Monday, December 16, 2013

How To Negotiate the Price of an Item on the Swap Shop

No matter what the price of an item, don't rule out discounting it if a prospective buyer wants to negotiate. It's better to sell the item for 20-50% less than its original price than not to sell the item at all. Be open to negotiating, especially if you are trying to move the item quickly. Experienced swap shop buyers want to make a deal!

As the old saying goes, “you catch more flies with honey,” which really means that the nicer you are to people, the more inclined they are to help you out. Every time I ask for a reduction on a price, I just ask kindly, “Would you please consider $X for your item?” Sometimes, if they are motivated sellers, they will say yes so long as it’s a reasonable offer. However, if it’s too low of an offer, they might wait for another buyer.

Pricing your items well is important, but also expect to have some wiggle room in there. Customers are the happiest when the feel like they've gotten a good deal, or talked you down a little in your price. Play the game a bit! But don't do this too soon---save the bargaining for a little later in the sale.

Special thanks to:
http://www.signs.com/blog/the-yard-sale-buyers-guide/
http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/how-to-negotiate-garage-sales/
http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0611/8-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-a-garage-sale.aspx


Advertise on the Missouri Swap Shop Network JUST CLICK HERE!

Connect with all the counties in the MISSOURI SWAP SHOP NETWORK!! CLICK HERE!!

Who Is Doc Burkhart? He is the chief administrator of the Missouri Swap Shop Network. He is also a full-time missionary, working primarily in the Asia/Pacific Region. Read his blog http://docburkhart.blogspot.com or visit his missions page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doc2korea/

How To Use Item Descriptions in the Swap Shop

Many times people just post items on the swap shop, simply stating, "Here it is.  Here's the price."  However, if you truly want to see an increase in results on the swap shop, try telling people a little more about the item.  Some questions that might help spark your creativity:

Where did you you get the item?
Is there something special or unique about the item?
Why are you selling it now?
What history does the item have?
Where is the item located?
Will you deliver, or is it for pick up only?

These questions are just starters to help you think more about what you are wanting to sell.  Don't just post a picture and a price....TELL A STORY!!

Happy swapping!

Doc Burkhart, Swap Shop Administrator

Advertise on the Missouri Swap Shop Network JUST CLICK HERE!

Connect with all the counties in the MISSOURI SWAP SHOP NETWORK!! CLICK HERE!!

Who Is Doc Burkhart? He is the chief administrator of the Missouri Swap Shop Network. He is also a full-time missionary, working primarily in the Asia/Pacific Region. Read his blog http://docburkhart.blogspot.com or visit his missions page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doc2korea/

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Location! Location! Location!

Are you looking for another great way to increase your swap shop response and results?  Do yourself and your buyers a favor by CLEARLY giving your location.  With so many people using online swap shops now, it is more important than ever to let your location be known for both point of sale and for pick up as well.

An address isn't necessary, but a city name and neighborhood would be extremely helpful...and profitable, too!

Advertise on the Missouri Swap Shop Network JUST CLICK HERE!

Connect with all the counties in the MISSOURI SWAP SHOP NETWORK!! CLICK HERE!!

Who Is Doc Burkhart? He is the chief administrator of the Missouri Swap Shop Network. He is also a full-time missionary, working primarily in the Asia/Pacific Region. Read his blog http://docburkhart.blogspot.com or visit his missions page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doc2korea/

The Swap Shop is about Friends Connecting with Friends!

We gets TONS of requests to join the various swap shops in our network.  Unfortunately, there are some less than honest people out there who have no intention of connecting locally with friends and neighbors.  That is why we review each member request we receive.  We follow a very simple principle: NO SWAP SHOP FRIENDS?  NO APPROVAL!

Occasionally, a person is new to their particular area and has not had the chance to make friends.  In those cases, we encourage those potential members to contact the admins through a private message. We will review your request, and if it is legit, you're in!

Advertise on the Missouri Swap Shop Network JUST CLICK HERE!

Connect with all the counties in the MISSOURI SWAP SHOP NETWORK!! CLICK HERE!!

Who Is Doc Burkhart? He is the chief administrator of the Missouri Swap Shop Network. He is also a full-time missionary, working primarily in the Asia/Pacific Region. Read his blog http://docburkhart.blogspot.com or visit his missions page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doc2korea/

How To Report Spam Posts on the Swap Shop

Facebook now provides our swap shop pages with a new tool to fight the posting of spam.  On any individual post in the upper right hand corner you can click a drop down window.  From there you have the opportunity to click "Report as Abuse".  This in turn is sent as an alert to the admins for review.

Feel free to use this for both spam and inappropriate content!

Advertise on the Missouri Swap Shop Network JUST CLICK HERE!

Connect with all the counties in the MISSOURI SWAP SHOP NETWORK!! CLICK HERE!!

Who Is Doc Burkhart? He is the chief administrator of the Missouri Swap Shop Network. He is also a full-time missionary, working primarily in the Asia/Pacific Region. Read his blog http://docburkhart.blogspot.com or visit his missions page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doc2korea/