What's up with the ridiculous offers?!?


Is it just me or are the high volume of low-ball offers surprising anyone else?

Example: I list an item at 60% off what a current, desirable  component sold for new, and I get an offer for half (or less) of what I am asking! I've have been buying and selling high end audio & video gear for over 40 years and I know the value of gear, but I have never experienced such an destructive trend. I expect it from Craigslst or at a garage sale, but not from Audiogon.

I understand an occasional low offer, and it's usually accompanied with an explanation or apology for the balz it takes to make such an offer, but I am getting absolutely offensive offers for more than 75% of what I list.  

Are there any other sellers that would like to commiserate with me? Am I missing something? Is it just me?

- REV
va6007

Showing 2 responses by minorl

You don't have to respond, and if you decide to respond, just say thank you, no.  No explanation required.

An item, any item (car, watch, art, audio equipment, camera, etc.) is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. Regardless of what you feel the item is worth is really irrelevant.

You can post the item and list a price and the negotiations start from there.  If you are firm in your price, then say that, and ignore anyone that lowballs. 

If a buyer is really serious, then they will contact you with a serious offer.

I collect rare books, watches, classic cars, etc.  I can tell you there are two types of buyers.  1) the collector and 2) the dealer.

The collector wants that item and is willing to pay near or above market prices for that item.  The dealer simply wants to flip the item and therefore, they want to pay pretty much nothing for it, then turn around and flip it for as much as they can.

No difference in the audio industry here on audiogon.  You don't know whom you are dealing with. I try to not be desperate to sell something and therefore, I can list the item at what I feel is a fair price based on market values.  Maybe slightly lower than the average market rate and I typically have no trouble selling the item.

I ignore the lowballers that come in with stupidly low counter offers. 
Someone will eventually want the piece.

enjoy

This is funny to read.

Go to any high end auto auction.  The announcer may try to start the bidding of at a particular price, but a seller will always come in with a stupidly low initial offer.  Always happen.  Then the bidding really starts.

That is the case for auctions, however, one should expect people would do the same for sales here. 

I don't buy the argument that this is Audiogon and there should be a level of professionalism in bidding.

Lowball offers are going to continue to happen regardless.  At high end car auctions, someone starts with a really insultingly low initial offer and everyone just stops and looks in amazement. then the bidding begins.

This is why I would never place an item at auction without a reserve price listed.

Don't get insulted. Just move on.  As long as you don't have to sell the item for what the lowballer asked, then you are still okay.

enjoy