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

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 :)

I paid the asking price for my speakers because it was very fair and I have no regrets. I have also made an offer lower than the asking price for a cable (without warranty) that was listed for just $7 cheaper than a new one but it sold anyway! Perhaps the only way to know the current market value of an item is to have audiogon post the price that the listed item actually sold for instead of just saying that the item sold. Otherwise, the buyer has to get to know prices by watching similar listings over a period of time or by paying for the audiogon bluebook price guide. While most everything is negotiable, common sense and fairness should be the guide for both buyers and sellers.