[HyperionStudLLC]

So this subject has come up in other threads and so I wonder;

Why don't many breeders post prices? I have my theory, but would like to hear from others.

Cheers

[Hillside H Ranch]

Actually, I think most breeders DO post prices on their websites; at least that has been my observation. This topic has been discussed here several times and most people who have chimed in have said that if a price wasn't listed they wouldn't even inquire on the horse. I, personally, hate when an ad doesn't list the price, so I am one that does put prices on my website. I always assume that if the price isn't listed then I can't afford it Or perhaps the price is different depending upon who the buyer is, or to attract trainers and allow for a commission....

[Prime Time Rider]

The only legitimate reason I can think of for not posting a horse's sale price on a website is if it is a young horse that is currently in training, in which case the price will increase with additional training. If that is the case, I would state in the ad that the horse's price will increase with training/show miles. Iwould hate to have someone see my young horse priced at $x and 6 months later question why the horse is now priced at $x +$y.

[EquusMagnificus]

Prime Time, the answer to do that is to post a price range.

At least, it gives a ballpark idea to the buyer whether the horse is within their budget or not at all.

Budget is a recurring issue when buying horses, and I won't inquire on a horse without a price listed. But a price range won't deter me.

[Sunnydays]

I too would like those who do not post prices to explain why. I'd really like to understand.
Like most of the above respondents, I won't call on a horse where no price is posted, and assume it is not in my range. And posting price ranges is certainly helpful, as an alternative to a "price".

[Mistysmom]

Having been a buyer and seller, I have to agree that listing a price range is far more convenient to buyers and allows the seller the pricing flexibility. If, however, I really like the horse, I will contact the owner for the price and won't hesitate to tell them if the horse is out of my price range.

Edited to add: Not listing a price is different from listing "Private Treaty". I have noticed that when sellers list "Private Treaty", it has always been a very high price....upward of the high 5 figures, usually into 6 so I never call on those anymore.

[Tiki]

I price all my horses, and I also won't call on a "call for price" ad or a "private treaty" ad. Gives the impression that they are waaaaayyyyyyyyy out of my price range - even if they are not.

[Molly Malone]

I've only called once and sure enough, the horse was embarrassingly out of my price range so I don't bother any more.

[NoDQhere]

We list ours in a price range primarily because we do sell to trainers who then resell. The trainers appreciate it if isn't posted what the horse's exact price was.

[showjumpers66]

We post prices but some trainers will not buy a horse that has had a price posted in the past because it causes issues for them down the road when they try to sell the horse for two or three times what they paid for it. Sometimes, it IS a legitimate mark up as training and showing is expensive and the value of the horse can climb significantly with that investment. Sometimes it is that there are a bunch of people who are getting a commission on the horse and those 5 to 20% commissions a piece start to add up fast. Again, some of that can be legitimate. If someone is doing the the work to help someone buy or sell a horse, than they should get paid for their time and effort. For example, say a horse was priced at $45,000 that was jumping 4' courses but had limited show miles. The horse was sent out on consignment and the trainer sold the horse for $60,000 2 months later. The new buyer found an old ad for the horse and was upset about the $15,000 mark-up, but the trainer had 2 months of expenses for the horse plus 4 weeks of horse showing ($7,500). Factor in a 15% commission for his services and the fact that the horse had more miles under his belt and that mark-up was not unreasonable at all, but it is tough getting buyers to see it that way.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Personally, I tend to assume if there is no price listed then I cannot afford it. I have called before and dealt with someone who tried to feel out what I thought the horse was worth, before telling me what they were asking. Super annoying.

I hadn't thought of the mark-up angle from the trainer's perspective, even though I know of a horse that went from 4 figures to high 6 figures in a year. But maybe they didn't catch it since the horse's name was changed each time.

Can't you go change the sales add to remove the price after the horse is sold?

[ambar]

Can't you go change the sales add to remove the price after the horse is sold?

Sure, but the Internet is forever: see http://archive.org for examples.

[Elfe]

My reason is that that on some sale sites, ads stay for a very long time.
Obviously, I don't want to sell a three year old at the price he/she was listed as a foal.
I don't have my own website, so updating isn't as convenient and easy to remember.
As a buyer I don't have a problem with sellers not stating the price upfront, if I like the horse enough I get in touch and ask.

[LisaO]

I do not post prices on my website because I have to pay for each and every update and that can add up. I am not making tons of money on my horses so I have to economize wherever I can. However, all my horses are listed with prices on Warmbloods for Sale - easy to adjust prices up ...or down. That way I never have conflicting information, either. Finally, sometimes I just need to find a home for a horse in a timely manner and so I will adjust downward.

An e-mail is a simple way to query price if you don't want to call. And if you like a horse but don't ask...you just might miss out on a great deal.

[acottongim]

I don't list my prices on my website - not for any nefarious reason just simply because I have a web designer who, while she is great, she doesn't have time to update my website more than once or twice a year (with the occasional quick update in between). I have babies mostly - their price at birth is going to be different at 1 year old, and will be different again at 2 years old... my horses that are going under saddle that are for sale may have prices that change as well pending show results, training, etc.

I list my prices on FB (my farm page) and on any sales sites that I list with. Frankly, I have never once had a problem with someone calling about my horses. Are there some potential buyers that have skipped over my horses? Probably. But I've been selling pretty well for the last couple of years - and for pretty close to asking price on every single horse. Also, my prices include any commissions for my trainer, or the person that has helped me with the sale, but NOT any other outside party - and I'm very up front about that. If the buyer's trainer wants a cut, they need to add that to my price.

[Hippolyta]

As others have said, I assume no price means what my Mom always told me: If you have to ask, you can't afford it

[ElegantExpressionsFarm]

I always list my prices, I do have a disclaimer up at the top of the page saying the prices are subject to change. I do have the advantage of updating my site anytime I need to. Currently I have a huge price difference between my horses right now because, the "more expensive" one's price is more of a "what would I part with her for?" price if that makes sense? I really don't want to sell her per say (at least not yet, but should anyone be interested it is posted). The other one I believe to be more then priced fair, and have no use for him in my program.

I personally don't like the thought of asking for prices, because I feel if it is way out of my range, then I just wasted the sellers time and my own...but to each their own!

[Signature]

We post prices but some trainers will not buy a horse that has had a price posted in the past because it causes issues for them down the road when they try to sell the horse for two or three times what they paid for it. Sometimes, it IS a legitimate mark up as training and showing is expensive and the value of the horse can climb significantly with that investment. Sometimes it is that there are a bunch of people who are getting a commission on the horse and those 5 to 20% commissions a piece start to add up fast. Again, some of that can be legitimate. If someone is doing the the work to help someone buy or sell a horse, than they should get paid for their time and effort. For example, say a horse was priced at $45,000 that was jumping 4' courses but had limited show miles. The horse was sent out on consignment and the trainer sold the horse for $60,000 2 months later. The new buyer found an old ad for the horse and was upset about the $15,000 mark-up, but the trainer had 2 months of expenses for the horse plus 4 weeks of horse showing ($7,500). Factor in a 15% commission for his services and the fact that the horse had more miles under his belt and that mark-up was not unreasonable at all, but it is tough getting buyers to see it that way.

I always find it intriguing when people get upset if/when they find out the person they bought a horse from bought it for less. Clearly they thought the horse was worth the price they paid, or they would not have bought it - but suddenly now they feel it's not because of what someone else paid... like you said, take the risk, time and investment to make a horse up then and you can pay less I am pretty sure Walmart doesn't sell their goods for what they paid for them. lol

But on topic - I also won't call on a horse that has no price, so we always list ours. It's harder when there are trainers or commissions involved but still, posting Private Treaty is definitely a turn off to most buyers with any kind of budget .

[eaglesnest2]

I never post prices on my website but always have them posted on sales sites. I own several other businesses in my community and I would prefer if people didn't know the value of my horses.

[Dutch]

I never post prices on my website but always have them posted on sales sites. . . I would prefer if people didn't know the value of my horses.

I do the same. I answer e-mail queries promptly.