Negotiating the price :/

[chestnut cob]

I think it is OK to haggle but be realistic about it. Don't have a budget in your head of 2K and go to look at horses who are 3.5K because you are just wasting your and the seller's time. The horse I have now was 4K. I offered a cheeky 3.5K and we settled on 3.6K. That was before the vetting, and it was subject to vet. I wouldn't ever start haggling after the vetting unless something was found which would substantially affect the price.

 

[catroo]

While I like to feel I've paid a fair price for a horse/pony, haggling on the price isn't the be all and end all for me. If you look at what you'll spend on that horse over the next ten years a few hundred quid pails into insignificance.

When I look I have my 'ideal' budget (say 2k) and then my absolute max 'can't get hold of a penny more' budget (say 3k), I wouldn't look at animals at 3k but would at 2.5k knowing that even if I paid full price I could still afford it.

 

[oldie48]

Yes this. I'd always agree a price before vetting, what do you do if the horse passes the vet and they won't negotiate on price? If something turns up in the vetting that you can live with but affects the value, then you renegotiate. I think you also need to think about tack as I've never had a saddle that fits a new horse. If you have put some money aside to cover the cost of a saddle and the owner is prepared to include the saddle as part of the deal (only do this if the saddle is quality and in good condition, fits horse and you etc) then you can perhaps do a deal and perhaps you can go above the £2K. I always go in with a lower offer initially without being rude about it. If the seller accepts, all well and good, remember it's a buyers market at the moment. If they don't I'd say tell me what you will accept, if it's too high, just walk away but leave your telephone number in case they change their mind. If it' close to what you have to spend then meet them half way and ask them to include the saddle, bridle, rug etc (provided they are worth having) I'd never tell a seller my budget or tell them I've fallen in love with horse but I would reassure them that I was providing a good long term home for the right horse.

I think it is OK to haggle but be realistic about it. Don't have a budget in your head of 2K and go to look at horses who are 3.5K because you are just wasting your and the seller's time. The horse I have now was 4K. I offered a cheeky 3.5K and we settled on 3.6K. That was before the vetting, and it was subject to vet. I wouldn't ever start haggling after the vetting unless something was found which would substantially affect the price.

 

[JDH01]

My view is that I know what I have to spend and will pay asking price if I feel the horse is worth it. In the current market I believe I have paid under the odds at the asking price for my last 2 horses. I dont have them vetted as horses being horses things can and will go wrong. I have bought 9 horses only 1 has been a mistake. I have viewed 12. The key for me is the phone call and not viewing anything that doesnt sound genuine I dont view. If I did have a vetting I would negotiate for issues I was prepared to tolerate