"No lowballers, please"

Norm Apter

OK, so when you guys see an item on A-gon with a "obo" after the asking price, but then scroll down and see this phrase, "no lowballers, please", I want to know what you are thinking. It seems that there's some room for bargaining, but that you wouldn't want throw something out so low as to be insulting.

Do you guys ever make offers and get counter-offers from the seller? Say, for discussion sake, there was an item advertised as $500 obo. What might be considered a reasonable offer without have entered "lowball" territory? Any rules of percentages that you follow?

billbillw

All depends on the market value for said item. If they are rare and sought after, I wouldn't expect to get a deal. If they are common and are selling on Ebay for much less, make an offer that reflects a true value. The only thing he can do is say no (or ignore you).

If there are relevant sales, I usually link them. Sometimes the seller just needs to see for himself that the going price is lower.

AsSiMiLaTeD

just do some research on previous prices and make him a reasonable offer.

reeltrouble1

when I make the offer I let the seller know the reasons why I am making the offer at that price, its a way to open negotiations.

RT1

AndyGwis

There's a fine line between lowballing and trying to get a good price on an item. Nothing worse than posting something for $800 obo and getting an offer of $500 shipped or something. If you have tact, you can tight-rope that line and have it come out very well in the end.

It's always acceptable on an OBO to ask for the item with shipping and paypal included. Typically, that'll amount to about 25% savings for the buyer. You can also use research to back your offer up, such as "I saw one of these in similar condition sell for $400+ shipping last week. I'd be willing to take it off your hands for that price."

Or, play the passive part. "I know it's not as much as you were hoping for, but I'd be willing to purchase this for $____. Please consider that a standing offer; I'll gladly wait a few days for a decision so you can see if any better options come in."

If an item is way overpriced, I wouldn't even contact the seller because they are an unrealistic person. If the item is underpriced to begin, don't make an offer for 25% off or that will likely offend the seller. Always make it clear you can pay immediately and name the method of payment. "I would buy this for $____ shipped to 89XXX via paypal. I can pay immediately if we are able to work out a deal."

Sellers have the right to accept, reject, or counteroffers in my opinion. I often counter a somewhat low offer.

SCompRacer

Norm Apter wrote: »

...... but then scroll down and see this phrase, "no lowballers, please", I want to know what you are thinking.

That, maybe, one day into previous ads, they have gotten some ridiculous offers, like "will you give this to me if I pay shipping?" I exaggerate of course (well, THAT hasn't happened to me anyway).

Aside from the above mentioned advice, a stale item will get a lower offer from me than a fresh ad.

danger boy

Is this the same as low hangers?

Oh, nevermind.