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Lowballers

#63
There are times when a price is so high that a low ball offer is actually the going value for that item. I see this a lot on eBay.

Also, 99% of the time, I accept PayPal because I use it to purchase as well. Unless I'm really in a bind, then I will opt for cashiers check or postal money order. PayPal offers a convenience, and I am happy to pay the fee, because - like I said, I use it to purchase stuff all the time, and all those sellers pay the fees - so, you know - good karma.
 
#64
What you guys are calling "lowballing" is really just an attempt by a prospective buyer to establish a negotiation range. The seller shouldn't be insulted by that.
I've bought two basses and a preamp on TB. The price of all of those items was ultimately established through negotiation.
 
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#65
Well said!
gflowers said:
I just need to say that I can appreciate someone's financial situation and trying to get a quality piece of bass or bass related gear at an unbelievably astounding price, but realize that most of us on TB are not rock stars nor are we charitable organizations. We work hard and sacrifice to obtain the gear we have.

If you want to low-ball me, then give it a shot but don't wax on about your rent or tuition being due or your car breaking down. I DON"T CARE. I don't meant to sound insensitve but I don't personally know most of you and I have no idea whether or not that is all true or not. If you are so financially destitute, then perhaps you should also try to low-ball your school or your landlord or your mechanic and see where that gets you.
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#66
When one is selling used items, lowballing is par for the course. As a seller, I ask for more than I have seen something sell, and EXPECT a buyer to give me an offer lower than I am asking. It is not offensive. Just give a counter offer. I have often sold things at this higher price to people who don't like to haggle. I will almost always lower my price if someone is willing to haggle.

As a buyer I almost never pay the asking price. Most people are reasonable and will work with you if you really want to buy something. Haggling is the fun part. As a rule, offer 25%-50% the asking price and go from there.
 
#67
If you offered 25 to 50 percent to one of my ads here I wouldn't even respond to you. That gives the impression you're not serious about buying. I don't mind lower offers, unless I specify the price is firm, however, an offer that low is just insulting.
 
#70
Are you talking about eBay?
If I'm selling something I don't care about, then I'll do an auction starting at $1 but will have a shipping charge so I don't lose money on shipping costs. If I'm selling something of value, I will set the beginning bid at a price where I'm going to at least break even.
 
#72
If I see an item that I want, and I don't have near enough money, I'll still send an offer. About 50%of the time they accept. Some do get all butthurt, as if their item is the only one in existence, but not many. It's not a world of want ad brotherhood. The same seller getting annoyed at your offer wouldn't hesitate to gouge a buyer if he could get away with it, or wouldn't bat an eye lowballing someone else. You don't see it as much on specific sites like talkbass simply because most buyers are known to be well informed.
 
#73
As I previously said, if you want to lowball me, then be my guest; I have no problem with it and I will respond accordingly. I fully understand the negotiation process. What galls me is that some guys PM you that they are having financial problems or some other calamity has befallen them and selling them my item at their lowball offer would "really help me out, man".

First off, I'm not your guardian, you benefactor, your parent, pal, etc. My advice to you is that you get a cardboard sign, go stand out at a busy intersection and when you've gotten a few more coins, then come back and make me an offer, but save the sob story.
 
#74
gflowers said:
As I previously said, if you want to lowball me, then be my guest; I have no problem with it and I will respond accordingly. I fully understand the negotiation process. What galls me is that some guys PM you that they are having financial problems or some other calamity has befallen them and selling them my item at their lowball offer would "really help me out, man".

First off, I'm not your guardian, you benefactor, your parent, pal, etc. My advice to you is that you get a cardboard sign, go stand out at a busy intersection and when you've gotten a few more coins, then come back and make me an offer, but save the sob story.
Click to expand...

I agree, the whole "I'm a little short" is pretty sad. Just make an offer.
 
#76
Yup. Agreed. Negotiation is part of the process. If you are negotiating because you can't afford it, then you just can't afford it. No one wants or cares to hear a story of WHY you are giving a low offer. Most of the time classified ads are overpriced, however. It also depends on the venue. If you are buying or selling somewhere like TB, you have a more informed customer. But craigslist is another story. I used to be into vintage Volkswagens, and that crew is NOTROIOUSLY cheap. Every seller, thinks their selling gold and every buyer has a story.
 
#77
Well there's negotiation and there's being insulting. Sorry but when I sell anything I know its value, and i'm most likely selling it a bit lower than what it's worth. Offering me like 200$ less (say on something 1000$ below), i'm not even gonna bother to start a negotiation. It's no and im not giving you any other offer. Learn to negotiate. It's worth 400 and i'm selling it 350? Don't try to offer me any less then maybe 275$ which I might negotiate up to 300$ at best. But probably not even. I'm not in this to give you a good price and save you money. I actually need the money. I'd rather put something on sale for 4 months but sell it at what its worth then sell it within a week and lose 50$ on it.

I guess what happens is a lot of people sell it at a higher value first with the idea they might have to negotiate it down? Personally I don't do that. Pretty much the price i'm putting an item at is my lowest price. Unless I can't sell it after a few months.

But I don't know, maybe its because I wasn't raised in a culture where bargaining was common. I never try to bargain anything I buy either UNLESS the seller specifically mention that theyre open to offers. I don't know. It's like that, if I don't like the price listed then i'm not gonna bother.
 

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