Why so many Flaky Buyers?

Interesting topic, as this has bothered me a bit too. Nothing against a little bargaining. It's the way of business in most of the world. However, it's easy to gauge a market price for an item here just by looking at what others are asking. I then find it offensive to be offered 60%. And many other people must feel oblidged to offer a little less, as if that small amount will make or break them.
Of course it also depends on the item for sale and its demand.
Communication is really the key whether buying or selling, and lots of it.

Hello Kevziek: You have received some good responses to your post here. I would add that the seller has committed to selling an item at a certain price, while the buyer can fall into two categories; those who know exactly what they want and what they are willing to pay, and those who are looking for a general item (i.e. a preamp) and would consider several different pieces, depending on the price and their subsequent research (including asking the seller questions). Also, keep in mind, many buyers do not have the opportunity to actually hear the pieces they are interested in, and rely on reviews, posts on sites like audiogon and audio asylum, and asking questions of sellers. I have found it pays off to be patient with questions, and to try and make sure the deal will be a win-win situation for both you and the buyer. On this basis, my experiences have been good.
Regards,
Tim

A buyer has the right to ask for a price that he will pay. He has the right to change his mind, before a sale. He has the right to waste your time, as you have the right to sell to whom you choose. Just as you cannot make ALL sellers accurately describe their goods, you can not make All buyers, accurately convey their intentions.

Welcome to retail. While the internet has enabled us to buy gear at prices we never dreamed of, the downside is the quantity for sale. There are so many choices you cannot help but run into "shoppers" who are not fully committed to any one item. That is why you get so many "still available" inquiries. I try to limit the amount of tire kickers by posting "serious only please" but it still doesn't get rid of the "are you the original owner? how long have you had the piece? does it have this (insert whatever) when the same information can be gleaned from the manufacturers website, why are you selling?" and it goes on and on. All questions, which in my opinion, have nothing to do with anything. All part of the selling process I guess. I do get annoyed with the lowball offers (20%+ off the market price) and then want you to pay shipping on top of it. I usually tell those people that with their generous offer I will even load the piece in my car and drive across country to deliver it. You just have to take the good with the bad.

Fletch, i'm sorry but i'll have to ask you to leave. Your response is WAY too level-headed and realistic for you to be an audiophile. As such, we have no room for "unbelievers of the mystical arts of audio" : ) Sean
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