Anyone who has ever haggled at a garage sale knows the dance. Someone offers too little, someone asks too much, and both sides pretend they are not watching the clock. A TikTok from an estate sale company owner shows that dance at its most awkward, over a box of golf balls and a club.
The post comes from @kingsofebay, in a series called “See What It’s Really Like as an Estate Sale Company Owner.” This one is Part 6.
@kingsofebay
A Customer Wants All The Golf Balls In The Back
The scene opens with a shopper asking about the golf balls. He wants to know how much for all of it, and then clarifies that he wants all the ones in the back, too. There is a lot to carry.
The owner counts it up out loud. He figures there are probably 300 of them in the box. “Only probably a few are good,” he says, which is an honest thing to say to a buyer.
The Owner Says A Few Good Ones Are Mixed In With The Rest
Estate sale sellers do not always love haggling over small stuff, but they know it comes with the job. He says this is one of the better baskets, and describes it as a mix of everything. That tells you a lot about how these boxes get filled.
When the shopper asks for a price on the whole thing, the owner lands on “about 150 for the whole thing,” with the club included. For a box of loose golf balls and a single club, that is a lot to ask. The shopper reacts accordingly.
The Buyer Puts The Club Back And Asks About Just The Balls
The shopper tries a smarter approach. He says he will put the club back and asks what the price would be for just the balls. It is the classic move of cutting the order to cut the price.
But the owner holds firm for a moment. He says he would get more from other people today for the box. He adds that the buyer can still put it back.
The Price Drops To $80 And The Buyer Has $50 In Cash
Then the owner softens. “How about 80 for everything,” he says, which is a big drop from the $150 he started with.
Here is the twist. The buyer says he only has “50 bucks cash total.” That leaves him $30 short of the owner’s lowered price.
The Owner Decides To Wait For A Better Offer
The owner says he thinks he can get more from someone else that day and that he will wait. In his view, a sale at a price he does not like is worse than no sale yet.
It is a small scene, but it captures something real about estate sales. Sellers know their stock may sell to the next person through the door, so they hold their ground. Buyers, meanwhile, learn that showing up with too little cash can cost them a deal.
Why Haggling Often Falls Flat At Estate Sales
In a lot of cases, the price tag is a starting point. A fair offer can work, but a lowball can sour the whole conversation. Owners often know the market and may have a pretty good idea of who else will walk in.
The company also has to make a profit, and the people who hired it are counting on a good result. That means a seller may be less flexible than a friendly neighbor at a yard sale. A polite, realistic offer tends to go further than a sharp one.
Tips For Making An Offer That Gets A Yes
Bring enough cash for what you want, and bring small bills if you can. Check whether the sale takes cards, since some do and some do not. Know what you want to pay before you start talking.
Ask for the price on the whole group of items, and then ask whether a bundle price is possible. Sellers often like moving a lot at once. Be ready to walk away if the number does not fit your budget, since there will be another sale next weekend.
If you are the one selling, think about what you are really trying to do. Do you want to clear the space, or squeeze every dollar out? Knowing your answer ahead of time makes it easier to decide when a number is good enough.
Cash In Hand Still Talks Louder Than Promises
There is a lesson in that $50. Cash on the table is powerful, because it lets a seller close a sale right now. A buyer who walks up with a firm number and the money to match often has the best shot at a yes.
Owners also pay attention to how someone asks. A friendly tone and a clear offer make the conversation easier for everyone. It is hard to say no to a person who is polite and ready to pay.
The best bargains tend to go to the shopper who is prepared, friendly and flexible. A little cash and a lot of patience can go a long way at the next estate sale.
