New way of dealing with Low Ballers?

John,

I don't think the "new" feedback system is intended for "lowball" offers. I guess it could be a way for someone to get some feedback even if they have not purchased, or sold anything. I just had some dealing with a very pleasant gentleman that was interested in an item I had. I ended up selling it hours before he decided to purchase. Based on my emails, I have no doubt he would be a great trading partner. I could leave feedback that said that. Also, if someone is really nasty during the process, I could say that too. I personally won't do either, and, I tend to agree with you, it doesn't sound like a good idea.

Giving someone negative feedback for offering to pay a price below what you think is reasonable is not illegal, nor dishonest or anything other than irritating to some. The comments will be deleted by the offended party because they have done nothing wrong and will dispute the feedback.

Get serious folks, many suggestions have been given to just ignore it and move on if you disagree with an offer. Either way it only takes a few seconds to decline the offer. Some of you sound like real hard-asses and I would not be surprised if you suffer from frequent heartburn!

Try taking a chill pill:-)

on a certain level i agree that, this being america and all, sellers should be free to overprice and buyers free to lowball. however, this site is, or purports to be, a community of gentlemen/women, not a flea market, and silly offers are more irksome in the audiogon context that are, say, off craigslist. i feel better having thus vented.

"Please make an offer only if you agree to my terms, otherwise I will give you negative feedback."

Well, I see the word "terms" not just price. He makes a contract in his ad, he words it exactly the way he chooses, says NO exceptions, implies he hates wasting time with anything other than HIS terms, so make an offer exactly as his terms spell out or don't and move on.

He may lose some potential buyers but it's his ad, he paid for it, he spelled it out. He warns you what will happen if your offer doesn't comply with his terms. Do it or move on. At least he said "Please". :D

I'm not a lawyer but I did play one on TV.

What would you do if the item was delivered DOA? Have some friends but inexpensive items from him and leave him enough negatives to ruin his reputation? Better keep your day job on TV.