Am I getting ripped off?

[stavebuyer]

As a buyer being asked to bid on a set of logs; I would not provide anything other than $$ total period. How I priced various grades or scaled individual logs could be advantageous for a competitor to know. I decline the opportunity to bid on logs or timber unless its a sealed bid . 

[WV Sawmiller]

   Our local mill publishes a price list showing what they pay for logs by species and grade. Of course there is always some subjectivity as to what grade a log will make but at least if I ask them to explain why they graded a log a particular way I can accept or reject their opinion. Most important the seller can learn what he needs to do better the next time. He might find he'd get more for 2 shorter (1- grade 1 and 1 grade 3) logs than one long grade 3. Just like sawing for grade. Maybe I just needed to leave 2 more inches of trim to qualify for the next length. 

   Your system is fair and no doubt saves you getting into an argument with a seller but, as I said before, if the seller does not feel comfortable in dealing that way, he should sell to someone else. To each his own.

[stavebuyer]

I publish a price list and provide a detailed scale ticket that shows species, length, diameter, grade, volume, price per MBF, gross scale, defect scale and reason for any scale deductions for all logs purchased. You ask for a bid on a pile of logs I may or may not buy; you get a dollar figure and that's it unless I buy the logs or trees. As I buyer I can't tell you how many times a prospective seller has told me what they have already been offered. I participate in sealed bids, attend auctions, but have no interest in auctions disguised as bids. This is no reflection on the original poster or his motives but an explanation as to why a bidder often doesn't want to provide any details in a bid situation. 

[PA_Walnut]

I participate in sealed bids, attend auctions, but have no interest in auctions disguised as bids.

Amen brother! Preach it. Its very annoying when I am asked to buy logs, come up with a legit number (I always try to be VERY fair...to both the seller AND myself) and then have them say, "I'll get back to you..." using my number as leverage to attempt to yank $20 outta the next guy.  

More than once, have endured that dance, only to have them come back weeks/months later with a re-attempt hearing about stories of BIG money payouts, BIG talk then zero performance from other bidders. I put up my best number and that's that. Every once in a while, someone comes back with a reasonable counter that accept.

As Kenny Rogers says, "You got know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em. Know when to walk away and know when to run..."

p.s. Don't alienate your seemingly legit buyer. If the number isn't right to you, counter rather than shutting him out for a few bucks. You may find that there's less legit buyers in your area than you might have guessed. A bit of communication goes a long way.

[mike_belben]

I done a lot of buying and selling on a semi professional level for myself and for others, and its really a relationship game.  

Buying and selling with the general public can be incredibly annoying on occassion, and tolerating their opinions and tactics without chewing them a new one and killing the sale is by far the most tedious part.  When you are selling theyll say these are a dime a dozen.  Really? Cuz i only see 2 for sale in the country and im priced cheaper than both.  Show me the dozen for scrap price and we will send the landoll to get them all.

When you are buying their junk is worth gold, its the best stuff ever sitting on those brand new 30yr old tires with only a few of the now obsolete parts missing and what is there fully unserviceable.  Buddy you been trying to sell it a year and the market clearly doesnt agree with your price.

I never ever tell people what its worth and i hate when someone says it to me.  Ill say what ive got in the past, what i think i can get, what its worth to me or what im holding out for.  As a buyer i very kindly, gently say this is what id be happy to pay for it or call me in a year if you decide youd take X.  Ya have to say an offensive number in a very unoffensive way.  3 days later phone rings.  You get 90% more accepted lowballs when the seller finds you likeable. Be a polite, friendly haggler.

[Kwill]

Ya have to say an offensive number in a very unoffensive way.  3 days later phone rings.  You get 90% more accepted lowballs when the seller finds you likeable. Be a polite, friendly haggler.

I failed at this one. Guy tried to lowball or rather insult me on some firewood i already had priced at a bargain. I told him I would  pile it in the front yard and burn it before I took his offer.

[WV Sawmiller]

   My most valuable load of firewood I ever sold was priced on the phone including delivery. I drove up with the wood and with my 10 y/o son along. The guy came out and told me because it was good seasoned oak he'd pay $10-$15 less than we'd agreed. I told my son to get back in the truck, raised the tail gate and before I got the truck cranked he told me he'd pay what we'd agreed and I told him he could not buy that load of wood. I guess he figured since I'd already loaded and delivered it I did not want to take it home. he was right. I stopped on the way home and gave it away to a friend.

[PA_Walnut]

I told him he could not buy that load of wood. I guess he figured since I'd already loaded and delivered it I did not want to take it home. he was right. I stopped on the way home and gave it away to a friend.

@WV Sawmiller That is a level of rogue beyond even my own! Nice!!I like it.  :D

[mike_belben]

Ya have to say an offensive number in a very unoffensive way.  3 days later phone rings.  You get 90% more accepted lowballs when the seller finds you likeable. Be a polite, friendly haggler.

I failed at this one. Guy tried to lowball or rather insult me on some firewood i already had priced at a bargain. I told him I would  pile it in the front yard and burn it before I took his offer.

On a $60 rick of wood that will sell on the next cold day, chewing someone out may be worth it.  Its cheaper than the therapy costs of rude lowballers driving you crazy.  
When i sold ancient equipment for an employer it was really important not to burn bridges.  How many people want parts off a euclid articulated truck thats been parked since i was 9?  had to bite my tongue alot if i wanted to taste any food on it next week.

[Kwill]

Mike i was recently trying to sell my boat on Cl and facebook for 500. This was boat, motor,trailer,trolling motor,fishfinder, and clean titles on all. Guy had the gaul to ask if id take 100 for it. I wasnt so nice with my reply

[mike_belben]

Imagine if it was 3am, the call was from egypt and he offered you $100 for your excavator.  I lived it every day.  You gotta find your uncouple button to survive it or youll kill someone. 

[Weekend_Sawyer]

I have started muting my phone when I go to bed.
I do not like to be awakened by someones text or phishing call.

[GRANITEstateMP]

Nick585,

What did you end up getting for you Black Walnut logs?