SOB Stories and Lowball Offers

[iart]

We always got them but now they're coming at us a couple times a week. Like this:

"My grandson would love  these and it's his birthday next month will you take $25 for this item you're asking $150 for?"

I can't believe people actually try this. They go on our block list and we usually reply asking them for more money than the listed price "because we need the money".

Anyone else seeing this happen a lot more?

[soh.maryl]

What you describe is not rare by any means.

Why bother even taking the time to reply?  

[greatmidwestcoin]

I agree withing blocking them as I have found a couple of times even if I take their low-ball offer the item will be returned. And these were certified coins. Like you, I don't need the hassle of some buyers here as I have better things to do just trying to keep up with great buyers and transactions.

I never reply, but always raise the price of the item instead. I am not against reasonable offers and take them 75% of the time. Stupid offers, I don't waste my time with. I don't need cash that bad as I am retired.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

They try this because sometimes they succeed. Some sellers are as desperate as these buyers sound.

I block buyers who make insulting offers because even when I am willing to accept their offers some of them try to renegotiate the price after delivery.

The number of these offers increases during slow sales months when they think they are more likely to find desperate sellers

[titipeo]

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@iart wrote:

"My grandson would love  these and it's his birthday next month will you take $25 for this item you're asking $150 for?"

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How about responding "my son needs new shoes for his baseball team, how about $149.99"

Just move on, no need to respond. 

[cypress.grove]

Can't say I've seen an increase in it lately - it's been consistent for years.  How or if you respond I think really comes down to your own customer service vision and how you want the public to experience your brand.  Interacting with crazy people comes with the territory.  My advice is to always be professional.  If it's too much wasted time, you might want to consider turning offers off.  Serious buyers will still message you, and I find those folks are more realistic with their prices.

[cardxcraft]

I counter most offers to make Cassini happy.  The only time I don't is when an insulting message accompanies their offer.  

We're in a strong buyers market so I expect low ballers if I have best offers on.  We have alot of desperate sellers, so capitalist buyers are shooting their shot.

[anasazirose]

How about a counter offer ?  Offer it to them for $225.

[simba6]

It used to be even worse.  Before bidder IDs were masked you would get messages from other bidders saying they need to buy it and don't bid anymore on it.

[nilis13]

Yes, I tell them no and immediately block. I'm not running a charity service.

[laststopgeneralstore]

Yes, I get them just like anyone else does that operates a business.

I don't waste time on it and will 9/10 times counter offer with my absolute lowest best price until they give up or accept.

Don't concern yourself to much with it and just counter at your lowest or decline.

[fab_finds4u]

"$25?"   

"Dear Buyer,  Surely you meant to type $125,,,,,,,if not the answer is No. 

Thank you for your interest."

[ed8108]

Business 100

Forget the story which accompanied the ridiculous offer you received.

 Counter with your best price

The End

[sumsum70]

With insulting offers, I usually just add to BBL. With offers that are lower than I will sell for on eBay, but high enough that I would sell locally, I always reply this way:

"I appreciate the offer, but eBay fees and shipping are way too high for me to sell it at that price."

This reply can sometimes result in the buyer suggesting a win-win alternative.

[lepke1979]

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@iart wrote:

We always got them but now they're coming at us a couple times a week. Like this:

"My grandson would love  these and it's his birthday next month will you take $25 for this item you're asking $150 for?"

I can't believe people actually try this. They go on our block list and we usually reply asking them for more money than the listed price "because we need the money".

Anyone else seeing this happen a lot more?

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See stuff like this a lot on Facebook. Single mom. Make or break their kids Christmas/birthday. Crap like that.