2. misc-audio
  3. 1361720305

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
polk432
1,116 posts
 
Just pay the price or butt out? Why don't we hear from the Lowballers that don't agree with Highballers that seem to charge too much? Paying the price means that a RESPECTABLE offer has been made on an item. No reputable business's cater to bums that think they can pay whatever they'd like. If you're weaving down the highway and get stopped by the Police, a Lowballer would probably use the excuse that they are a member of Damm. Drunks Against Mad Mothers.
superbike's avatar
superbike OP
11 posts
 
Just a note: It's always better to read and try to understand a post before responding...
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.
polk432
1,116 posts
 
I do understand. There are a few bums that want something for nothing. If the price isn't worth it to them, why would they buy it for less or want the item at all? Lowballers can keep movin'.
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
Being a business, or hobbyist, is irrelevant. Granted, the business is normally not going to take a loss. The hobbyist will, to a certain degree. I don't think a hobbyist is going to take 10 cents, (or less) on the dollar either. Why would they? Anyone so desperate that they want to give stuff away for even 30 cents on the dollar can contact me. I'll take it all, and quit my day job. It just DOESN'T happen. EVER. If you think it does, you probably think you have a date with a "French model" this weekend too.
More to discover