What is " lowball"

A lot depends on the timing too. If I put up an item, I won't even consider offers below the asking price for at least a week or two. The first day or two gets the most offers and traffic to an item. Chances are if it's priced reasonably well, it will sell @ asking price without trouble. If you want it, offer the asking price to lock in your spot.

More than once I have bought things that were good deals, and I was lucky to get in on them - fast action with email, firm offers to buy on the first round, and no BS of offering lower than asking price. Later the seller(s) told me things like "I could have sold this 10 times today" or "one guy called me up all pissed and offered $200 more than asking and demanded I sell it to him but I didn't".

Those are the sorts of deals (and with info like that, you know they were DEALS) you miss out on if you screw around with beating around the bush with offers, blah blah. If it's an item that has been up more than once, then chances are the price is more flexible. But don't waste my time with offers under asking price on an item listing that is less than a week old, IMNSHO.

-Ed

Byfo-

Don't forget very hot baths.

Almost all products have a market price. And, to offer a price significantly below market value is unethical. I don't separate people who I deal with online from people I deal with in person. That said, I don't want to deal with people without ethics. All my ads' prices are firm. Take it or leave it. Any low ballers are considered speculators and are ignored without prejudice.

I do have an item on sale at the moment that I've not seen sold on Agon or anywhere else before as used. Thus, I've listed it as OBO because there is no mkt value set. Flexibility in price in this case is warranted because there isn't a lot of information about this product on the net. So, there is a bit of room to play with for people who are willing to "leap of faith" with this product.

I think I have a better understanding of how to make my offers now but here is my next question.
When I make an offer I do it only when the money is set aside and I am ready to commit. I try not to have offers with different people at the same time. This means I am looking to buy now. How long do you guys wait for replies before making other offers?

Mthieme,
Conventional wisdom suggests that while considering offers and counteroffers the seller has a reasonable time to respond. To avoid tying up your dough waiting on that open ended response, nail it down by providing a time limit in your offer. At the same time spell out all your other terms. For example say: I'll give you $$$ paid how and when for XYZ, its original power supply, power cord, box and manual shipped how and when if you respond by 6pm today.

Genuine sellers respond fairly quickly to sincere and reasonable offers. Market testers, wishful thinkers and daydreamers may not respond at all. Making your offer clear and complete paves the way for agreement on both sides.

Once I commit to an offer I give the seller my phone number. If you truly want someone to communicate with you provide them with every means possible.