How much would you pay for this dining set?

[khalloc]

A solid cherry table, natural finish, so no stain. Just wax finish. Size 48"x72". New it sells for about $1600.

Plus 2 captains chairs and 2 regular side chairs that are also solid cherry. They are a country style, with round spindles on the back. They retail new for about $450 each.

The set is in excellent condition and is about 9 years old. Used very little.

I was going to purchase the same table (but with leaves), but would have chosen different chairs. So while I dont dislike the chairs, they are not my favs. But the set I wanted was probably going to cost $4000-$5000 brand new.

[truly scrumptious]

I would expect to get a used set like that for about $1000. Mostly because of its age (even if it is gently used.)

[WatchingThemGrow]

NINE years old? like 1/3 of the retail is what I would consider paying.

[khalloc]

K, its listed for $2000. I was going to offer $1500, but It would definitely make me feel better to get it for less, because like you said its almost 10 years old.

[khalloc]

well here is the listing. what do you think?

http://burlington.craigslist.org/fuo/1727957597.html

[happymomma]

I think personally that $2,000 is way too expensive. I have bought a lot of stuff on craigslist including our dining room set. The set was from Pottery Barn and it included 2 leaves, and 6 chairs. I got it for $500. I wouldn't pay more than $1,000. Even $1,000 is a lot of money. But if you really love it, then its worth it to you. I personally would pay about $750.

[truly scrumptious]

After looking at the listing, I'd agree it's a beautiful set, but $1000 is what I'd pay for it. Not sure if the seller would be willing to come down 50% though. Depends how much it's worth to you, I guess.

[khalloc]

well the table I love. I would have bought the same thing (except with leaves). I am willing to give up the leaves because my DR is small and really can only accomodate the smaller table. I would have only used the leaves once a year at max. And it would have really crowded my DR.

The chairs are not what I would pick. I would have purchased these instead.
http://www.lyndon.com/catalog/chairs...ury_chairs.jpg

But the chairs would cost me about $400 new at least. And I would want 6 of them. so we are talking like $2500 in chairs.

Even if I get this set, I will probably buy 2 more side chairs to match the ones that come with the set (that arent really my style).

The thing is i probably wont get my DH to dish out the $4500 to buy the set i want with chairs i want brand-new. So this might be my chance to get the cherry dining set and finally have a real dining room.

I hate offering less though. especially when its only 1/2 of what they wanted. But I should get over that. I think the max I will offer is $1000.

Another CL ad has just the table for $800. I could buy that and offer like $500 and then try to get the chairs I really like...

[JMS]

So, basically something you could get brand new for $3400, they want to sell for $2000 but it's in excellent condition, although 9 years old? Do you love it? I know that they are not your favorite chairs..

There is a term called "bench made".. it's basically someone who hand makes heirloom quality furniture. This guy is a little bit bigger of an operation (from what it appears from a quick glance of his website) then typical bench made but it's still appears to be high quality. You can't compare bench made furniture to Pottery Barn, etc... it's a whole different ball game. If you LOVE it enough and it's truly in excellent condition (9 years old means nothing to me), then I think getting it for $1500ish is a steal... IMHO.

My one question pertains to the table top... Usually a cherry table has a number of planks glued together. It's solid cherry (no veneers, very important to me) but not one solid board. So my question is how wide are the planks? The wider the better. Especially w/ a natural finish, you should be able to count them... if they are only like 4 inches or so, I'd be more hesitant. Hopefully I'm not confusing you more and I've never seen this company's stuff IRL so I can't really attest to the quality level.


eta: just saw your last post... great deals on CL get scarfed up so the fact that it's still available I think makes your negotiating power greater. If $1000 is what your comfy with, throw it out there.

[truly scrumptious]

Originally Posted by khalloc

well the table I love. I would have bought the same thing (except with leaves). I am willing to give up the leaves because my DR is small and really can only accomodate the smaller table. I would have only used the leaves once a year at max. And it would have really crowded my DR.

The chairs are not what I would pick. I would have purchased these instead.
http://www.lyndon.com/catalog/chairs...ury_chairs.jpg

But the chairs would cost me about $400 new at least. And I would want 6 of them. so we are talking like $2500 in chairs.

Even if I get this set, I will probably buy 2 more side chairs to match the ones that come with the set (that arent really my style).

The thing is i probably wont get my DH to dish out the $4500 to buy the set i want with chairs i want brand-new. So this might be my chance to get the cherry dining set and finally have a real dining room.

I hate offering less though. especially when its only 1/2 of what they wanted. But I should get over that. I think the max I will offer is $1000.

Another CL ad has just the table for $800. I could buy that and offer like $500 and then try to get the chairs I really like...

I hear you.
It sounds like your two options are:
- Buy only table for about $500 and spend $2500 on new chairs.
- Buy this set for about $1500 and spend $800 on two new chairs.

If you really like the chairs as they are, and are SURE you can get two matching ones, then yes, offering $1500 here is your cheapest option.
If you're not sold on the chairs, then maybe the first option is your best bet.

Also, have you seen this in person? Are you sure there are no nicks/dings, etc. that make it unacceptable to you? How often do these come up for sale on CL? Will you be waiting years for another opportunity? All things to consider.

I agree that an heirloom piece can't be valued like other mainstream-store furniture, and if it is something you've been wanting for a while, and it's in good condition, then $1500 isn't a bad deal.
(You originally asked how much I would pay, and since I don't have the same emotional attachment to this kind of set, I answered from that perspective.)

ETA - Agree with Jacquelyn. Try offering $1000. If they don't accept you can go up.