Bartering at the Junkyard

[Turbo85GMC]

I'm kind of a junkyard newbie. I stopped at a junkyard near work yesterday and picked up an air-cleaner base and cold-air duct out in the yard. Back at the office, the guy looked at it and told me $20. I guess that was ok, but $15 or $10 would have been even better. Is it considered bad form to barter or bargin with the guy? Especially since I had to scrounge around in the yard to find what I was looking for.

[N2TRUX]

It depends on the yard, and the person. Some are firm and get an attitude, some will negotiate. I have always found a polite surprised response gets action.

With a smile- 20 bucks? C'mon is that your best price?

Never say you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

[Cruzin81]

It never hurts to try, some things like rearends, fenders and parts they normally sell will be a set price due to they sell a alot of it, but plastic pieces and air cleaner stuff you can ussually barter a little. Its kind of a game buying things at a junk yard. If you think its too high just tell them you arn't sure its going to fit, or mabe its got some rusty spots on it which would devalue it some. They rather make some money on it rather than nothing.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah depends a lot on the yard and the workers.The one i go to they know me well enough i get stuff cheap.Funniest one was airbag sensors the guy asked if they was relays i said yeah got them for 5 bucks each lol.

[msgross]

I had that before... I just scratch my chin and say "i was think more in the $10 range" and see what they come back with...

[Cruzin81]

Have a buddy that is into VW, he pulled a supercharger for a corrado and the girl asked if it was an air pump, the one for emissions, and sad yes it is , bought it for $35 and took it home and sold it for around $500

[smashingchuck]

My yard has set itemized pricing. You can look on the wall and price it out before you even step foot in the yard.

[impalamark]

I'll take an offer that's close and tell them that's just a bit over my budget
depending on the personality I'll counter or wait to see if they will try to
lower the price 20 to 15 is easy 20 to 5 not so and can offend

never ever mention you can get new online for less -usually evokes bad
response - I do say My budget is tight let me look at some other locations
and many will start to negotiate if they think I'll walk

key is to be respectful and polite

I go very frequently on various projects and have a relationships with several yards which always helps
MArk

[dswancutt]

If you become a frequent customer, they most likely will cut you a better deal. The posts above are all good ideas. I think the best thing is to show respect and not to try to get something for nothing. For me, scrounging the yard is the best part of junkyarding.

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by Cruzin81

Have a buddy that is into VW, he pulled a supercharger for a corrado and the girl asked if it was an air pump, the one for emissions, and sad yes it is , bought it for $35 and took it home and sold it for around $500

Lying about parts will always get you a better deal...


Always have cash for starters. Don't "pocket" the little items. More often than not they will give you the small parts if you tell the you have them and you are buying other parts. Don't be a tire kicker. And try not to destroy other parts trying to get your parts out. All of this goes along ways if you frequent the same yards. They remember people...

[Sillyoldman]

They kind of gotcha by the nards. Yes you had to scrounge for it. You did find it. You don't know if the guy next door has it. You already have a vested interest in what you are bartering. I don't think its very likely they'd do much on the price. Never hurts to ask though.

[Longhorn Man]

I'm a little funny on this subjact... unles they are out of line (like the yard here that wants $100 for a 67 - 72 inst panel) I just pay them what they ask.
Personally, i would probably not go back to that yard, that's too much IMO.

[PanelDeland]

Buying parts at a JY is like asking a girl out.If you don't ask you will never know.If you do ask you run the risk of being turned down.If a "NO" is the worst experience you ever have,just remember that at least you know and don't have to wonder for the rest of your life.

[texanidiot25]

Back when I was buying seat belts, disk brake parts, and some other stuff, the yard I went to gave me my little things free, like the head unit chassis, vacuum canister, chevy underhood light (the retractable ones), and something else. I've gone to there several times for parts on the truck, so he cuts me some slack now.. The 1st time he was very peculiar about me..

[68C15]

another thing to ponder is him not having change for a $20. did you? if so I would have pulled out $14 and said this is all I have right now.

[retodd7711]

Junkyards, craigslist, I try to haggle a little on the price.
But if the man says $20 then that's his price.
Is it really worth $5 to drive across town, find and pull another one, then have that guy say $25?

[60ratrod]

i love going to junk yards. there's usually a lot of interesting things like hood ornaments, emblems, shifter knobs. the junk yard just outside of the base that i am stationed at i usually go into and they kinda know me there. i usually look though what i lovingly call the "crush pile," or the row or cluster of cars, what ever the case maybe, and that's where i get most of the good deals that i've gotten. like the last time that i got some things from there i got an edelbrock performer intake for $30, a carter 635(?) afb carb for $20, brake booster for $15, and hei dizzy for $20. they don't bother to inventory those vehicles since they are going to crush them soon. but definitely try to be friendly and engage them in conversation. they appreciate those kindsa things, especially if you plan on frequenting there on a regular basis