[micsager]

I've come accross a guy who wants to sell me two, 42 gallon Blichmann fermenters.  Both have the leg extensions and casters.  Brand new from Northern Brewer they are about $1850 each.  They are quite used, so probably would need new seals, and clamp rings. 

I'm thinking $2,000 for the pair?

[Franklin]

1850.00

[micsager]

1850.00

?  Really?  Why wouldn't I just buy new ones?

[theDarkSide]

1850.00

?  Really?  Why wouldn't I just buy new ones?

Either he means for the pair, or he's the one selling them to you 

[yso191]

If I read your basic implication correctly, I am with you in that I am always uncomfortable valuing someone else's stuff.  I always (try to) insist that the currrent owner start the negotiation by stating what he wants.  Probably doesn't help much, but that's what I think anyway.

[micsager]

If I read your basic implication correctly, I am with you in that I am always uncomfortable valuing someone else's stuff.  I always (try to) insist that the currrent owner start the negotiation by stating what he wants.  Probably doesn't help much, but that's what I think anyway.

You read that correctly.  I did try to insist.  He has asked me to "make him an offer."  I want the fermentors.  And stainless is good forever.  (basically)  Seals are $40, and clamp rings about $100.  Plus, I've seen them.  They are gonna take a lot of PBW......

As I've upgraded over the years, I've sold my old stuff at 50% of what I paid, if still in good working order. 

[morticaixavier]

If he says 'make an offer' I always like to start at 1 dollar and a six pack. you can go up from there.

Maybe add in naming rights; 'The Tom Dichnherrie Memorial Fermenter'

[Jimmy K]

I think $2000 is a fair starting offer, especially if he isn't willing to put a number out. If he wants more, he can counter. 

[thebigbaker]

If he says 'make an offer' I always like to start at 1 dollar and a six pack. you can go up from there.

Maybe add in naming rights; 'The Tom Dichnherrie Memorial Fermenter'

I would love to see you do that on the "Price is Right!"   "I would like to bid $1...and a six pack."

+1 to $2,000 being a fair offer.  I'd probably start right at or just under $1850 myself. 

[tschmidlin]

How much do you want them?  I would probably start at $1500.  I've gotten some great deals from people who are just looking to unload stuff quickly and easily.  The "you can probably get more, but this is what it's worth to me" line works pretty well.

[saintpierre]

I agree with Tom.  If he isn't willing to start the negotiations I'd toss a number our that would be a steal/deal for you without insulting the seller to the point they walk away.  He'll most likely counter.  Maybe you can work out a deal involving beer.  50% off growler fills or something.

[Jo Diesel]

I would start at $1000. You said they are well used and some people would not put much value on something in that shape. You can always go up from there. I usually figure used is never worth more than half of new. Unless it is JUST LIKE NEW. 

[In The Sand]

I wouldn't go lower than $1,000 starting offer, but that's just me.

[euge]

Why? The guy is saying make an offer.

Offer him $500 for the pair and then work up from there. I wouldn't pay 2K for the two. Used like new- maybe. But used-used is like a old car. They are never worth what the owner thinks.

Negotiate hard in this case because of the pair's condition.

[reverseapachemaster]

Can you find any other similar products that have recently sold on ebay or craigslist? That is probably your best evidence of the appropriate market price. However, you don't need to start there.

It's not fun to be the one throwing out the first offer but it's what I do with my job so I've learned to adapt. I would approach it as, "I don't really know what they are worth but I'm pretty sure I'll have to replace the seals and clamp rings and that's $X plus it's going to take a lot of time cleaning just to figure out if there are any other problems. Maybe $1000 for the pair? Tell me your thoughts."

$2k is probably fair for the pair but you never know how badly he's trying to sell them or if he doesn't care how low he sells them as long as he sells them. I think any lower than $1k is going to come across unreasonably low. He's stupid for not cleaning them out. Clean products always sell better than dirty. That tells me he probably doesn't have a good valuation on the fermentors and probably just wants to get rid of them.