Is Not Responding To An Offer Just Plain Rude?

Most items for sale have a blue book value.  Basically, a low, average and high sale price range for the item.  I believe that Audiogon had/has a blue book option here as well.  Same for cars, watches, etc.
So, first, in my opinion, people that are selling and buying should do their research first on the price range for the item. I typically do.
So, when I list an item for sale, I typically price it to sell.  I don't have much room for dancing on the price and don't tolerate lowballers.
They come in many forms.  There are many out there that are dealers or flippers.  They want to buy something as low as possible so they can flip it for as much as they can. 

So, I am assuming that the potential buyer did their research first.  If they come at me with a ridiculously low offer, I simply ignore them and could not care less if a person feels that it is rude.  to me their offer was not worthy of even a response.  As I mentioned, there is some room for negotiations, but lets be real here.  You have an item that is blue book priced at (average) at $10,000 and some yahoo offers $2000? , $7000 or $8000.  yeah, that's lowballing and won't get a response from me.  Offer $9,000?  I probably would respond.

enjoy

Just a quick response to the Paypal fee issue.  in the past, Audiogon had the paypal option, but also allowed payment via check, or other methods.  Actually, it isn't Audiogon's business at all what form of payment I prefer.  They chose to get into bed with Paypal and now Paypal is setting the rules for Audiogon.  That is well and good.  however, Paypal protects the buyer, not the seller, so I have zero use for paypal as a seller.

So, I tell potential buyers that if you chose to use paypal, they you are responsible for the paypal fee.  

Most of the items that I have sold here were sold directly out of my home.  Buyers, indicated on Audiogon that they will purchase the item.  They then came to my home and I had the unit in question connected and operating so that they can not only see it but hear it also.
Most times (actually all the time) each one stayed for over an hour listening and talking about music and equipment.  it was actually fun.
What I sell (when I sell) , it is because I either have too many pieces at home or typically, I am upgrading, purchased something else and want to sell the previous unit.

What I sell is exactly as advertised.  
But, as far as paypal is concerned, I don't appreciate Audiogon's new policy of only allowing paypal transactions, instead of cash or even checks.  I wouldn't ship the item until my bank told me that the check cleared.  Yes, there are ways that forgers can get around that, but that's on me.

Again, paypal protects the buyer, not the seller, so yeah, if the potential buyer only wants to use paypay, (not happening if they come to my home to pick up the unit, it is cash then), then, they pay the paypal fee.  

enjoy

@arizonabob.  I respectfully disagree with you.  The incentive for a person to buy is their own business.  If they want an item, for whatever reason, that is on them.  However, I stand by my statement that paypal protects the buyer and not the seller.  So, I have no use for it.

If a buyer is a looky loo type that wants to try an item, find out if they really like it or not, they can tell paypal that the item is faulty or some such and paypal will require a refund.

The misconception that many have here is that many of us that sell are not in a business.  we are not a store, dealership, etc.  I don't have time for tire kickers.  I like dealing with people that know what they want and why they want it.  not experimenting.  

I have no problem, having long conversations with potential buyers to discuss who I am, who they are, our interests and the item for sale.  For me (pre-covid) to not have any problem with buyers coming to my home, bringing their favorite music with them, and listening to the equipment, says a lot about me.  I'm not trying to hide anything. The equipment I sell (when I sell) is exactly as I described it.

When someone pays me by check, I make it clear that I won't ship until the check clears.  Yes, in this case, the buyer takes a risk, but, so do I in other examples.  That is where the many phone conversations and background checks come it. 

I sold a classic car on the internet to a buyer in Germany a few years ago.  He never physically saw the car.  The advertisements, phone calls, photos, paperwork, etc. really helped.  he transferred funds into my back account via wire transfer from a US bank.  My bank would not accept wire transfers from overseas.  When the boat arrived and the car was offloaded, he called me and told me that the car was exactly as I stated.  He was thrilled.  

Sometimes, you have to do your research, background checks, phone calls, etc. and take a chance.  Especially if you can't physically pick up a unit.

I've bought many items on Audiogon (pre paypal) with a check that I sent to the seller.  

So, I stand by my point.  Audiogon is in bed with paypal (business reasons) and therefore, is limiting how purchases can be made.  That is because of paypal trying to monopolize the industry.    That does not mean that I have to like it or eat the paypal fee.

What if the buyer lives within driving distance?   That person will come to my home (well.... not now... covid), listen to the unit, pay me and take it home.  Why should we use paypal in that case?

anyway,  enjoy