How much can you talk a jeweler down?

[gwilks98]

I'm not talking a mall jeweler, but a privatly owned husband and wife shop. (relatively small.)

Lets say they have something I'd like to give (I'm being ambiguous in case of lurkers.) Let's say it's 'regular' price is 720. They've got an unadvertised sale of 50% off, so it's $360. That's WAY too much for my budget.

If I can talk them down to $200, I'd buy. Think it's possible? what do you think the lowest price would be if not that?

I'd prefer to avoid giving more details, but have them if necessary. (Karat weight, type of jewelry, etc.)

[cheapie]

you afraid perz is gonna sick one of his buddies on you or something?

[gwilks98]

Nope...it's a gift. Don't want anyone else seeing what I might be getting. :)

[faither]

On Canal St. you can get upwards of 80% off on higher end stuff. One of the things I'll miss about NYC once we move.

[ialsohaveadream]

Lessons in negotiation:

Lesson 1 (often the only one you need)- Offer a price slightly lower than what you're willing to pay. Wait for them to refuse. Leave. Wait for them to track you down and give you the price you want, or at least an offer that's very close.

[kei2]

That depends. Do you have a gun? I kid, of course. :shifty:

But yeah like ihaveadream said, make it clear that you're willing to walk if they don't accomodate your wallet. For this to be convincing, you have to actually be willing to walk away. If you're already married to the item they know they own you.

[ShawnLee]

If you're already married to the item they know they own you.:heh: I hope you didn't get that item on the deals page without a decent return policy.

[chrissy]

IF you have a relationship with the owners, meaning you have bought from them before, they are more willing to work with you on prices.

There is a shop in Cahokia off the highway that I was able to get great deals at for a wedding set because I had been buying smaller pieces in there for about 6-9 months prior to the larger purchase. This was 10 years ago, mind you, but the rule is still the same. Get to know names and faces. Buy and chat them up. Remember what they talk about and bring new news to them. Make a relationship so when it comes to buying a larger piece, they are willing to work with you.

[oblongmelon]

I agree with Chrissy-get to taking a personal interest in the Jewelers..you'll be better off for it in the long run..why don't you just come right out and ask them "HOW" they can make this price come down to the price you want..it may mean purchasing something else in the near future-but hey make them a deal...the worst they can do is say no..then you can pick up an unset stone, and have the piece made for less money.