[Heavenly Jumper]

Is it rude to offer lower (up to 30%) than a horse is advertised? Like when you are asking about price? Would that make a potential seller mad at you?

[Horse_Lover92]

Nope, if they say no, walk away or bump it up!

[idlewild]

It's called bartering my dear!! You offer a price obviously lower than what the owner would probably take. The owner then counters back with a still high price that is over what you would want to pay, you then offer another low price but that is a little higher than what you first offered. Eventually a price will be worked out that makes both parties happy!

[Jess!]

"Talking them down" - I do it a lot. I never used to, but now I just straight up ask if they'd take X amount for the horse, usually a couple hundred below what I'd really pay, then if they say no, tell them your absolute price.

[Lindsayanne]

I'm not great at bartering for something I really want or care about. Always afraid if I go to low I'll offend them and they won't want to deal with me at all.

Instead, I'm more comfortable offering the full price "if" they add something else. Like Regal, I offered his full asking price if the seller would transport him 250 miles for me.

[Slowrider]

With all the PMU farms closing here in Canada lately I've had breeders email me and reduce their prices without me even asking.

I emailed this one woman about a 3 yo Paint mare b/c I wanted some better conf. pics. They were asking $1500, which I thought was a pretty good price for a halter broke only mare. Anyways, they emailed me with the pics and said they were open to offers. They then emailed me again a week later saying that they'd sell her for $1000 if I took her before the Fall.

Ooooh, I wish I had someplace to board her. I'd buy her right now. Unfortunately, I told them I really don't want to buy until next spring. I'd be looking at pasture board and basically paying for a horse that I couldn't use until next spring. There are no arenas around here at all.

Anyways, back to the price thing. I would definitely offer less. Most people price their horses a bit higher anyways, knowing that someone will probably want to barter for a lower price.

I'd say go ahead and do it. Especially if the horse has been for sale for quite a while. The only time I'd hesitate is if the ad said 'for sale to the right home' or 'to loving home only'. Then you know they'll be more picky about who gets it and are willing to wait.

Good luck.