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How to bid on an item

I have sold and bought a few things over the years and I wanted to post some advice on how to bid on an item you want. First (the person is busy rule), the person posting is probably getting ten to 30 emails on the item. Respect their time and your own time. Second (good deals happen late not early rule) you can get a good deal if the item does not sell but you will rarly get a great price early. Third (popular items sell for asking price or above rule), if you look at the number of views you will get an idea how popular the item is. If you low ball, you have basically no chance if it is a popular item. Also right away someone will have a higher bid and that person will get most of the attention. Fourth (if you annoy, you are ignored rule), if you start anoying the person selling, they likely will sell to another person just to not deal with you. Fifth (understand the market and spot a good deal rule) if you really want something and the price is fair, offer full asking price contingent on pictures or shipping charges or dicussing it with the person just something that allows you to back out if you are not comfortable. This allow you to settle squarly and give you control on the purchase. Most people will not back out even if offered more if you offer the asking price early. Oh and by the way I find most of these rules work with dealing with the opposite sex as well and not jsut buying things. Good luck to future buyers.
bryanhod

Showing 3 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
Yes. Good post. Having lost out on four out of four recently advertised popular items, I concur with the observations.

I'm curious about this, though...and how tips on getting a good deal, low balling, and fair pricing fits?
Oh and by the way I find most of these rules work with dealing with the opposite sex as well and not jsut buying things.
Bryanhod (Threads | Answers)

Don't worry. I'm asking the question with tongue-in-cheek.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
For Tvad, the key with the oposite sex is know what you want and know what you are will to pay for it.
Bryanhod
That approach may work. It creeps me out on many levels. Good luck.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Here's how NOT to make an offer.

Email the seller and write something like, "Hello. I will buy your X. Please send a total." Then, when the seller promptly responds with the total, don't email back to complete the purchase...or to even send a courtesy acknowledgment of the seller's reply.

I receive these emails all the time. I keep a list of all the fools who have sent me these hide-n-disappear offers. I check the list often when I have items for sale.
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