Anyone pay 1st price, Even if it's fair ? Poll

Driver, you're right! I'm 12 transactions behind you.
Time to sell off the system and start over.
I'll pass you yet!

FWIW, I just replied to a ad last night and offered full price, no questions asked. When someone lists a $2500 amp for $785, you don't try to lowball them. I saw it about an hour after he posted it....too late. I came in second, again. I came in second on a preamp, similar situation about two weeks ago.
It's very rare to get a chance to buy an item if it really is priced to move. Why haggle?

Here's my rule: I always offer and pay what the item is worth to me. I always know what that number is, and of course it depends on the market. Likewise I always accept the minimum the item is worth to me (ie to keep). I does seem like most folks here have to get "something" (ie free shipping, $'s off, or whatever). Often this is asking price.

The problem with playing the garage sale game is that you may lose an item to another offeror. If you don't want it that bad then I guess that's ok.

I pretty much always try to negotiate a lower price. I usually max out my budget when I'm looking to upgrade, so every little bit counts. I never feel bad about making a low offer. If it's treated as an insult, I'll appologize. If the seller doesn't take my sincere appologies, I don't want to deal with him anyways. But courtesy is the most important thing and I'm glad to say that things usually end up on good terms for me. Sometimes, we forget that many of us are here trying to buy something that we otherwise cannot afford. You never know if you never ask. There are a few "dream" items that I constantly keep an eye on. Since I can't really afford them now, I'll try to get it at my price, that way, I wouldn't mind if I don't get the deal and I wouldn't lose anything if I really can't afford to keep it.

I certainly don't have any problem with the lowballer's will be ignored phrase. Its their ad, their equipment, and their right to put whatever information in the ad they see fit. However, the phrase lowball offers will mean different things to different people. Thus, the inanity of the phrase. In my experience, I have seen that in most cases this phrase is added to ads where the equipment is priced extraordinarily low.

My take on things:

Add 3% for PayPal: No way. That's the price the seller pays for quick safe confirmed payment. Asking the buyer to pay that fee along with shipping is insulting.

Lowball offers will be ignored: Some of the Audiogon people I've dealt with lately think this is eBay. Looking for a cheap deal. I don't have the time or inclination to deal with people like that. I don't care if your wife has you on a budget or (insert other sad sack excuse). That's not my problem. I have no use for that at all.

BTW: Flames will be cheerfully ignored :)