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

Showing 2 responses by isochronism

isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I grew up in the antique business. (school of hard knocks). A women came in and made an offer on an item marked 325-. She said (to my mother) would you take 2 dollars? My mother said "this is marked 325 dollars. The women walked out embarrassed. It sold very shortly after for 300-.
Another time a women came in and fell IN LOVE with a rocking chair saying "it is JUST what I have been looking for!!", and how much? While I called for the price she was sitting in it and loving it!! I came back and told her 125-. She looked funny and replied "I am really looking for something much nicer"!! That one sold very shortly afterward as well.
It goes both ways and every which way.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Hello Superbike,
Your idea of making an offer with explanation seems very reasonable to me. It may have actually helped you get it at your offer as some buyers always automatically try to get the price down.
I bought a Magnum Dynalab 160T here some time ago. Mine was the usual blackface and it worked visually with my system. The silver face are much rarer and very handsome. Mine came with the MD Signal Sleuth which really helps. I then purchased the MD ST-2 antenna. I am located on a top floor apartment and have the antenna mounted with a hose clamp to a terrace railing. My main station is WQXR which I love. I don't quite love Alec Baldwin, tho. HA! Enjoy your GREAT your tuner!!
More to discover