2. misc-audio
  3. 149190-2693

What is a lowball offer? How low is low?

Recently I was looking at 2 -3 preamps. One was particularly interesting which was a Conrad Johnson 16LS2. The asking price was $3500. I have always wanted the 16LS2. But it was out of my price range. I couldn't make a serious offer. So I didn't and moved on. A few days later I see that it has sold for $2500! What? That was in my budget. But I would have considered that more an insult than a offer. And because I didn't want to insult the seller, I lost a good preamp to someone who was willing to take the chance. So what is the lesson learned here? Apparently I should insult more sellers . The seller wasn't insulted after all. he sold it for $2500. Or is the lesson that I take this stuff too seriously?Should sellers be insulted when offered 50% of their price?  I had thought that 10-15% below the asking price was a realistic offer. Now I'm not sure. So what do you consider a low ball offer? And please, I understand that a product is worth what someone is willing to pay. So no economic lessons please
artemus_5

Showing 1 response by iopscrl

iopscrl
204 posts
 
You never know why someone lists an item for sale.  Do they need to sell, do they just want to see what they can get for the item, are they thinking of upgrading etc etc.  You will not get a sense of a seller's motivation if you do not engage the seller.

I try to make sure I am never in a position where I have to sell an item.   I generally research CMV, and set my price a little higher than that.  Sometimes the item sells immediately, sometimes not.  But I always sell for my price.

Most of my equipment was purchased used.  I have no qualms about offering what *I* think is a fair price....it is my money after all.  If the seller disagrees, then we agree to disagree.  If the seller makes a counter offer then I know a deal can be made.   Everything I have purchased would qualify as a "good deal" in the opinion of many observers.  

Offer what the item is worth to you.  Be polite.  Be firm.  Be prepared to move on.  There will always be another seller.
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