Howdy all,

I've been following the thread on customer service and the different pen shops in NYC. I'm going to be there in a couple of weeks and will certainly be perusing both Art Brown and FPH, with a trip to Altman Luggage if I can manage.

I know theses places have fantastic stock, and the service can sometimes vary, but what is the best way to ask for 'the best price' at these shops? Is there any one best way?

Thanks in advance,
ScottT

well ive never actually had experiences with art brown, but i think their item prices are set. i dont think you could really bargain prices

Wait a couple of months. Best Buy just announced that their sales associates can haggle with customers over big ticket items. The recession is taking a bite out of luxury electronics, it will likely do the same to luxury stationery.

Black ski mask or stockings over your head and a weapon....
But make sure you can run real fast....


Sorry, but being raised in NY, I could not resist....

I take it that this is along the lines of "You can get more with a kind word...and a gun...than you can with just a kind word."

Seriously though, I'd go to the individual websites and see if any of them has a price matching policy. Be armed with proof of someone else's lower price, and be ready to buy if they're willing to match the price.

If you talk about the pens and ask questions, etc, they will sense if you are a "buyer" and should offer a discount. If not, I think, as has been stated by others on other threads, if they don't offer a discount, tell them you buy pens at another brick and mortar shop and you routinely get a discount. Then ask if they can do better on the price. Be ready to give them the name of the store where you buy, but that should do it. The worst thing that can happen is they do not give you a discount and you leave unhappy and they don't make a sale - all around bad karma. In these times, I suggest they'd want the sale. Don't forget, most of their sales are over the internet at discounted prices, so you should get one. You might check the website to see what discounts they offer and take that info with you. Good Luck!

Prices? Head to altman and bring CASH

Scott,

Pity you will not be in NYC this weekend. FPH is holding their Spring Pen Expo 08.

The prices at the pen expo vary greatly. They did have a few good discounts. I also go to Altman. Good store with great prices. If they don't have a pen in stock they will actually order for you. But make sure you know what you want and the prices you want. I wouldn't want to look silly pricing matching only to back out when they say yes.

Hi Scott:

While I've never tried to bargain at either place, the people at Art Brown and FPH are very friendly. (I don't know much about Altman's.) I would start with FPH, because it is more exclusively a pen store. Art Brown is a pen store in the midst of an art supply store, although it has a much better supply of inks than FPH. (I tend to buy pens at FPH and ink at Art Brown.)

I know that you'll have a terrific time shopping at both places. Have Fun!

Chris

I recall that at least one of the NYC retailers used to include a sheet with their catalogs that described their discount rates. Pretty sure Fountain Pen Hospital did, and maybe Joon. Art Brown should offer discounts too. I'd be suprised not to get at least 20% off list from any of them.

Find a good price online and then ask if they can match it. Or, just ask, "can you do better?" or "what's your best price?"

Joon will routinely give you 20% of retail if you ask. This is true at both the GCS and the store on Lex. FPH has various things on sale at different times, including a nice used selection. FPH's expo is this weekend, Art Brown's is 5/14-16.

Introducing yourself and getting on first name terms often helps. It makes you less anonymous, I guess and don't forget sticking your hand out to shake on something often triggers an almost automatic response. Silence is another good tool, that most people don't use because it feels awkward. Just remember, the silence is awkward for them as well.

Oh, and don't just walk away if they say no. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries or asking if you can speak to the manager.

Three simple rules:

1. Come armed with good information on what other retailers are willing to do for you.

2. Be prepared to walk out if you don't get the price you want.

3. Be prepared to buy -- immediately -- if you do get the price you want.

Most people violate rules 2 and 3 above. Rule 2 should be familiar to anyone who has ever purchased a new automobile in this country. If you don't walk, the salespeople know you're willing to come up in price. Rule 3 is what establishes you as "a good customer who is likely to bring repeat business". Such a person is likely to get better prices than someone who comes in, haggles, and then buys elsewhere.

Art Brown will give anyone who requests it, a 20% discount.

If it is good prices you want, go to Altman. They are only open on the weekdays, if you are planning on going there. And they are not in a particulalarly attractive street. Lower East side, if I remember correctly. Altman, has the best prices, but there is still room for negociating. Just look envious and conflicted and say you want it but you absolutely cannot buy it for more thatn $X... a small amount less then their offer. Also, you may get a better deal calling in from out of state, because of no tax. I buy many pens there. JD

Altman is open Sunday
If you pay cash, they wont even mention tax. When I went there the guy did an automatic 15% off the online price