It's been said before, but I'll say it again...

I think the rude and simple reply to an add is usually a fishing expedition and they probably have been turned down so many times for the lowball offer that they dont bother with small talk.

I've had some great interactions, but one thing to note is that any piece that's a really good price goes within a few minutes of it being posted. I've seriously lost out of products that have only been posted for 6 minutes. So, often on my initial email I'll simply give a short and sweet " I'll take it, let me know your paypal address" Hardly rude, but I don't want perfection to stand in the way of getting a great deal on a piece that I've been looking for...

Kind of a mixed bag for me over the years, some great transactions some rough. On the buying side some of the nicer sellers were the ones who over rated condition or 'forgot' to mention that a product was modded or scratched. So who knows.

One thing I have found is that the definition of 'lowball' varies a lot. I had a couple things I asked about where the ad mentioned taking offers only to piss the guy off I think. To me 25% under asking price is about the lowball line, and my offer were maybe 20% down. Dosen't seem hard to reply "$xxx is my limit" or "let me see what else I get".

Not my experience, thankfully. Nearly everyone has been great and I've formed some nice connections with buyers and sellers over the years.

How about the reply's where the buyer doesn't even have the courtesy to give you their name?
It happens all the time. I can go through 3 or 4 emails before I find out. Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't think I should have to ask. Although Sometimes I have be forced to so.
When I respond, I like to start with "Hi Elmo" or what ever the name might be. Instead must begin with " Hi You"
(whoever you are)
I have never responded to an ad without signing my name to it. What happened to simple manners?
Good to finally get this off my chest...
Signed...Lee