Are Bonsai Prices Negotiable?

JimLewis wrote:I think, perhaps, it is a cultural thing. We over here are much less likely to discuss such specifics.

I, for one, would be very uncomfortable even asking. Or, maybe it is generational.

marcus watts wrote:

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:However, it would be rude to discuss with others the price you paid, regardless of the effect negotiation.

I fully disagree with this...........this is primarily a forum populated by the general public ie customers, rather than traders trying to guard secretly their prices. If the knowledge of what price trees are changing hands for is shared it empowers the buyers with the knowlege of comparison and a wider understanding of average market value. The only people with reason to be illusive about price would be someone who bought cheap and was looking to sell on expensive !!. - some newcomers to tree buying are charged a lot more than they need to be, especially if they only shop in one outlet and know no different, this is bad for the hobby as prices stay high if people just pay.

I'm happy to indicate the prices i've paid for trees and would welcome others to do so, so we can all learn (password protect the forum from the better halfs !!!!
2009 - price tag £345, price paid £345 ($545) Satsuki are still cheap as they are not (were not? in 09) QT'd at source for 2 years

2011 - (Red maple, Tokoname pot) price tag £1600, paid £1600 ($2500) + free tree to value of £400 (i chose a tree priced £300)

White beech price tag £395, paid £395 ($625) but traded in £40 of wire into same price

Yew raw material £250 tag, paid £250 ($395)

Hinoki part styled at time £2750 price tag, Paid £1700 ($2685)

juniper price tag £5000, bought in half price winter sale £2500 ($3950)

trident on rock - price tag £90, paid £60 ($95)

juniper rigida - price tag £4000, paid £2500 ($4000)

These came from 4 seperate outlets in the Uk, one is my local nursery, two I have only visited twice each and the other I try to visit 2 or 3 times a year to socially keep in touch and to see some great trees

hope others will add to the thread so we can all learn a bit more.

Marcus

Fore wrote:I did the same on another forum but am not sure I'm allowed to post that link.

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:I have negotiated prices with the manager of Wal Mart.

Russell Coker wrote:
I dunno...

Between friends is one thing, but to broadcast it to the world is another. Maybe it's a Southern thing, but the way I was reared asking and telling like this would be considered really trashy. And if I did I wouldn't want to be around my mother when she found out about it.

Telling someone the price you paid for a tree shouldn't be a taboo. It helps us all to get a good grip on the street value of trees, and what to expect to pay for the quality of the tree purchased.

JimLewis wrote:
TELLING someone what you paid is fine. But ASKING someone what they paid is rude, pushy, nosy and obnoxious.

drgonzo wrote:This sure has become quite the topic!
-Jay

Russell Coker wrote:
Yes, and the best part is that I was dying to know how much Marcus paid for that juniper I covet. I have no idea how much stuff like that costs since it's outside my reality. And to think, all I had to do was ask! Mom would be glad I didn't.