From a Newbie - How long should I wait?

You just never know with some people. A gent was advertising something here on the 'Gon, I dropped him an email telling him I would take the item at his asking price (and I would pick up the shipping of course). Nothing. Not a word back from him but he did update his ad to read "sold" a few days after I emailed him. This occurred over six weeks ago, every time I see him posting here in the forums I'm tempted to remind him of his Manners 101 course due to start any time now. Life's too short, do what makes sense.

If you really want an item, email back again after 24 hours. It is possible that your email got lost in the 'digital post office'! I must be honost; if someone emails me with a lowball offer (50% or less than asking price) I will sometimes ignore the offer, especially if the offer is worded as a simple, "I will offer $XXX.XX". Even adding words like, "I am very interested..." or, "I would really like to buy..." gets my attention. Just these simple phases indicates that someone is serious, and is not just looking to "rip" an item with a lowball offer. But I always will respond to a second email, even with the same lowball ofer. But after 24 hours, I would consider the offer that you have made has not been accepted, and move on if a similar items stikes your fancy here on Audiogon.

Great responses. I'd like to add that it doesn't hurt to set expectations up front. In the original e-mail, simply add a sentence to say "If I don't hear back by end of day tomorrow, I'll assume the offer is not accepted. Please get back to me later if you are still interested in selling as I may still be in the market" That wording might not be great, but you get the idea.

Several times I have made offers to purchase items and have not received a response. In each case, the seller had an offer, but did not want to lose a potential customer in case the deal fell through, something I learned promptly once I made my second inquiry.