Lowball: How much is too much?

[MultiScaleMale]

No, its not. Just someone looking for a deal.

Ive had people offer 10%. Who cares? Say no and move on. Dont reply. Whatever.

Folks need to get over themsleves.

Apparently my post was insulting.

 

[BlueTalon]

Apparently my post was insulting.

For what it's worth, I'm with you. Offering 10% of a listed price is insulting, unless the listed price is hyperinflated.

If it's me, I wouldn't even respond to an ad for an item that's so overpriced that 10% represents a reasonable offer.

 

[2F/2F]

No offer is an "insult." My ego is not part of my asking price.

If someone makes an offer that's idiotic, I just ignore it, without it having the slightest iota of emotional impact on me. If someone makes an offer that's a fair first step in a little game of ping pong, then I will engage – with slightly more interest, but again, no emotions.

 

[Gorn]

One time, I was visiting my parents while on leave in the Marine Corps. I needed a car, and their neighbor had a Suburban for sale, $4000 OBO. I went to the door, and spoke with the owner. I explained my situation, and told them I don't the time or desire to do a proper negotiation, so could you please just tell me your lowest acceptable price, and I'll pay it. They gave me the number (I forget if it was $3400 or $3600), and I paid it. I didn't get the sense they were insulted.

Face to face with your parents' neighbors is a little different.

 

[Hounddog409]

Apparently my post was insulting.

Not at all.

 

[DigitalMan]

I’m sure this has been discussed, but I didn’t see a thread. At what point is an offer an insult?
I get it we all want a deal, and I know I’ve done my fair share of fishing, in hopes of a bargain.
My general rule has been any offer less than 80+% of list, has always been accompanied with a explanation, (my $ situation only allows me to offer…, I found a similar item, at…, etcetera )
It seem to be the worst on FB market place, rough on Reverb, and starting to see it here.

So what are your thoughts? Is any offer, an offer and far game?, or no?

I generally list at a fair price, and often indicate no offers please. When I receive an offer I either ignore it or counter with asking price again depending on the platform requirements.

Usually by the time they're done playing the game, the item has already sold at the fair price and they got burned by ignoring the clear terms offered.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

It's also regional and generational.

In Texas, old farts like me, we expect a low initial offer, then back and forth, with hopefully a final resolution on the actual price. In the Boston area people get all pi$$ed off if you don't just pay exactly what they're asking.

Also, old people tend to be far more accepting of dickering on price, whereas younger people seem to think the price is the price.

Getting offended is just BS all the way round. Waste of emotional energy.

True, and just like in fist fight, the one who gets pissed off loses.

 

[sleddogn]

Yeah, i've had an interested buyer give a lowball price, then I just respond if you can find it that cheap let me know, i'll buy 5 at that price....silence

 

[PWolverine]

I always listed things at a reasonable rate. Whenever I get a low ball I respond with “sure thing, that price is fine but I have an $XX packaging fee” that then puts the price back to what it was.