What is "low ball"

In many cases, it's subjective but overall, I think lowballing is when a buyer offers a price for a product that because it is so far below the current market value, it is actually kind of insulting to the seller. The flip side is that some sellers are so out of touch with their asking prices that maybe we should call them highballers. LOL

I would guess (if we were all to be ruthlessly honest) that the deviding line between what we consider to be fair and what is "low-balling" has a great deal do with wether we are the seller or the buyer. Having said that, I agree with Jdoris. I pay less attention to what the seller hopes to get and more attention to my "rule of thumb", as recommended by pre-Audiogon "Audiomart". Non-dealer, current production items: 60% of list price. Items one model removed from current model: 40% of original list. And let the chips fall where they may. Of course some flexibility is in order, taking into account condition of item, and desirability.

Audiomart... They'd recommend even less if they thought it would make them more sales fees. Think about it.

I would tend to agree with less than 70-75% of market or book value. I do not agree with it having to do with the asking price.

I'm basing this in part taht there seems to be a trend that some Agoner's are of the opinion that something that is 2-3 years old with no warranty should still bring 75% or more of it's MSRP. You may find someone willing to do that but good luck. For the small amount of difference for what you can really buy something for if you look (usually not at MSRP) I would opt to go with a new unit than pay such a silly amount for a used piece. Just my honest opinion of course!

Lowball is in the mind of the receiver, there is no set point. I'd rather get a lowball offer than another one of those "What's your bottom price?" e-mails. Personally, I'd rather negotiate with another party than negotiate with myself. Besides, some of those lowball offers are just downright funny. You have no choice but to laugh. :)