Oi the first reason is not lame...I admit i'm one of them, but i'm serious about the reason. My family is not very well-off and I do consider our income level below average, that's why when I need to buy something I always have to bargain and keep my family's finances in mind. It's a truth and a way of life - Not everyone has the money on hand to buy whatever he or she wants.
However, I do agree that the second reason is lame hahaha. Saw someone selling crash at cheaper price then get from the person lor. -.-
Hmm... okay I'll try to put this across in a very tactful way because I'm aware that when money comes into play, emotions are heightened and words get taken out of context sometimes.
First of all, let me clarify that statement that I made almost a year ago. My statement was not targeted at economically less-sound people. Bargaining, like it or not, is part and parcel of our everyday lives as Singaporeans - this is what makes us who we are.
However, unneeded and excessive bargaining is completely unwanted and definitely not needed at all. My stand is very firm on this.
Simply put, not everybody is well off monetarily.
You say that "It's a truth and a way of life - Not everyone has the money on hand to buy whatever he or she wants.", in reference to what I said, "people bargaining for cheap prices with lame excuses like "I'm only a student, I have very limited budget can cheaper or not?" ".
I do not disagree in any way that not everybody's rich and well off. But let me put forth a simple question to you, and anybody who might be reading this - have you ever taken into consideration that the seller might not be well off too?
I'm an undergrad, and my "income" is determined by how much I work part time, when I have time to spare from school and other activities. I do not deny that my family is above middle-income, but I have not taken a single cent from my parents for my hobby, and for that matter, my monthly allowance, since I completed my A levels. Needless to say, whatever gear I have was paid for through work and saving up. Thus when I decide to get new gear, I'll either have to save up a little more, or resell my other stuff. At the same time, I know that it isn't fair for me to expect to profit a lot from my deals, so I usually just ask for an amount that is
sufficient to cover my next purchase with as little monetary loss to me as possible.
So how do you think I'll feel when a potential buyer tells me that because he's a student, he or she hopes that I can give a way lower price? I don't feel happy about it at all.
IMHO, buying and selling of gear is a very simple process. When you're negotiating with the seller, put yourself in his or her shoes. Think about how you'd feel if someone were to try to undercut you for your sale. At the same time, when you're selling stuff, think about how the buyer will feel if you jack up your price and quote stupidly insane prices.
I do not harbour any ill-intention towards any seller who tells me that he or she has seen a crash (or whatever I'm selling) on another site being resold at a lower price. If its true, I'll definitely drop me price to match the other seller, and I'll tell the buyer that its up to him or her to make the transaction.
I apologise for this long long post, but I think its good to make these points clear. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to build good relationships with the buyer or seller, because if they know that you're a fair person, they will offer you more deals in the future if they have any.
Anyway, what on earth possessed you to bump this thread :O
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Oh shit eric, I just saw your post too about the drum meet. Sorry I couldn't make it... I'm having my examinations at the moment and they'll only end on the 5th dec. Sigh.
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