I don't know what they are thinking, but when something comes up on CL or garage sale and the person is crazy enough to say "Make me an offer" I usually start by asking, "So, how much were you thinking might be fair?" That way, you can get an idea of their ballpark. Most people will have 'something' in mind, and may say something like......."Well, I don't know, but I would like to have at least $50 for the pair." Then, if you think that's pretty good, you can either say, "That sounds like about what I was going to offer you" and hand over the cash. Or if it's more than you were thinking, you might say, "Well, they are really nice........but my budget just won't allow me to do that right now." Most often, the response to that will be "So, what CAN you offer me?" Then, you can say what your top price is. And pull the cash out of your wallet as you speak. Cash is powerful.

My thinking is about $50-60 for the pair. They're really neat and they would make good nightstands and possibly, good end tables if they are in good enough shape. But, if you really like them and have the perfect spot for them, you might go higher. However, by asking your seller just what price they kind of have in mind, you get them to put you in a position to either make a good deal or walk away. If they say $100.......then, the tables need to be really nice and you need to be really interested. But if they said say.......$20 apiece, well, then, you don't offer $50, right??

Red

That is some great advice, thank you! I will definitely ask them what they had in mind. I've been eyeing this secretary but I think they are asking way too much. I offered less but was told they weren't willing to go much lower. Every since I saw the gorgeous white secretary on eddieross.com I've been wanting one for my kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: white secretary

The nightstands are awesome. Say $150 for the pair. They sell for much more than that on ebay. Of course everything on ebay costs more. What makes these nice is the filagree detail and the lower shelf. The lower shelf is a more modern touch that is in style today.
I would paint them creamy white and shabby them.

I can't really see their full potential for all the dust and no real close up of the wood. They don't look fabulous to me. I'd offer $25 each and see what the come back with.

Yeh, what brutuses said. That could be dust, or it could even be major damage & discoloration.

If someone says "make an offer" I take it to mean they have no clue, & are hoping that the item is worth more than they think it is.

I agree to asking them what they want & taking it from there.

If they're 40 years old they're probably cherry or mahogany. I would be more concerned about structural damage. If it's a white film, not dust, there is a product on the market that could remove it. You could also refinish or use polyshades, my personal choice~quick and easy.

As not to insult the seller, ask what price they're willing to accept. Make an offer based on their answer, and what you are willing to pay. ;o)

I love them.

They have nice fretwork, a curved top and a shelf on the bottom, making them interesting, IMHO. Of course, it all depends on their condition.

Here's the thing on asking about the price over the phone or in email........
If seller says, "Make Offer" you really have no starting point. And depending on condition, you might offer more or less, right? So, when I ask about what they are thinking, it gives me the info I need to decide whether even to go view or not. If I wanted those stands and the person said $175 for the pair, and I don't have $175 to spend, then, there's no point wasting my time or theirs. I just say, well, they are out of my league. However, if they say $90 for the pair and I have $90 to spend, then, I can at least go check them out. If Parma is right on the detailing, and Lorrie Kay is right about Fabulous, then, I will hand them the cash and walk away happy. But if the white film is damage, they are shaky and there's loose veneer, then, at that point, I might still think I can use them, offer $45 and see what happens. But no matter how nice or how valuable or how perfect, if That Seller thinks they are worth more money than I have to spend, there's not going to be a deal.

Red

Tell them you can't be the buyer & the seller both!!

They look nice & would also make nice end tables.

Smiles:)

What Red said! Follow her lead, and I think 60 for the pair is fair, less if possible of course. I wouldnt go over $100 for the pair if they are in great shape and dont need any work- other than serious dusting! I would buy them myself for end tables if they were in my area.

Hi... they're probably from the 1940's, mahogany and of a Hepplewhite/Sheraton influence...hardware is brass prob, just tarnished. If that's white film vs dust, Formby's Furn Cleaner is excellent for removing it...quickly. The tops might have some scars but isn't that what lamps, books and such are for? lol

If they didn't require much work, I'd pay up to $150 for them but he's probably not asking nearly that much...depends upon the region you're in. Think about what you'd pay for something new! Construction was usually great back (dovetail joints "etc") and wood was WOOD.

Yes, ALWAYS have a seller state a price first and if they don't? Just say, "I really don't know much about older furn and I don't want to insult you"...and giggle or somethin lol. (BTW, they aren't antiques...they'd have to be 100 yrs old) Oh, they're not worth more just because they're older than he states.

Pretty...they strike me more as end tables than nightstands but either works. Just make sure the 27" height works with either your bed or sofa. Good luck!

I think they are beautiful, and $50 for the pair came to mind. I'd for sure want to check them out first.

tina

jant's right, they're Hepplewhite/Sheraton in style. In my area, if in good shape to get them both for $100 would be considered a steal. They're gorgeous.

So, they were listed Saturday night. What happened? Did you contact the seller and go see?

Red

All of this advice is great. Red, I haven't heard back from the seller yet. I sent an email yesterday.

That's what I'm wondering too. Midwestmom? What happened on the nightstands and on the secretary?