What does "be very creative" in making an offer on a horse mean?

[cwg]

I'm in the market for a horse and at one point, got to the point of making an offer. I was told by the agent that the owner was willing to be very negotiable and so I should try to be very creative in the offer that I made. Other than asking for an option to buy or a trial period, how else can you make an offer creative? The owner was looking to get out of horses so a trade wasn't an option.
It's been so long since I bought my last horse, I 'm not aware of all the possibilities you could present in making an offer. Has anyone ever used barter as part of the offer-$ plus services/products in exchange for a horse?
Other ideas?
Thanks.

[atr]

I suspect the plan is that they may offer financing or terms.

[webmistress32]

or maybe they're trying to imply that there is a bidding war so they can get more $$ out of you.

[raave05]

when it comes to horses, i am sure there are ample ways to be creative. i have a friend that recently was given a horse, with the stipulation that once the horse is resold, a % of the sale must be given to the original owner. granted, my friend knows the original owner very well, so potential concerns from the seller about future payment were somewhat alleviated.

could get tricky if you don't know the owner (plus not sure how you would do the finder's fees for your trainer), but it could be a potential win-win for you and the owner if the arrangement worked out.

[Keribeth]

My first thought would that they may be open to creative payment methods. For example, you could offer a down payment and then make monthly payments after that. Maybe you can even get 0% financing.

[goeslikestink]

it mean haggle - for exsample if a neddy was up for 3500 and ovno-- which means or very near offer or can mean near offer then you barter so ask if they will accept 2500 which they will say no always go down as much as you can then work upwards
they say how much can you afford you say 2500 they say no you say how much are you prepare to drop they say as little as possible you say top wack 2750 they say nah to little i was looking nearer 3k so you say final offer 3k
hits a happy meduim they get 3k and you get horse for 3k rather than pay 3500
something like above is creative or haggling to get the horse a little bit cheaper than they asking for

[tidy rabbit]

Offer them 2 goats, a lamb and fifty dollars.

Seriously though, I've always understood that to mean they would take payments.

[slc2]

I understand it to mean that you can make an offer lower than the asking price, but it can mean asking to make payments, etc.

[esdressage]

I'm thinking payments, maybe low-ish offers, etc. although I also like tidy rabbit's first idea ;)

[5]

Non taxable valuable goods comes to mind. Diamonds, gold coins.

[dwblover]

I think that's just a saying that means you can make an offer that is considerably less than the asking price. I don't think it implies a payment plan, but if the seller is in a bind, then it certainly might be an option.

[columbus]

I have an Irish Draught gelding out for sale and I would be creative in a number of ways. If a horse was bought on time they could as long as they stay at the trainers barn until payment is complete if it was another trainers or out of state I would have to know someone who knows someone I suppose though I think that a personal loan is something a buyer needs to look at first....my little brother co-signed for my first horse. I would trade for younger Irish Draughts or Irish Draught Sport Horses horses or mares. I would also come down in price at this point if it was a happy home for this guy. I am not sure if I would consider co ownership to a show home but it is another option. When I have a horse I want but can't straight out afford I also look at options including making a low offer with an apology that I realize this is a low ball offer but...and if their situation changes to please realize I am interested at this price thank you for your time. Good Luck PatO

[patch work farm]

You didn't mention if it was a mare or gelding/stallion? Depending on gender, they might want a foal out of the mare or by the stallion. Many breeders are willing to let a horse go for less than they wanted if they have the option of getting a foal back. (It does get a bit "sticky" and should be CLEARLY defined because then you get into them wanting the foal next year and you want to be riding the mare, other complications can ensue if not spelled out in writing).

[coloredhorse]

Maybe they'll take a drawing of a spider: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/good_idea_man_submits_drawing.php

[CDNJumperGirl]

Maybe they'll take a drawing of a spider: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/good_idea_man_submits_drawing.php

:lol::lol::lol:

[Ambrey]

Only from a show home.

[SuperSTB]

Maybe they'll take a drawing of a spider: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/good_idea_man_submits_drawing.php

That totally just made my day!!! :lol::D:winkgrin::lol::D:winkgrin:

[cwg]

I'll have to start practicing my drawings of horses ;). It was a gelding so the breeding aspect wouldn't apply. And it wasn't a breeder that was selling so having the horse go to a show home wouldn't be apply either.
As I said, I've been out of the market for over 10 years so I wasn't sure if I had missed something. I am accountant and was thinking of offering my services as part of the deal.
For those of you that have made payments, over how long a period? Is there usually interest involved?

[patch work farm]

I have to say, you were quite creative in the thought of offering your services (especially at this time of year!!). Try it and see what they say, the absolute worst would be, "no" (although they might say go back to the creative drawing board-no pun intended) then you can send them the spider thing that I wouldn't look at cuz it had the word 'spider' in it!

As far as payments, make the best offer that you can, again, they were the ones that told you to "be creative" so go for it. I have offered it but no one has taken me up on it but I have been on the payment side, never paid interest but it was only for about 3 months (and they knew how to get me if they needed to). I guess I look at it like what have you got to lose, the worst that can happen is you don't get the horse (and I think there is some old saying about 'there are always more horses around the next corner?'). If you don't ask, you don't get.

[5]

Maybe they'll take a drawing of a spider: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/good_idea_man_submits_drawing.php

The spider drawing sold for 10K on ebay.
http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/7legged_spider_drawing_sells_o.php

WHy can't I think of something like that? Pet Rocks, spider drawings...

[narcisco]

Cash offer, much lower than check or payments. Or cash payments.