An offer when the listing doesn't have that choice?

[new_haven_toys]

Hi again, I received an offer on a listing for more than the opening bid, when the listing didn't offer that opportunity. Could a possible buyer have the ability to do that? It gives me pause that the offer came at all, then it comes for more than the opening bid.

[slippinjimmy]

Yes buyers can send you an offer......

You can accept, decline or ignore completely.

It's an Auction so it's common to offer more than the starting price. The buyer is hoping you will accept because they have concerns that possibly someone else will bid higher than they are willing to go.

OR

Maybe they just don't want to wait.

Personally I don't want unsolicited offers (my prices are firm / Fixed Price), I do not reply to them.

[soh.maryl]

Was it an offer or a bid? If it was an offer, and he wants to spend $650 for your $39.95 item, you can tell him he is free to make a bid, just like everyone else.  Who knows? Maybe he'll get it for $100.

Also, were there strings attached to the offer? Like send my cousin a $500 gift card and I'll pay you $100 extra for your gas and trouble?  

[slippinjimmy]

Now some unsolicited advice.......

I looked at your recent sales, almost all ended with 1 bid and/or 1 bidder, you could probably do much better if you listed at Fixed Price (even with a higher price). While train collectors are more likely to enjoy the bidding process the fact is that it's not a popular thing amongst the vast majority of buyers.

[new_haven_toys]

Thank you, it is an auction listing and I am happy to accept the offer. I had a hunch that the offer came hoping I would accept because buyer didn't want to risk losing the item.

[mtgraves7984]

I didn't know that was an option unless you have 'OBO' on your listings. (I learn something every day!)

I see that some of your listings have that option, though... and yes, "more than the opening bid" is the usual.

[new_haven_toys]

Hey Jimmy, my experience with the train enthusiasts has been when an item is seen or found, it is usually bid on. Many are sniping anyway, so the chances are still that a good and desirable train item is going to sell. I try to list with a number I'm comfortable with and one that will generate interest. If it is bought at the opening, I'm fine with that. I'm also a buyer and it bugs me when a seller thinks they can ask big money for any toy train and all they have to do is wait for a buyer. Most times, the train buyer is aware of the over price and the piece will sit. I've done fixed price and it doesn't seem to work for me. Plus, I like to list my items on certain days and times and don't want them to be relisted until I'm ready to. We train guys are a funny bunch!

[new_haven_toys]

Hey soh.maryl, it was an offer to buy. No strings attached. I am aware of the many scams and have been pretty fortunate I haven't fallen for any. At the worst, I have my time wasted with high bidders not finishing their deal. I'll take that over the risk of a scam.

[coolections]

Yes, anyone can make on offer anytime they want. The question is it an auction ? If you are saying the offer is more than the opening bid of course the offer would be higher. The only exception is if you are doing a "pretend" auction, meaning your price is close to a normal BIN price then that is really not even an auction.