Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Non-Petro Discussions Non-petro Discussion and Showcase Sick and Tired

I'm getting sick and tired of the ebayers asking "what is the least you will take for that sign?" The ad states "buy it now or best offer" What part of that do you not understand.
I got a message today, it said "you have had this sign on ebay for a while, what is the least you will take for it?"
I revised the listing and jacked up the price.

I do that too. I had a few auctions where I ran best offers for a $400 item and got $180 offers. I took the best offer off and raised my price to $310 (it was 280) and sold 5 quicker than I could have ever hoped for. Some people are just plain dumb.

they ask me that when I start an auction at $9.00

Same on Craig's List. I list a $300 sign for $250 and get insults...er, I mean offers for $100-150.

I usually answer with $250 Cash will buy it.

It ain't just ebay/CL, happens on here too.
Last year when selling some things I Deleted all LOW BALL offers w/o notifying, then had some Peed off Low Ballers when item was marked SOLD! I never asked for Offers. LOL

I sure that ALL above have never made a counter offer when buying a vehicle new/used, or at a swap meet, garage/tag sale!

The last four or five signs I've bought online has been because I emailed the seller and asked for a better price.

It's a pretty simple concept, if their offer does not entice you simply ignore their email.

I invite BIN offers on eBay with the note that I promise to decline their offer respectfully if I don't like it.

I can't see where a seller would actually answer "what is the least you would take for it" even at a show or swap meet. You did your obligation as a seller and priced it, if they want it for less then it's up to them to make the offer. Is a seller REALLY going to give his lowest price?

I like American Pickers and some of the other shows, but I feel they're giving amateur collectors and pickers the false impression that not only will sellers not laugh in your face if you offer 50% or less of the asking price, but they might actually accept it.

The internet is cool because you can just delete the question of "what's your lowest" or an offensive offer.

Negotiating is a big part of selling. Offers are a big part of selling and buying.

I agree with DB in that it happens all over.I have walk in "pickers"throw low ball offers at me for stuff not even for sale.$400 for a 6' Frontier in 9 plus condition?Let's just say it was a short conversation.

When I'm buying I ask seller to set the price.Then I'll usually just say yes or no.If I really want it and his asking price was within the real of reason,I'll make ONE reasonable counter offer.If he turns it down,that is the end of the negotiation for me.

I don't enjoy long drawn out negotiations so I just don't get into them.I know what I'm willing to pay and that is it.It works for me,but I know others who enjoy that stuff.To each his own.

This guy never made me an offer, he just stated "what is the least I would take for my sign?" This sign isn't some $500 sign, it is in the thousands BIG MONEY$$$$$$$$$$

I still fail to see your problem.

Don't respond..it's as easy as clicking one button to delete his request...

...or fire back a polite reply..."I've got it priced as low as I can. Thanks for your interest. Hope you win the auction"

Sometimes the attitude of some sellers really amaze me. If you don't want to answer questions, answer the phone, or reply to emails then just don't try to sell your stuff online. Pretty simple.

The statement that I never understand is an offer at half price and they say "that's Cash".

The magic button...

Reply to the guy that offered 1/2 or the least you'll take, tell them you decided to use it as a cover over Septic Tank!

Guy at swap meet asks me whats the bottom dollar on an item?

I reply "$100"

He asks me if $90 will buy it.

I reply "ive already answered that question"

I had a sign Clearly marked at a Gas Bash, #^%$$# picks up the sign, looks it over on both side then asks what I want for sign. I replied, evidently you can't afford it, put it back on table.

All I can say is i have over payed and under payed before,and if i am happy and the seller is happy that is all that matters. that is my two cents.

Now here is where I want to hear from several sides:

1. on a $100 value item WITHOUT a price, how much is a FAIR offer? whats the percentage of value that's considered fair?

If I see an item I like,and it's priced higher then I will pay,I politely ask the seller,"Are you firm on that price?"

If he says yes,I politely walk.
If he says no,I make a counter offer.

Simple,& no one gets insulted or disrespected..

It seems no one wants to say what they would do when they find someone who really doesn't know what they have;apickers dream.That's a good question,what is a fair offer when the seller really doesn't know what it is worth.

The only time I have personally seen that situation come up is when someone (man or woman,I've dealt with both)is cleaning out an old shop or garage of someone no longer with us.I have never been to a swap meet,flea market or normal garage sale where things were not priced.

What I have done in the past is just tell them,"at full retail it's worth about $100 if you want to consign it to an antique store or throw it at ebay and go through the hassles and pay them a percentage.Or I'll give you $75 for it right now.I do it that way so that I can have a shot at whatever else they find in there.LOw ball them once,and if they ever find out about it,you may well be history on better things to come.

It has worked for me in the past.When a deal is good enough,don't beat them up or take advantage of their ignorance;it may well cost you in the end.Word gets around.

Ive done shows for alot of years now...
Lots of people ask whats my best price...
Some items I'll budge a little more than others!
I sell ALOT(majority) of my signs etc for a little less than price on tag!
Ive been rude and LOST great buyers and been polite and have lifetime buyers...
Ive learned that simply naming my best price (when asked)with a smile is ALWAYS best!!! They might walk away to shop around BUT usually come back and buy it!
Good Luck!

I had someone with a 48" Flying A sign saying she thinks it should be worth $300. I handed her $1200 and took it. It was well worth it and made the women very happy. We both got a deal.

Rick, Your NOT a Picker! & you bought it for your collection.