posted on March 15, 2001 02:58:15 AM new
5) "I obtain my items from several sources, but sorry, I don't give them out." Honest, to the point, and usually gets the message across without offending a potential bidder.
(Do these people actually expect us to supply them with a complete list or something? I get that question quite often. Arrrggghh!!!)
"Sure, here's a list of my suppliers. Let me help you become yet another competitor, as if there's not already enough competition out there! Oh, and here's where I buy my packing supplies - that should be helpful. Want to borrow some of my photos, too?"
posted on March 15, 2001 03:47:17 AM newI see you are selling XXXXX. I collect them? Can you tell me where you got it? 'Just curious!
Answer: I wish I could tell you more about the XXXXX but I'm afriad I can't. My late husband collected XXXXX and I'm having to sell them. It is too painful to see them around with him gone.
posted on March 15, 2001 04:07:16 AM new
Answer: Sure, in fact why buy mine, you could probably save some bucks and just go pick one up directly. It's from a little shop down by the waterfront called H.A.M.C, the boys inside may not answer the door right away but keep knocking as hard as you can and when they do answer you have to be real aggresive with them or they'll try to rip you off. Just tell them your not taking their S**t and demand to see the 'Pres'.
Good Luck & hope you get what you need.
posted on March 15, 2001 06:10:25 AM new
5) Thank you for your interest in XXXX. Over the years I have built up quite a list of many product sources but always concentrate on those which sell XXX's in the best condition at the fairest prices for my customers. I would be more than happy to keep an eye out for particular types of XXX which you like - and let you know personally when I put them up on eBay. I treasure hunt for many of my repeat customers who do not have the time to search themselves - and they appreciate it. Let me know what I can keep searching for, for YOU!
posted on March 15, 2001 06:28:57 AM new
I was cleaning up my ebay pit (what I affectionately call my den) and found it tucked away in a corner all covered with dust. I didn't realize it was there. What a rare find!! LOL
posted on March 15, 2001 06:55:48 AM new
"I was wondering if you can tell me who your supplier is on your magnificent XXXXXX. I live in Siberia, and don't want to sell these on line, and am obviously so far from your location I would be no competition to your shop."
Our response is: "We have been in this business for many years, and have a multitude of suppliers, I would suggest that you attend the XXX convention, to find just the right wholesaler for you."
OR
"I would like to buy 10 of your XXXX, can you tell me what your wholesale/dealer sales price is?"
My response to this is "please fax us your XXX State Sales Tax License, and we will supply you with our dealer prices."
Guess what - seldom if ever do I receive a faxed copy of anyone's State Sales Tax License. Those I have received, we have done a nice business with.
posted on March 15, 2001 07:22:23 AM new
Just tell them you dumpster dive - "One man's trash is another man's treasure" - Only kidding of course.
I sort of understand their question - they most likely figure it doesn't hurt to ask - all you can say is no and they don't ever have to talk to you again or see you in person for that rejection.
I am sure many of you who have wholesalers at your fingertips have put many, many hours into research and qualifying for purchasing. Research costs time and time is money. If you feel so inclined to give it to them, that's your option. However, I would certainly understand not divulging your sources and don't feel you have to apologize for telling them to do their own research.
posted on March 15, 2001 04:16:57 PM new
My answer: I bought it at an estate sale some time ago. In reality it might have been an estate sale, a thrift shop, a garage sale, a flea market, my house, the dumpster or ? My stuff has come from everywhere and anywhere!
posted on March 15, 2001 06:53:32 PM new
I usually tell them some interesting story (usually true) about how I found these items, and the great history of the original owner...it makes them want it even more...I don't think they all believe you have a constant supply of them...they just want to get more and hope you may offer a deal on several...sort of like "will you sell me several at a discount, I won't tell ebay"
posted on March 15, 2001 06:58:20 PM new
"Yes, I can tell you. Not that I would, of course..."
---
The opinions expressed above are for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary....
posted on March 15, 2001 08:18:25 PM new
"Sure, I can tell you. Whenever I want something neat, I head on down to my cellar and go shopping."
"Need a birthday present? A neat book? How about a widget you've never seen before? They are all stored quite neatly in plastic boxes, waiting to come up to auction."
"Is there anything in particular I can interest you in? Oh, by the way, I do have a whip and hancuffs I bought at U-Haul ...."
