newbie

[kengarse0]

how do i bargain?

[soh.maryl]

If a listing states "Make An Offer", you can do that.  Keep in mind, however, that there is no eBay requirement that your offer be accepted.  

And, making an offer on a listing that does not have "Make An Offer" can sometimes upset the seller enough that he will block your future efforts.  Just a hint.  

[mudshark61369]

@kengarse0,

The link below explains using Best offer to negotiate with a seller.  Things to keep in mind when making an offer are:

• Offers are only for the item price, they cannot include changes to the shipping cost/method.
• How many days are left in the 30 day listing cycle.  Sellers are less likely to accept offers if there is 28 days left.
• Basic Offers expire after 48 hours. If you can choose a shorter time frame remember that many ebay sellers have full time jobs and families, and cannot always respond quickly.
• Do not expect a seller to respond to a lowball offer.  Some may decide to ignore or decline if they feel the offer and asking prices are to far apart.  You may even be blocked from buying at all, by a seller.
• When making an offer you need to know that the amount you offer is not what the seller receives. eBay charges fees of about 13%(+ / -)  the sale price of an item.
• If an auction has Best Offer on it  most sellers will not accept an offer lower than the starting bid price.  Offers can be cancelled if another member uses Buy It now, or bids more than your offer, between the time you send an offer and the seller sees it.
• Not every seller who has Best Offer on a listing, actually wants to receive them. eBay has a listing tool that automatically adds Best Offer to listings, whether or not a seller is willing to receive them. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/buy-now/making-best-offer?id=4019

Since you are a new member, you will have limits on how much you can spend and/or how many items you can buy at one time, generally in a 24 hour period.  The limit gets lifted as you prove to be a fast paying buyer.  (link below)

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/buying-limits/buying-restrictions?id=4012

In the above link is a reason "You are the highest bidder...". 

That is considered an Open Transaction.  Open transactions are Bids on still running auctions, Items you have committed to buy but haven't paid for yet, and Offers you make on an item waiting for being accepted/declined or a counter offer.  You can only have 4 or 5 open transactions at one time. As you pay for buy it now items, accepted offers, and won auctions your open transactions roll over to be used again. They also roll over if an offer is declined or you lose an auction.

• Items you have committed to buy is self explanatory.
• Offers are a contract to pay if accepted, but they are active for 48 hours, unless there is a counter offer then the process can last longer until there is a final acceptance or declining in the negotiations.
• Bids are also a contract to pay and remain active until the auction ends even if you are outbid. That is because another bidder could retract their bid(s), or a seller may cancel someone's Bid(s) leaving you the winner.

If you want to bid on auctions the smartest strategy is to place one bid, for the most you are willing to pay, (Automatic Bid)  and to do that late in the auction.  That way you know quickly if you have won or lost. It also has the advantage of giving others less time to react to your bid.  The link below explains those things.

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/bidding/bidding?id=4003

[7606dennis]

Negotiating (aka: Haggling) is a skill that can take a long time to master.  Traditionally the potential buyer offers low and the seller asks high and they meet somewhere in the middle.   However, not all sellers like this type of selling method so there is a chance that they will simply ignore or block you from making one.

[48hrs-clothing]

First rule be certain that you want the item.

Research your item and be realistic in your offer price.

Make sure that listing/ seller accepts offers.

Always be polite and respectful to sellers especially if they are rude or arrogant.

Do not take it personally if seller does not respond to and or does not accept your offer.

Always remember that seller has the right to agree or refuse to sell his item.

If any one is trying to sell you something worth $100 for $10 then run in opposite direction as it is guaranteed to be a scam.

Good hunting

[terrycece62]

Only thing I would like to add is impress  AGAIN upon you that although a lot of sellers will haggle with some will not,

remember sellers have fees and make a living from their eBay sales 

THIS IS NOT A FLEA MARKET  every seller will not want to haggle their listed  price many will but NOT ALL 

Offers should usually be at least 3/4 of the sellers asking price

In addition if you put an item on your watch list some will send you a discounted price it is possible but of course not always  but some will

 and of course always be polite and respectful as as already been advised

Happy bargaining

[janet9988]

Auctions are where you place a BID..........No bargaining unless you see the MAKE OFFER icon.