Let’s take a look at how to confidently negotiate the BEST deals on Gumtree
The benefits of an online marketplace
I know how we all love to save and make money, and over the years on Family Budgeting, I have shared so many ways to do this with you.
Reselling items you no longer want/need and buying second-hand are two practices I strongly advocate. Reselling is a great way to recoup your money from your original purchase and to swell the coffers in times of need. Buying second-hand is smart, you get what you want for less and you do your bit for the environment at the same time, preventing landfill and avoiding unnecessary consumerism.
How to confidently negotiate the BEST deals on Gumtree
I have, of course, discussed car boot sales among other options but, to be honest, these days it’s all about the online marketplace. Online marketplaces such as Gumtree allow you to reach huge audiences with minimal effort, and you are very likely to get a sale. Let’s be honest, the old car boot sale is a bit hit and miss!
Gumtree is the UK’s #1 classified website and app, used by 1 in 3 adults each month. 1 in 3. What an astonishing statistic? But why do 60% not use online marketplaces when they are such a brilliant platform? Research has revealed that essentially many of us Brits feel AWKWARD about the whole process of buying and selling.
Does it make you feel awkward?
One obvious benefit of using an online marketplace to sell once-loved items and purchase new items is that many people are often uncomfortable and nervous about the process. According to Gumtree’s research, 34% of us feel anxious when meeting a potential buyer, almost half (49%) worry about the buyer/seller not turning up, 37% dread the buyer trying to haggle on price. BUT Gumtree is trying to change that. They have just launched a campaign to empower and instil confidence in consumers looking to buy and sell via Gumtree and other online marketplaces.
So, what are the main concerns?
Gumtree has teamed up expert negotiator, Gavin Presman, who’s devised seven steps in the process of buying/selling online and potential concerns at each stage. These include:
- Research: How do we know if the price is right?
- Advertise: What do we say about flaws?
- Connect: Is it rude to ask lots of questions if we aren’t sure we want to buy?
- Arrange to meet: Where is the best please to meet and what if they don’t show up on time?
- Meet: How will I say no if the products not right?
- Exam: I will feel so rude checking over the product?
- Negotiate: How do I ask for a lower price without offending?
With so many worries and possible pitfalls no wonder we feel daunted! Often it is our politeness and lack of experience with the process that hinder us. We need a guide to work our way through these steps, so we feel better prepared.
Being well prepared will absolutely help us negotiate the best deal.
Help is here – here is how to BEST deals on Gumtree !
To help tackle these common pitfalls, Gumtree has teamed up with the How to Academy to launch a new guide on ‘The Etiquette Of Buying and Selling on Online’ which helps empower people to use Gumtree to find the right item for them, with confidence, and to sell with confidence too.
It is simple, straightforward and completely do-able – the way any good guide should be. It covers all areas of concern from researching, advertising, arranging to meet and negotiating.
You can download it here
How to get the BEST deals on Gumtree – tips from the top
At the workshop I attended, Gavin took us through the seven step guide and I left feeling much more competent, with greater clarity on how to successfully use an online marketplace. In fact, I am going to start my Gumtree experience today! I have a Lego set, which is still in its box totally unused desperate for a new home.
Do download the guide – I know it will fill you up with confidence too.
Their top tips on how to get the BEST deals on Gumtree include:
- Do your homework: Work out a price that’s reasonable and realistic
- Advertise with impact and honesty: Describe benefits and condition in words and pics (lots of pics!)
- Connect early: Get in touch straight away and ask questions to avoid wasting time
- Mutually agree the meet up
- Don’t make it personal: Be welcoming then focus on the product, not the person
- Check and check again: Don’t be too embarrassed to look the item over /count your cash
- Bargain don’t haggle: Find items to exchange rather than just asking for a better price
Be confident
This guide to The Etiquette of Buying and Selling Online is a game changer. I feel so different after hearing Gavin’s practical tips. It has taken away the fear and replaced it with simple effective strategies. I know it can do the same for you.
The guide will take you through all these steps in much greater, practical detail – it is a brilliant resource. You will no longer be taking a bit of a gamble when you buy or sell online, instead you will have the information you need to approach online marketplace selling with confidence and a clear step-by-step guide.
For those of you who like a more hands on learning experience, Gumtree will also be holding a practical consumer workshop offering top tips on negotiation when buying and selling via online marketplaces. This is a not to be missed event particularly if you are an avid or nervous buyer/seller. You can get your free tickets here.
With Gumtree’s help and advice, you can be comfortable using online marketplaces and you will soon find you can get the best price and the best deal as both a buyer and seller.
I would love to hear how you get on!
How to confidently negotiate the BEST deals on Gumtree is a collaborative post
