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It's time for a new button on Audiogon

Currently, when selling an item, one has three choices in the listing, buy it now, offer, offer and buy it now.

I prefer to vet my future trading partners, however my ads always say "price is firm". In the ad that I am currently running, for a most inexpensive piece of gear, I have had three offers, all well below asking price. I won't respond, as I have been clear in the body of the ad that the price is firm. In some way, this wastes the potential trading partner's time and mine. Why can't Audiogon add a "full price offer" button?

One would still get to vet potential buyers, buyers would understand that the only option is to make a full price offer, just as they do with the "buy it now" option, and those potential buyers that are uncomfortable with the preconditions would be smart enough not to respond at all.

It seems like this option would solve several problems.

Thoughts?
128x128viridian

Showing 3 responses by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
I think it is quite useful to say your price is firm if that is what you want. The bargaining process can be quite uncomfortable. I generally price my items low enough to warrant no bargaining or haggling, and I reject anyone who starts. That is for smaller items only however, I am open to discussion or trades and compromise on the big stuff price and or physically.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I guess that is sensible. If you are firm there is no offer so just put up a buy it now button and let that be the end of it. I still imagine people will want a break on shipping or something else they can sneak in.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Jmcgrogan- I guess that makes it a buyers market. I have to say some of the observations about the psychology of trading/selling are right on target. I am always put off buy a person who rates the quality of their item at a 10 and wants 85% of the initial mrsp. The truth be told that while I respect the seller who doesn't create ambiguity and say price is firm, it can also signal a difficult to deal with seller in the back of my mind. I would hope all selling and buying be friendly but this isn't a hippie wonderland.
I am anxious as I want to sell some thing post divorce and downsizing. I am not a manufacturer or a rep for one so if some small flaw is found I don't want to deal with complainers. I generally keep prices low. I have never used the Agon auctions but might try it soon.
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