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


I LOVE Audiogon. I have purchased and sold many items here and it is a wonderful resource for audio nuts of every variety. Big solid state, tubes, analog, vinyl? Sure it all goes.

So I see posts that are make offer but the seller says "lowballers" will be ignored, vilified, cursed and cussed. So why have a make offer sale? Something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. It doesn't matter what you paid for it, or how much you love it. And why be upset? Declining requires one mouse click. Countering maybe five or six clicks or keystrokes. Just curious as this is a commerce site.

I have received offers that seemed really low to me, but I am still happy to have interest and I always counter offer. I recently sold a Clearaudio TT for a lot less than I thought it was worth. But all the offers were low and I had to rethink my view. It ultimately sold as a real bargin but I'm happy and so is the buyer.

Your thoughts?
128x128superbike
I would say that when people make offers whether you call it a lowball offer or not they are just letting the seller know how much they are willing to spend. Just like you do at the car dealership.
Guess what? It may be they are stating what they can't spend. As far as I'm concerned buy a Benz or buy a VW, just don't waste my time trying to get something for nothing, or something you don't deserve financially.
04-10-13: Polk432
Buy it now. 0% If I like the price I'll buy, if not, I'll walk away. Make offer 8-10%
So if something is for sale for $1000 + shipping and someone offers $900 shipping included they are a bum?
If the price is buy it now 1000.00 plus shipping then that's the price. It doesen't say make offer. Offer 900.00 the price goes up to 1100.00 plus shipping. If you think the seller is that hard up, why offer 900.00 when you can offer 300.00 good luck getting it. I guess you think 10% off buy it now only makes the buyer a Hobo and not quite a Bum. Freakin' brilliant huh?
Maybe your self worth is tied into your HiFi gear so offering less than what you are asking impacts how you feel about yourself....makes sense