"What's Your Best Price?"

You nailed it, John. Life of Audiogon...I love it!

Onhwy61's superb post reminds me of the wheels industry, about which I always say that most salespeople--as well as many customers--are more tuned into the game than they are the goal.

Thank You, Onhwy61.
That's what I wanted to express. When a person goes right to price before first establishing that the product is actually what he is looking for, I just write them off as bottom feeders. If, perchance, I am shooting myself in the foot, so be it. I'll wait for a more cordial and, seemingly, more sincere buyer.
I'm also amazed that a person who will quickly drop the price by 10%, is adamant that his buyer pay the 3% Paypal. fee. I'd rather have full price and deduct the Paypal figure as a courtesy. In truth, I guess that's the word......courteous.
Going right to price seems rude to me. And I certainly agree with those who refuse to bid against themselves.
In real estate, it all goes on paper. Buyer submits a signed offer. Seller accepts by signing, rejects it outright or provides a signed (or initialed) counter offer. I always thought the agents primary function was to provide insulation between the egos.

I agree with hwy61 as regards keeping the goal in mind, but as boa's hilarious link makes very clear, both buyer and seller should expect to participate in a little foreplay, even if the price essentially remains the same!

It's called "Getting to know yoooouuuu . . . . . . .,
getting to know allllabout you . . . . . "
.

I guess there is just mass confusion over what the heck OBO means. Some think that the seller is committed to making their best offer to a buyer. Some think the buyer is committed to making an offer with the seller choosing the best. This will never be answered to everyone's satisfaction. I would just like to remind everyone that OBO does not necessarily mean a lower price. I have sold items, and seen items purchased for more than the asking price. After all 105% of your asking price is a better offer than 95% of your asking price, isn't it? While this should not be an option with a firm price, if OBO is a stated option, it can be done.

As for the new car analogy, how many people spend more than the asking price? You can't really compare these two markets if there isn't anyone who has paid more than list.

I'm sure this will open another can of worms, as it has before. Some people insist that OBO means Or Best Offer lower than the asking price. While this may be a common assumption, it is not what OBO means to others. Some think that OBO means Or Best Offer, period. Irregardless of asking price. I know I've read previous threads on AudiogoN from those complaining about a seller selling an item for more than his asking price. If he clearly states 'OBO', and receives an offer better than his asking price, why not? It is just business, right?