Help with negotiating with Petstore Managers!

[alarmingparrots]

From my other post:

This is a moral conundrum!

So, today I went to my local Petco to buy hamster food, dog shampoo, crickets, and budgie Zupreem and once again found my self wandering into the birdy section to talk to the canaries and finches. As I walked in, I noticed a small scared Sun Conure sitting in the back of his cage.

I had forgotten about him, but come to think of it, he has been there for at least a year, watching other birds come and go tho happy families. He is terrified, and after observing him for a few minutes, it was evident that he is showing signs of birdie-depression. I would really like to give him a new lease on life. I am prepared financially for another bird and I have enough past experience with conures to care for this poor bird.

But is it okay to buy an animal from Petco? I do know that this particular Petco has very caring and dedicated employees, but there is still the taboo of buying an animal from Petco...

What do you think? No flames, please.

I have decided, with much help from the community, to go for the bird. The problem is, that the store is offering him for $570 dollars. When we called, they said that they may be able to take up to 40% off, but that is still $342. I will pay that much if I must, but I don't really want to. :) Any tips for negotiating to get the price down?

[LovelySydney]

If it were me I would set up a meeting with the manager. I know that sounds kind of silly, but perhaps if you speak with him and let him know that you are a bird person and that you know what you are doing and only wish to give this bird a good home that they will be willing to negotiate further with you. I know not every pet store manager even likes animals but there MUST be some out there that have a soft spot and I bet knowing that the bird will go to a good home makes a difference for those people. If they do not want to negotiate with you, call them once a week and ask "Are you going to bring the price down for me yet?". I think eventually they will see how serious you are and will be willing to work with you!! = ) Best of luck, Im so happy you decided to bring the little one home - keep us posted!!!

[Ashling]

Suns around here cost about $800 so that price sounds amazing to me! I agree with lovelysydney though, if you want the price down even more- she gives good advice. If you buy some toys or other products with the sun you can perhaps ask for a discount on the whole deal.

[hsmoscout]

Well, a cun from a breeder is...I think $250-$300, so that's actually pretty decent.

[Astrid660]

I was gonna say, that doesn't sound too bad for a sun conure. I would definitely take the 40% off deal, it sounds good.

[becca623]

How old is the bird? There's a newly weaned sun conure at a pet store about 45 minutes from me. He or she is 570. The pet store in town sells them for 600. Breeders sell them anywhere from 250-450. I don't think the price is high for a baby.

[Jagsdaughter]

idk seems a little pricy if hes been there a year..............

[BirdMommaAK]

I have successfully negotiated with Petco on birds that have been there over a year and have never gotten more than 50% off. The fact they will give you 40% is good, I would do it.

[Emmilyy]

Sounds like a good price for me! I've seen breeders selling them for like 600!!!

[dmiller91]

Tell them you will pay $300, and it's a good deal because you know how long its been there. Tell them you can get a baby for that price :)