Persisting Negotiations

I've been wanting to buy a new (to me) car since March-ish. But, it just so happens that I'm picky. Fortunately, I found an amazing car that I LOVE! In fact, a few weeks ago, I tried to purchase this car only to find out that the salespeople were unwilling to negotiate on price. I felt like they were trying to play me... like I'd simply give in and pay their price and they'd make the most out of the sale. However, little did they know, that's not how I work. There's no way I'm going to give my business to a salesperson that thinks they can get away with ripping me off. Its just not going to happen. I know I look like an easy target... relatively innocent looking, happy, smiley... you know. But no... I'm not going to give in just because I really like the car. Because the reality is, there are other cars out there... and I need to feel right and good about this big of a purchase.

So, I didn't end up buying the car.

But then, this past week, I got a call from Salesman, Eddie. The car is still available. Do I want to purchase it? Call him back and let him know.

Whoa. So, the car hasn't sold yet. This means its been on the lot for AT LEAST a month... probably much longer. Which also means, guess what... I now have the upper hand. They came back to me.

So what did I do? I waited a few days to show that I'm not desperate... and then I emailed Eddie this morning, outlining the situation for him. here's what I wrote:

"...at some point it will be more cost effective for you to sell the car than keep it on your lot. Because quite frankly, every day the car remains on the lot, you are losing money.  And, especially given our current economic times, wouldn't your superiors rather save some money by selling the car at a lower-than-sticker price than continue losing money out of their own pockets while the car remains to be unsold?

I was awfully surprised that you and your superiors were unwilling to negotiate. However, I'd like to give you another shot at earning my business..."

And then I outlined my offer... which really was a good one for them and for me. Because we both have to win. I have to feel good about the price I'm getting... and they do have to make some money. Its all part of business.

So now I'm simply waiting to hear what Eddie has to say. Will I get the car at the price I want? I hope so. I hope that my email shows that I understand what's at stake for them. I'm not desperate. They have to earn my business. And I'm giving them that opportunity. 

We'll see how it all plays out...