What's up with the ridiculous offers?!?


Is it just me or are the high volume of low-ball offers surprising anyone else?

Example: I list an item at 60% off what a current, desirable  component sold for new, and I get an offer for half (or less) of what I am asking! I've have been buying and selling high end audio & video gear for over 40 years and I know the value of gear, but I have never experienced such an destructive trend. I expect it from Craigslst or at a garage sale, but not from Audiogon.

I understand an occasional low offer, and it's usually accompanied with an explanation or apology for the balz it takes to make such an offer, but I am getting absolutely offensive offers for more than 75% of what I list.  

Are there any other sellers that would like to commiserate with me? Am I missing something? Is it just me?

- REV
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xva6007
In my opinion and to offer an explanation not yet posted in this thread, most NEW hi-end audio equipment is WAY overpriced to begin with. Personally I like to buy only new items (in everything not just audio equipment). People have no choice but to price a used item commensurate with the cost of the same item when new, less wear and tear. Also, and again in my opinion, audio equipment is similar to the jewelry market. A typically "very good quality" 1 carrot diamond cost approximately $5000. If you buy it for 5K in the diamond district it comes with a GSA certification and appraisal for $9000. At the time you go try and sell it you would be lucky to get $3000. You have to loose it and make a claim through insurance and then you can get closer to your 5K. Maybe we should have an official audio appraisal entity, ensure the items, have them "vanish" and make a claim. I'll bet you can get more for your used equipment that way!
I think it is lower caliber people who are looking to buy quality equipment cheap to resell. 
People who are not true audiophiles just people looking to make a buck. I receive lowball offers as well, and I love the ones who try to pressure you into selling for what they want to pay. Speaking for myself, when I am selling something it is because I have bought something I like better and just want to sell the item so it is not just collecting dust. If it takes a year to sell something it bothers me not. 
The lowballers are idiots. I usually do not even respond rediculous offers. 
When I am a buyer, I confess to trying to pay the least I can for the best quality. When I am selling, the best answer to an offer that is too low is "no." Either way, I can't relate to those who get "personally insulted." It about the equipment, not the person.
I agree with those who don't like "What's your bottom line?" Almost always, I answer, "Make me an offer and if I don't accept it, I'll counter it."  Asking for a lower price without making an offer is a tedious and juvenile negotiating tactic -- which doesn't mean that it always fails.