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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?
superbike

Showing 3 responses by viridian

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I don't give those admonitions a second thought, if I want to make an offer, I make it. Anyone is free to ignore, or acknowledge it as they see fit.

If it's something that I really want, I might offer above market, if I would kind of like it, maybe below market, if it has cosmetic issues and three of the last owners' license plate numbers carved into what is left of the paint, ya, I'm goin down, down, down.

I will also offer much less to people with no feedback, very bad grammar and no photos. Most folks would never even make offers on these types of ads, and yes, it's a gamble, but that kind of folderol will cost the seller big time.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I'm not a "reputable business" I'm a hobbyist and I am happy to entertain any offers that come my way, no matter how low. And I enjoy communicating with other hobbyists even if they don't sell to me or buy from me. If you are running a business, that's one thing. If you are enjoying your hobby, that's another.

Likewise, if I feel that something is worth five cents on the dollar, to me, then I will forward that offer. No need to respond, or get your panties in a knot if it doesn't suit you. I also feel, based on my feedback, that I have a better handle on market prices than most.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I buy on this site for ten cents on the dollar with some regularity, so perhaps there are some sellers much more interested in moving gear on than worrying about its worth. So I don't think that it does; I have practical experience with it. You'll look nice in that dress; be here by six.
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