Should people coming to my estate sale ask me to reduce the price on items because of the cost of gas?

Question

Several people that have come to my estate sale have demanded that I drastically reduce the price I've placed on items since the price of gasoline is so high and it's cost them $5 or $10 to come to my sale. I feel that their transportation costs shouldn't be coming out of MY pocket. I didn't force them to come, they came of their own volition and knew the distance. If they felt it was too costly for them, they needn't have bothered. Should I give a discount to people that have come over 20 miles (of course 20 turns into 40 if you count the round-trip)? Who is more in the right?

Answer 1

They're clearly wrong. Honestly, people these days...

What's next? People demanding to be repaid for the fuel they waste sitting in line at a fast food drive-thru window?

No one forced them to come to your sale. They KNEW how far they were going to have to drive. They KNEW how much gas it would cost them. Tough luck for them.

Politely tell them no--and, as someone above suggested--mention that YOU have to buy gas, too. So a discount for them means a loss for you.

Answer 2

You shouldn't have to feel obliged to lower your prices.  Like you said you didn't force them to come to your place.  

Answer 3

That's pretty unbelievable, even for a skin-flint.  No.

Answer 4

no way that is silly

Answer 5

Any estate sell, garage sell, flea mart etcetera people have the right to haggle and try to get a reduced price for no reason at all.. but they have no right to demand any reduction or even to blame it on gasoline prices..They had a choice to come or not to... tell them to go purchase these items new and it would cost way more than the gas did..plus they have to drive to the store to get them and then to dliver them too...The grocery store I like to shop and buy groceries at is about a 30 mile round trip..but I have no right to DEMAND them to lower the price on thier meats because I had to drive so far..

Answer 6

NO

Answer 7

put minimum bids on the items to be sold. These people are too cheap and want something for nothing. Just make sure you don't give the stuff away.

Tomorrow is another day.

Answer 8

No you have no obligation to lower your prices. If they are so worried about gas prices they should stay home!

Answer 9

Don't reduce your prices. The prices for yor items are already lower than could be found in a store or on-line.

Answer 10

No. You don't give them a discount. You might respond, "Prices are high due to the cost of gasoline. I can't afford to get around either." That will probably nip it in the bud.

Answer 11

Is this your business? You are in the right. Many people who go to these things are trying to make a buck themselves, like we do. It is an investment any busines takes into account. If anyone asks you for a discount for gas prices, they are obviously new beginners who fell for the get-rich-quick schemes on TV. Either that or they are extemely cheap people trying to get a deal anyway they can.

I don't know if this will be of any help, but it also could apply to live sales too.

Online Auctions: How to Deal With Customers

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Good luck!