As a "hobbyist" all I can say about anyone who can sustain a Bonsai Nursery as an independent business is
RESPECT!
Respect for the skills that you have refined and that are embedded through time and energy into your primary products.
Respect for the ability run a business in such a niche market, it takes a lot stress to set up a business and keep it going!
Respect for often showing a free admission exhibit area of nfs bonsai to provide us all with enjoyment and inspiration.
Respect for price they choose to sell their product at. without question. they've put a price there that they're happy to sell at that they've arrived at from experience. If I can't afford that price then I admire it for the years of hard work, and move on to something I can afford. I won't ask the owner to knock 50 bucks off just cause i can't afford it. If you think something's overpriced - don't buy it, find a bargain on another bench.
I would like (roughly) to quote from a sign that I have noticed upon entry to the sale yard of one of my more frequent Bonsai Nurseries... "All stock has prices marked. Please don't ask for a discount as you will only be disappointed" ... that's the owner's request and I respect that. He doesn't need to be hassled every time someone asks for a couple bucks off, get rejected then doesn't even buy the thing - it's embaressing for everyone.
Equally there is another Bonsai Nursery I also frequent, they sell more starter stock, yet don't have prices marked on anything. If there's something you want, point it out and he'll offer you a very reasonable price, the more you buy - the better the price gets.
Therefore when I get to go out and visit bonsai nurseries, it's a "day out". I will usually have an amount that I'm comfortable spending (and usually exceed), an idea of what I want. BUT if don't find what I'm looking for I will usually find something, even something small, I don't look at this as charity... I see it a supporting an industry that supports us ... they give a lot of free advise esp to the uninitiated, and a lot support our local Bonsai Clubs - Respect.
This price+respect "policy" I also bring to any club sale or exhibition sale tables, the price marked is what the seller wants for it. These are usually such a good bargain anyway + I feel like I'm helping out the club as well.
The only time I might consider bartering with someone is: in a market stall situation where this custom is common practice, usually the price is an expectation of this; or at garage sale. (both of which I don't regularly attend)
I shan't comment on selling off excess from your own collection as I have little experience in doing this, however, personally as a buyer I usually prefer to see what I'm paying for in the flesh before I fork over the dosh. I know at some point I'll have to offload some of my collection, somehow, although I think I'll try selling at a club sale day or the like, therefore benefiting the club. Alt I could also try selling on AusBonsai, however my preference for a local pickup buyer would be quite restrictive to making a sale
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Either way it'll have o.n.o after the price as I won't be looking to profit (not exactly prize wining
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) just pass it on for someone else to enjoy or destroy
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. Having said all that I don't begrudge people trading online, it great too see what prices people put on what quality and just general oooh aaah inspiration (thanks Leigh
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For me it's about the experience...
Bonsai nurseries that have lots of stock are great, you can spend part the day wondering around looking at all the stock you can't afford, another part debating and choosing the stock you can, and the rest chatting with the owner (if they're not too busy working
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... and one day (hopefully soon
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) I'll make a day trip up to see your offerings Bodhi
I've never really inquired, but does any Nursery owner here do "trade ins" to encourage extra business?
Just my thoughts from the other side of the fence... Ryan