Seriously; What is a low-ball?

[JHV2]

This is not a rant, I am seriously trying to learn something.
When is an offer a low-ball?

I am one who believes that one should ask a fair price and a price that you expect to get. I have never "offered" anyone on this site a lower than posted price. Either I take it at the posted price or skip it. (note: I am not interested in items that can be bought new, but mainly items that are 20 years old or older.)

Lately, I have been seeing people asking much more than the "going rate" for items, and/or items posted for weeks in the ODT classified. Many times I would like to have the item but at a "fair" price not the "inflated" price some people seem to think they can get. Am I missing out by not making lower offers?

My question is how much is too low to be considered insulting? For instance if someone is asking $450 for an 50 year old item that is posted on an auction site for 350-450, would I be rude to offer them $350 or $375? At what point do you consider an offer a "low-ball"?

 

[bensskateshop]

This is not a rant, I am seriously trying to learn something.
When is an offer a low-ball?

I am one who believes that one should ask a fair price and a price that you expect to get. I have never "offered" anyone on this site a lower than posted price. Either I take it at the posted price or skip it. (note: I am not interested in items that can be bought new, but mainly items that are 20 years old or older.)

Lately, I have been seeing people asking much more than the "going rate" for items, and/or items posted for weeks in the ODT classified. Many times I would like to have the item but at a "fair" price not the "inflated" price some people seem to think they can get. Am I missing out by not making lower offers?

My question is how much is too low to be considered insulting? For instance if someone is asking $450 for an 50 year old item that is posted on an auction site for 350-450, would I be rude to offer them $350 or $375? At what point do you consider an offer a "low-ball"?

This should be good.....

 

[Adams454]

As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as a "low-ball" offer. The seller is welcome to decline or accept any offer, therefore they're all valid. If I'm buying, I offer what I'm willing to pay. If I'm selling, I accept what I'm willing to take. There's no reason for anyone to take anything as an insult, or to be rude about being on either side of the deal.

 

[dougiemac]

To me it's all in the delivery. If you present your reasonable offer in a manner that is respectful, then typically sellers won't be offended.

 

[deller]

Please feel free to "low ball" anyone who uses the term MSRP in their add. Very few guns, if any sale for MSRP.

 

[Stuckon22]

Hi-ball: Asking more than retail at Buds..... Low ball: The value of a USED gun plus 20.00

 

[George P. Burdell]

Any offer that makes the seller mad...

 

[GreenPanther]

If you can be persuasive or have thick skin, then lowball away.

 

[renagadeinjun]

To me it's all in the delivery. If you present your reasonable offer in a manner that is respectful, then typically sellers won't be offended.

I think it might be this: you are a Super MOD thus have respect & clout......many.......many times I have offended when that was not my intention and I always try to be respectful even when others are not!

 

[renagadeinjun]

As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as a "low-ball" offer. The seller is welcome to decline or accept any offer, therefore they're all valid. If I'm buying, I offer what I'm willing to pay. If I'm selling, I accept what I'm willing to take. There's no reason for anyone to take anything as an insult, or to be rude about being on either side of the deal.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Well said!