The issue of lowballing... What does that mean?

So recently I made an offer on a VPI-27 record cleaner. New retail is $2200. The add was for $1675. I offered $1300. Now hold Akg_ca don't brand me yet! Let me offer my logic and then feel free to brand away. Why $1300? It was situational. I have aVPI 16.5. I didn't really need a better cleaner but I kind of want one. I figured I could get $3-400 for mine so a delta of $900-1000 seemed OK. The seller declined and sold the unit in the next few days. My point is I offered the value the VPI-27 had for ME. Is that lowballing? Do you think the seller was offended? Would it have helped for me to explain my offer - not to sell them on the idea but to be sure it was not taken as an insult?

Yesterday I purchased a Magnum Dynalab MD-90 tuner in silver on a make offer ad. It was listed at $849, no PayPal fee, shipping included. I hit the buy it now and paid full price. Why? Because I really wanted it. I love the silver, I love Prairie Home Companion, Alec Baldwin and the NY Phil, and Wait, Wait don't tell me. Yes I am a nerd. It was silver and looked immaculate. Again I bought on the value to me, not to the seller, not based on blue book. As a matter of practice, would you have offered less?

Cheers, SB

WOW, Simao that is kooky. Never had that happen. So you "ruined" it by not giving it away? That is kooky.

Hello Superbike,
Your idea of making an offer with explanation seems very reasonable to me. It may have actually helped you get it at your offer as some buyers always automatically try to get the price down.
I bought a Magnum Dynalab 160T here some time ago. Mine was the usual blackface and it worked visually with my system. The silver face are much rarer and very handsome. Mine came with the MD Signal Sleuth which really helps. I then purchased the MD ST-2 antenna. I am located on a top floor apartment and have the antenna mounted with a hose clamp to a terrace railing. My main station is WQXR which I love. I don't quite love Alec Baldwin, tho. HA! Enjoy your GREAT your tuner!!

superbike, its got nothing to do with what I think is a fair price. (I already know that) I'm talking about the drop dead ridiculous offers. Even the items I list as firm still get these offers. I'd love a $50,000 pair of speakers, or a $30,000 amp. I still won't send an offer of $5,000, or $3,000 to someone trying to sell them. I think my first post sums it up. If I list an item at $2,000, OBO, $1,600 is reasonable. (I still won't take it, but legit) $400, that's a lowball, and they know it. I can't make up my mind if these people are that dumb, or if they think I, or any other seller might be.

Superbike,

Apparently, yes. Because I wasn't willing to take 60% off the asking price, I had "ruined" audiogon for all those who wanted good stuff at far below market value.

About ten years ago I sold off most of my first primary system as my divorce unfolded. Maggies, ARC's, Blue Circles, Wadias -- all sold for either the asking price or maybe ten percent below.

Was it the booming (but about to stop booming) economy that caused people to pay the asking price or close to it? I don't know. I do know, though, that I never received a ridiculous lowball offer like I have recently.