. One thing you must remember is that if you pull up in an Escalade you will be paying full price.
  Haggleing can help you to save some money but don't over do it. If the price is fair don't waste people's time. Nothing is more annoying to sellers than the people that say "I'll take it" over the phone or in an email then you never hear from them again. Or if you make a lowball offer then ask for other benefits as well. My favorite is the guy that wants to pay half price then asks if you can deliver it. Also if you hope to get a deal then learn how to use the phone. Don't email, nobody takes email seriously. Its because they can't see your face or hear your voice to know if you are telling the truth. Which brings me back to a basic lesson. Always tell the truth. Even when haggling. You might have to deal with the same guy again someday and he'll know if you are a windbag.  If you want to practice haggling then go to an autowrecker in a big city like saskatoon. Look for a wrecker that has dobermans clawing at the fence and an owner that looks like he is in a biker gang.  Usually these types have haggled 50 times allready that day and sold 5 items. He is really cheerfull and wants to help you anyway he can.  WAIT, Sorry I said don't tell lies. If you haggle with this guy you may end up wearing a tire iron as a headband.
  One last tip,  When it comes to brand new performance parts you should know that guys that are selling them are doing it because they love the hobby. The mark-up is diddly and not enough to make a living on unless you sell huge volumes. You want to stay on good terms with the guy you get your speed parts from, so bring him donuts, say hi to him at the car show, take him for a ride in your car, and let him keep the change when you buy stuff. He will remember it and treat you the way you want to be treated.
Thats all for today.
Brian