So, how long should you wait?

[bluewolf]

Ok then, a quick question...

You've been to the shop to try out an item, you like the item and you ask the shopkeeper to give you his best price (This shop is usually willing to pricematch). Shopkeeper struggles to pricematch as nowhere else is currently selling the item online (but soon will be). You reply "Don't worry mate, I'm in no rush. Here's my number, give me a ring when you've got a price in mind."

A week goes by with no contact. You visit the shop for another reason and bump into said shopkeeper. He once again states that he will get you a price "This afternoon." You reply again "Don't worry about it, I'm in no real rush." Mainly to be polite as you like the shop and the shopkeeper. You also want to stay loyal to the local shop who allowed you to test said item.

Another week goes by with no contact. In the meantime, several other shops have started to advertise the item online.

So, the question is; Should you order the item online from another retailer who will also probably be cheaper, or should you keep chasing up the original shopkeeper so that he can have your business?


Thanks in advance for your replies. I've tried to keep the question as vague as possible as the shop (and shopkeeper) are generally excellent and I don't want to tarnish them in anyway.... For those who know me and might be able to guess the shop, please don't name it... Thanks...:thup:

 

[fundy]

hes had enough chance for me, but if you really want to buy from him personally Id pick the phone up, tell him hes got an hour to offer me a competitive price and if he cant do that then Id buy it elsewhere

 

[Khamelion]

To use another Americanism (Sorry Bob) three strikes and your out, give him a third chance, perhaps saying this time that you'll get it elsewhere, politely of course and it may force his hand.

Then again if you like the shop and like to keep your business local and the price he's offering isn't that much more than elsewhere, just buy whatever it is you tested and be done with it.

 

[bluewolf]

I'm leaning towards the "one more chance" option myself really. My guess is that he's just been really busy at the start of the season and has forgotten again. I really want to keep the business local, but if there isn't some headway this week then i'm afraid that Jamgolf are going to get the business...

 

[Region3]

I hate things like that, and will often "cut off my nose to spite my face".

The first set of new irons I bought I asked the local golf shop for a price. When they hadn't got in touch with me by the next day (they said they would ring same day) I ordered them somewhere else.

People not ringing back when they say they will REALLY REALLY irritates me, and I will never deal with them again nor even tell them they've lost the business.

 

[bluewolf]

I hate things like that, and will often "cut off my nose to spite my face".

The first set of new irons I bought I asked the local golf shop for a price. When they hadn't got in touch with me by the next day (they said they would ring same day) I ordered them somewhere else.

People not ringing back when they say they will REALLY REALLY irritates me, and I will never deal with them again nor even tell them they've lost the business.

Deep down, this is my biggest objection. Just a text message to let me know he's still working on it would suffice. Unfortunately, this is someone who I see several times per week...

 

[Val]

He probably doesnt like the profit involved and doesnt want to tell you.

 

[louise_a]

Back in the day when I worked, I often got misdirected calls meant for customer services, I used to take the person's details and tell them I would get someone to contact them. Then I would go and give it to the releveant person, then makes sure they rang them back. Nothing irritates a customer more than don't being called back when told they will be.

 

[mcbroon]

I think if you've said to him "Don't worry, there's no real rush" for a second time, then it's only fair to tell him that there is now a rush. All you have to do is say to him that you now have a timeframe in which you need a price and that, if he can't oblige, you'll reluctantly go elsewhere.

 

[SatchFan]

In this increasingly competitive world you would think that businesses would be doing everything they can to secure a sale. The fact that the OP has said there is no rush is beside the point. Not getting back to the customer promptly is really poor service. I would go elsewhere on principle.

 

[MadAdey]

I would go in and tell him straight. If places on the internet are now selling this item then you know what you can get it for elsewhere. Tell him the best price on the internet and ask him what he can do. Tell him if you have not heard from him by tomorrow afternoon then you will purchase it elsewhere.

 

[Sweep]

I would speak to him nicely and just say since speaking to him it is now being advertised on line and quote the price. Say you are sure he will understand that you are going to buy on line unless he can match it. That should ensure he comes up with the right price quickly or tell you he can't do it.

 

[Slab]

From the opening post (& I know its vague) but sounds like he thinks he can't meet what he thinks you'll pay (which might indicate that too much has been left unsaid so far)

Have you told him what you're prepared to pay (given that you wish to show loyalty if its possible) Might speed up the process and at least you'll know sooner rather than later if he can get close

 

[sfby]

You like the guy, you like the shop.

If you still want the shop to be there in the future, why not pay the premium for being able to go and try the equipment?

 

[dufferman]

I get quite annoyed by shopkeepers and businesses who don't actively take the dangling carrot of business. IF they can't afford to do it, just tell the prospective customer! Don't avoid them!

I'm with the 'go elsewhere' camp - if you see him after you've bought it, tell him you couldn't resist the price you bought it for!

 

[bluewolf]

Sorry for not responding sooner guys and gal, got some bad news last night and didn't get chance to reply. I think I'll nip up to the shop tomorrow and ask him again if he has got a price in mind. I am willing to pay a premium just to keep the business local, but if you advertise your willingness to pricematch then you shouldn't really be surprised when people ask for it.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

you want to by the gear from him and you don't need it tomorrow. So I'd try to not imagaine why he is not getting a price to you as you don't know what else he is having to manage at the moment.

Give him a deadline - say a good couple of weeks if you can wait - but don't leave it open. You can give him a real or imaginary reason for the deadline - but really you don't have to as it's none of his business - so don't make something up if you feel uncomfortable doing that. You are in complete control of your deadline. He will probably know you have seen the gear elsewhere - but even if he doesn't that's irrelevant. Give him room to do whatever research he has to do to come up with a price. If he can't do that by your deadline then go elsewhere.

 

[Jay Gee]

I think if you've said to him "Don't worry, there's no real rush" for a second time, then it's only fair to tell him that there is now a rush. All you have to do is say to him that you now have a timeframe in which you need a price and that, if he can't oblige, you'll reluctantly go elsewhere.

This.