Lowballing stories thread

NickInMesa · #1 01-12-2010, 03:25 PM

Selling a bass for $125. It's decent, Johnson by Axl, curly maple, setup, EMG active pups, new Fender pickguard. Nice for the price.

Guy calls me:

- will you take $100?
- no, you are caller #3 and I just posted it on Craig's List
- guess what: I pay you your *full* asking price if you deliver it to blah blah and blah blah
- well, I have two other guys, one coming tonight
- again: I am paying your *FULL* asking price!
- well, let me call you tonight, oK?

Never took his number. I should have said yes and asked if he wanted me to stop at the grocery store or pick up a video at Blockbuster for him.

Another one:

Sold an Yamaha RBX 270 at a very low incredible price after 4 weeks on Craig's List. Weird. Great shape, etc... Eventually I had it at $75 thinking "At least I will make a teenager happy and call it a good action".

Some dude calls. Give him direction, but can't find the house. Told him three times you can't get into my street driving south, because of a divider, you have to U-turn, go north and make a right.

Calls me THREE times. Finally shows up with his buddy. Look around the house, look at all my guitars, make comments like "I like this one" (me: "NOT for sell, I like it too") Buddy does not say a word. He tries the bass, likes it. Turns out he only spoke Spanish. Hey, budddy, I am an immigrant too, English is not my primary language, make an effort. Anyway.

Me:

- so, $75...
- well, will you take $70 since we had to make a U-Turn?

I took the $70 and showed them the door. Also took their license plate number and brand/model of their car, as I had a very bad vibe.

Any interesting lowballer story to tell?

Very curious!

Jefenator · #2 01-12-2010, 03:36 PM

Well, it's not an "interesting story", but: any time I try to do some "trading" at a brick & mortar store.

NickInMesa · #3 01-12-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefenator

Well, it's not an "interesting story", but: any time I try to do some "trading" at a brick & mortar store.

Oh well, yeah, no kidding.

Never got a good price from any trade. I don't trade anything ever, even a car.

Jefenator · #4 01-12-2010, 03:48 PM

Used to be quite a bit better, IME. But these days, I'd rather give a bass away than try to haggle on most stores' terms. (Fortunately, I don't have to do either.

)

Your story #2, that's not cool. That's why I've been avoiding CL and if I ever start, I won't be letting shady folks scope out my home.

Hyper-sloth · #5 01-12-2010, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefenator

Used to be quite a bit better, IME. But these days, I'd rather give a bass away than try to haggle on most stores' terms. (Fortunately, I don't have to do either.

)

Your story #2, that's not cool. That's why I've been avoiding CL and if I ever start, I won't be letting shady folks scope out my home.

+1 on that. Too much gear lying around.

need4mospd · #6 01-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Just about EVERYTHING I've posted on craigslist gets lowball offers. No matter how many "FIRM PRICE" or "NO LOWBALL OFFERS" I put in there. I had one guy offer $200 for an MIJ Jazz bass. If you really want lowball offers, try selling PA gear. I had at least 4 offers of $100 or LESS for an amp I've never seen sell for less than $300 used. All sorts of interesting trade offers for firearms, appliances, or half a dozen cheap crap instruments, pedals, cables, picks and old strings...,broken instruments, and car parts for cars I've never owned!

One particularly interesting one was a guy I had exchanged about 3 or 4 emails with about an Ibanez SR506 I had listed at $350. He was showing genuine interest asking about playability, string spacing, and some other good honest questions any bass player might ask. I took the time to send some pretty thought out lengthy responses. They typically sold for about $350 used, bone stock, at the time, plus I had about $300 worth of upgrades(EMGs, new preamp, etc..) that I was throwing in for FREE. He then proceeds to argue with me about the value saying he couldn't pay more than $200 or maybe $250 because it's not worth that much to him. It ended with him finally telling me he was a #%&$in dealer and he bought and sold off of craigslist for a living! I'm pretty sure I made up some bad words in my last email to him.

Oddly enough, I haven't had any scammers email me in probably a year or more. I used to get at least 4-5 per listing.

dukaruk · #7 01-12-2010, 03:57 PM

I tried to trade a Boss SYB-5 at guitar center and the bass playing checker came back from talking it over with his manager with a red face. Said they would give me $30 for it. LOL, sold it for $70 on craigslist days later.

Pitbull Growl · #8 01-12-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by need4mospd

Just about EVERYTHING I've posted on craigslist gets lowball offers. No matter how many "FIRM PRICE" or "NO LOWBALL OFFERS" I put in there. I had one guy offer $200 for an MIJ Jazz bass. If you really want lowball offers, try selling PA gear. I had at least 4 offers of $100 or LESS for an amp I've never seen sell for less than $300 used. All sorts of interesting trade offers for firearms, appliances, or half a dozen cheap crap instruments, pedals, cables, picks and old strings...,broken instruments, and car parts for cars I've never owned!

One particularly interesting one was a guy I had exchanged about 3 or 4 emails with about an Ibanez SR506 I had listed at $350. He was showing genuine interest asking about playability, string spacing, and some other good honest questions any bass player might ask. I took the time to send some pretty thought out lengthy responses. They typically sold for about $350 used, bone stock, at the time, plus I had about $300 worth of upgrades(EMGs, new preamp, etc..) that I was throwing in for FREE. He then proceeds to argue with me about the value saying he couldn't pay more than $200 or maybe $250 because it's not worth that much to him. It ended with him finally telling me he was a #%&$in dealer and he bought and sold off of craigslist for a living! I'm pretty sure I made up some bad words in my last email to him.

Oddly enough, I haven't had any scammers email me in probably a year or more. I used to get at least 4-5 per listing.

Is that even legal??? Trading firearms like that? I mean... no offense and not meaning to imply anything, but how would the other party know if you were a convicted felon or parolee or something?

Joe Nerve · #9 01-12-2010, 04:28 PM

I was selling a zoom pedal for $25. A kid called and asked me a whole bunch of questions, then came with his friend. Tried out the pedal and asked, "Would you take $20?" I looked it at him and take the pedal. He said, "For $20?" I said, "For nothing." and gave it to him. Looked like I scared him for some reason, he took the pedal said thanks and bolted.

I was getting lots of free stuff that particular year so it seemed only right to let this kid have it fer free. I definitely didn't need the $20, he was defiitely counting his pennies.

A-Step-Towards · #10 01-12-2010, 04:32 PM

I have done good on craigs actually sold about 40 instruments and some amps on it. I think last month i made 250$ in profits but i have also had some shady people. I dont buy to resale but if i get a good deal i am going to sell it at profit. I really hate when people dick around over 5$ or make up some lame excuse of why they dont have the money.

elgecko · #11 01-12-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull Growl

Is that even legal??? Trading firearms like that? I mean... no offense and not meaning to imply anything, but how would the other party know if you were a convicted felon or parolee or something?

In California, it's legal via private party transfer. Both parties have to bring the firearm to a licensed dealer, who collects a transfer fee then runs the background checks and holds on to the firearm until the transferee is cleared. It's A LOT looser in other states.

MatticusMania · #12 01-12-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

I was selling a zoom pedal for $25. A kid called and asked me a whole bunch of questions, then came with his friend. Tried out the pedal and asked, "Would you take $20?" I looked it at him and take the pedal. He said, "For $20?" I said, "For nothing." and gave it to him. Looked like I scared him for some reason, he took the pedal said thanks and bolted.

I was getting lots of free stuff that particular year so it seemed only right to let this kid have it fer free. I definitely didn't need the $20, he was defiitely counting his pennies.

I had gotten a Morely Dual Bass Wah in a trade and so decided to take my Digitech BP200 off my board, I had no use for it anymore. I was doing this in the practice studio and I just looked up at my guitarist, a very cool guy who wanted to get soem effects but hadnt the cash to buy any, and said 'here, why dont you take this and see what you can do with it'. He didnt have another cable at the time, so didnt use it right away. Later on the band lineup changed and he was the only one I kept on board. He went looking for the BP 200 to start using it and to his dismay said he couldnt find it, but he told me he'd pay me back. I said 'no worries, I gave it to you, I was just hoping you could use it'. He moved (not too far away) and in the process found it and has been using it ever since.

s_mcsleazy · #13 01-12-2010, 04:36 PM

hence why i dont use any sites like that... altho most shops rip you off when selling stuff

i sold 3 pedal (combined worth £320) and i said to them ok can u buy these

he said well we have to test them 1st (i can understand why)

20 mins later came back and said ill give you £38

i asked for them back and the guy tryed to guilt trip me into selling them at that price

**Staccato** · #14 01-12-2010, 04:37 PM

When selling, I'm not comfortable meeting them at my digs, just sayin'!

s_mcsleazy · #15 01-12-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I had gotten a Morely Dual Bass Wah in a trade and so decided to take my Digitech BP200 off my board, I had no use for it anymore. I was doing this in the practice studio and I just looked up at my guitarist, a very cool guy who wanted to get soem effects but hadnt the cash to buy any, and said 'here, why dont you take this and see what you can do with it'. He didnt have another cable at the time, so didnt use it right away. Later on the band lineup changed and he was the only one I kept on board. He went looking for the BP 200 to start using it and to his dismay said he couldnt find it, but he told me he'd pay me back. I said 'no worries, I gave it to you, I was just hoping you could use it'. He moved (not too far away) and in the process found it and has been using it ever since.

a good gift is a usefull one

::Saint:: · #16 01-12-2010, 04:50 PM

I actually sold my ATK305 on Craigslist -- I was asking $450 and got $450 for it with no problem whatsoever.. I kinda miss that bass now, though.

T-MOST · #17 01-12-2010, 05:01 PM

As a seller you want to get the most $$ you can and the buyer wants to spend as little as he can. Not asking if someone will take a lower price is poor business on the buyers part. Thats the way it goes. If your price is firm fine. Say that and wait for the next offer. Don't get upset because someone is working for a better deal... wouldn't you?

Mike Shevlin · #18 01-12-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stacatto

When selling, I'm not comfortable meeting them at my digs, just sayin'!

I don't conduct sales at my house~ my cats are not used to strangers..........and neither are the dobermans.

MNAirHead · #19 01-12-2010, 05:07 PM

Never a gear issue .. more issues with car parts and tools.

I now know how to get a bunch of idiots to show up .. offer a broken arc welder for free..

Had guys asking what was included.. if I'd deliver it.. if I'd guarantee it worked etc.

HUnt49 · #20 01-12-2010, 05:30 PM

Nick, I see you're here in Mesa like me -- for the most part, I've had good experiences with the Phoenix CL. I've had a few conversations almost identical to some listed here...

I did just sell a Bogner Alchemist g***** cab, and after the guy asked about the price on the phone I dropped it $50. I agree to meet him halfway, drive half across the valley, and meet him outside a gas station. Dude pulls out $10 less than we agreed on.

I was pissed, but not about the $10. That's peanuts,but I hate it when people take any/every chance to screw someone or take advantage. Dude knew I wouldn't drive away without the cash. I let him know I was pissed. He said I could come back and get the ten another time. I looked pointedly at the gas station, where they have small bills and Slim Jims and such. Told him it was his, and drove away - after telling him that I sell decent stuff fairly regularly on CL, but I'd never sell to him again. I don't give a rip about the ten bucks - I was pissed that one musician (who was obviously not hurting for $10) would try to wring out another over such a petty amount.

For God's sake, if you've already haggled on the price and are driving to meet: when you're standing at the ATM and the $20 withdrawal amount doesn't line up with the agreed price, get more. Stop and buy yourself a Yoohoo or something - just bring exact freakin change.