The issue of lowballing... What does that mean?


I LOVE Audiogon. I have purchased and sold many items here and it is a wonderful resource for audio nuts of every variety. Big solid state, tubes, analog, vinyl? Sure it all goes.

So I see posts that are make offer but the seller says "lowballers" will be ignored, vilified, cursed and cussed. So why have a make offer sale? Something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. It doesn't matter what you paid for it, or how much you love it. And why be upset? Declining requires one mouse click. Countering maybe five or six clicks or keystrokes. Just curious as this is a commerce site.

I have received offers that seemed really low to me, but I am still happy to have interest and I always counter offer. I recently sold a Clearaudio TT for a lot less than I thought it was worth. But all the offers were low and I had to rethink my view. It ultimately sold as a real bargin but I'm happy and so is the buyer.

Your thoughts?
128x128superbike

Showing 4 responses by sebrof

04-10-13: Polk432
Buy it now. 0% If I like the price I'll buy, if not, I'll walk away. Make offer 8-10%
So if something is for sale for $1000 + shipping and someone offers $900 shipping included they are a bum?
04-11-13: Polk432
If the price is buy it now 1000.00 plus shipping then that's the price. It doesn't say make offer.
You said in your post if it says make offer then 8% - 10% offer is OK. My example was below 10%, so according to you that guy is a bum.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is that many people who are very well off financially got that way (and stay that way) in part because they are financially very shrewd. I guess it depends on your definition of "bum."

btw: People who get emotionally involved in business transactions almost always lose.
04-14-13: Polk432
Sebrof, get real. People that can't afford food aren't even on this site.
I never said anything about food.

My only point is that your assumption (the only reason a person would offer to buy at a low price is because he cannot afford the item) is wrong.
04-18-13: Polk432
The buyer is happy and it was a good deal for the both of us, but according to you, I should have sold it to the lowball bum, like an idiot.
Right there's your problem.
Nobody in this entire thread mentioned or implied that someone should sell at a lowball price if they don't want to. Every single post back to you is saying just ignore a lowballer, don't make a big deal about it.
I think you know this, but you choose to discombobulate and confuse. Why?