There should be a "Rant" category...

If that's how you feel, that's how you feel. Don't worry about what others think.

Really...10% and he countered? That’s ridiculous! You would have been crazy to buy from someone like that. Gordon Gecko said that greed is good, but it really isn’t. Others may disagree with my opinion, but at least you now know the truth...and you weren’t wrong to move on. I would have done the same.

The frustration goes both ways I've had people offer to buy equipment then disappear when you email them back to accept.

John...that's why there are ratings.

I dont think the seller ever intended to take offers. He's waiting for his asking price.

lowrider57I dont think the seller ever intended to take offers. He's waiting for his asking price.

And that is his sole right, determination, and prerogative based on the terms and conditions of the use of this site.

Then maybe he shouldn't say "Make a fair offer".

Another way of looking at this is, why didn't you just offer him the asking price?  Let me put words in your mouth, "What's wrong with a little negotiating?"  Nothing, and that's probably why the seller countered.

A counter of the asking price isn't negotiating.

You did well to move on. Inviting "a fair offer" and then countering with the asking price? There should be sanctions for that.

A couple of things: maybe the guy already had an offer and 10% was less than the offer so he wanted you to raise your price. Not everybody jacks up the price by 10 or 20%, so if he thought that his price was fair, then he had every right to ask full price. Possibly, if he just posted the piece and started to get activity, then I’d probably hold off for full price. Maybe wait until the end of the listing to ask for % off, you might have more negotiating room

A seller here posted his  price. I asked if he could do a percentage better. He calculated that my lower price was still beneficial vs waiting or not selling. I like to think we both won.

Why not counter with 7.5% or 5% off? It's called bartering. It's also how much you want the goods....

amg56"Why not counter with 7.5% or 5% off? It's called bartering."

Thats' is not even remotely what "bartering" is you obviously are in no position to advice, instruct or counsel those here about negotiating the terms of a sale or trade even though you want us to think that you are a shrewd, sophisticated or accomplished "operator".

Whether it's unreasonable or not depends on what did you want more -- the equipment or 100% of the asking price sitting in your checking account? 

"but it rubbed me the wrong way so much that I moved on."

I can definitely understand how this may not be normal for ethical negotiation and that it would be frustrating to deal with, but have you really moved on? Yes, you forgot about the purchase, but the situation is still on your mind. IHMO, moving on would be to forget it entirely. A "Rant" category? Really? Guess it's a "sign of the times". Just turn on the TV, seems like everyone wants a "Rant" category.

Secretagent,
I take it you don't come from a sales background?

I can hardly believe it...a thread about ranting and no hint of politics. Thank you, God!

And he's back! The same piece is listed again...with the same "make a fair offer" line. HAHAHAHAHA!