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 zydo

When someone sends a "lowball" offer, they know it. I don't really think anyone ever sells for that kind of price. Here is an example. A $7000 pre/pro, (current model) with a warranty. Offer comes in for $800. Does anyone really think the seller might take that? I highly doubt they think there is any chance of that, so why even do it? Its a waste of time for both. Granted, its not any effort to ignore it, or simply decline it. Usually these are zero feedback members. If people would try to be realistic, this wouldn't even be a topic for discussion. This is Audiogon, not fantasy island. I don't do it, and I personally find it irritating.
superbike, its got nothing to do with what I think is a fair price. (I already know that) I'm talking about the drop dead ridiculous offers. Even the items I list as firm still get these offers. I'd love a $50,000 pair of speakers, or a $30,000 amp. I still won't send an offer of $5,000, or $3,000 to someone trying to sell them. I think my first post sums it up. If I list an item at $2,000, OBO, $1,600 is reasonable. (I still won't take it, but legit) $400, that's a lowball, and they know it. I can't make up my mind if these people are that dumb, or if they think I, or any other seller might be.
Being a business, or hobbyist, is irrelevant. Granted, the business is normally not going to take a loss. The hobbyist will, to a certain degree. I don't think a hobbyist is going to take 10 cents, (or less) on the dollar either. Why would they? Anyone so desperate that they want to give stuff away for even 30 cents on the dollar can contact me. I'll take it all, and quit my day job. It just DOESN'T happen. EVER. If you think it does, you probably think you have a date with a "French model" this weekend too.
Superbike,

Your idea of the value of a product, regardless of audio, or motor vehicle, or whatever, is realistic. You strike me as a good person to deal with.

Just for the record, I'm not talking about 30 cents on the dollar for what something was new. Most people are pretty realistic about what they ask for things. I was speaking of the offers for 10% of that price. For example, a $7500 pre/pro. (original MSRP) listed at $2500, and maybe the guy has 2k in his head for bottom dollar. Then an offer of $299 comes in. What would you call that? I'm not opposed to someone that's looking for a deal. I do it myself, but, IMO, when offers that low come in, there is no chance we can reach an agreement. I simply can't believe anyone really thinks they can get something for those kind of offers.

I don't mean to be combative. If my comments are perceived that way, I'm sorry. I list a fair amount of items, and get so many crazy offers these days that its something I deal with on a daily basis.