What is "low ball"

I would guess (if we were all to be ruthlessly honest) that the deviding line between what we consider to be fair and what is "low-balling" has a great deal do with wether we are the seller or the buyer. Having said that, I agree with Jdoris. I pay less attention to what the seller hopes to get and more attention to my "rule of thumb", as recommended by pre-Audiogon "Audiomart". Non-dealer, current production items: 60% of list price. Items one model removed from current model: 40% of original list. And let the chips fall where they may. Of course some flexibility is in order, taking into account condition of item, and desirability.

Audiomart... They'd recommend even less if they thought it would make them more sales fees. Think about it.

I would tend to agree with less than 70-75% of market or book value. I do not agree with it having to do with the asking price.

I'm basing this in part taht there seems to be a trend that some Agoner's are of the opinion that something that is 2-3 years old with no warranty should still bring 75% or more of it's MSRP. You may find someone willing to do that but good luck. For the small amount of difference for what you can really buy something for if you look (usually not at MSRP) I would opt to go with a new unit than pay such a silly amount for a used piece. Just my honest opinion of course!

Lowball is in the mind of the receiver, there is no set point. I'd rather get a lowball offer than another one of those "What's your bottom price?" e-mails. Personally, I'd rather negotiate with another party than negotiate with myself. Besides, some of those lowball offers are just downright funny. You have no choice but to laugh. :)

I agree with Cyclonicman. There are far too many "highballers". Need some examples? A recent listing for an Audio Research SP-8 (not MKII) for $2,200. That's $1,000-$1,200 over market. Maybe more depending on condition. The price was firm. How about a current ad for an Audio Research SP-4 with a scratchy volume pot for $1,600 rated 9/10? That price is about 4 times too high and it's not a 9/10. If you offer the right price will you be considered a lowballer?

I usually offer full price and ask for help with shipping. I recently offered to buy two items advertised by a well known seller. I offered full price for both items asking the seller to contribute $50 towards shipping and the seller declined. I will not waste my time with that seller again. Nor will I waste my time with sellers who are rude and show poor judgement in their responses on this forum since it is surely an indication of their character.

I also agree with Frogman and Digitalaudio. A product's markup also comes into play for used market pricing. If an item has a 50% markup it is likely to be sold at some point for that price as a store demo or to make room for its replacement. Why would you want to pay more for a used one? Cables are a good example.