using "send offer" to watchers feature...new seller

[jack_bucks_ghost]

I'm a new seller (2 sales so far--whoohoo!!!) and was wondering if the "send an offer" to people on the watch list is a useful tool.  Do buyers respond?  I assume they can counter offer if so inclined.  My concern is that as a new buyer it might seem desperate or scammish.  I've already dealt with a scamming buyer, so I guess i'm a bit sensitive to being perceived the same way.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[coffeebean832]

Some sellers have success with it and others don't. I'm sure the amount of the offer, the category, etc all play a factor- I don't think being a new seller would have an impact on your success with the tool.

Buyers can only send counter offers if you enable the option on the form when you submit the offer.

[mountaindealer]

This is a fairly good tool that I have used a few times with a little luck, problem is most are on a computer and will let it expire. I think as more people are using phones it will be more useful.

[virtualrockforddepot]

My experience with this feature is that it has a very low accept rate. My gut feeling is that watchers sit on these items waiting for the seller to send them an offer, instead of purchasing them right away. I have also watched other sellers items and have seen 20-25% off offers come thru. The problem with this is that sellers are willing to accept lower profit or even no profit, competing for the sale. Ebay still wins, the sellers lose as items are driven to an even lower price point.  It just seems like a race to the bottom to me. I have stopped using this feature after I had two non-paying buyers and had to open up 2 unpaid item cases. This feature is bad news in my opinion.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, congrats on your sales and welcome to the forum! So glad you found your way here.

Speaking as a seller, i have not felt the need to send an offer to watchers. For the most part, i set my prices as attractively as possible and don’t feel it is necessary to adjust them after listing. But i have no doubt the send offer is a useful tool for other sellers wishing to give a boost to a specific listing. (To boost my sales, i prefer to use the promoted feature on some higher priced items, that might improve visibility in a very crowded category, for example.)

Speaking as a buyer, i have accepted such offers on some of my watched items, and have appreciated the additional discount. 

Good luck to you in your eBay selling and come back to the forum anytime you need assistance. Best wishes!

[myescape]

If you do not try you will never know.Do a couple expeiments

[moondogblues]

I watch a lot of items so I have been getting the offers from sellers for a while now and I love it! To me a couple of dollars off something I already liked is too good to pass up. I don't buy everything offered (I'd go broke lol) but 10 to 15% off something is great.

[hollysfinds]

As a seller I love this feature & have used it a lot.

It has resulted in quite a few sales for me.

As a buyer I also like it.

If a seller wants to offer me a discount on something

I'm interested in I have no problem with that.

[mtgraves7984]

I'm a big ole skeptic, but here's my thoughts.

If you're a new seller, the scammers will find you anyway. You've dealt with one... remain sensitive.

If you've got watchers (that haven't moved in on you) they could actually be prospective buyers.

No hurt in trying to send offers... you'd know if your prospects were ready, willing and able (best case, a sale!); you'd know if you had brand-new IDs who are prowling (since you CAN see who you've sent it to...) after the fact.

Welcome!

[kensgiftshop]

I don't do best offers and I won't use the send offer tool.

I have heard some sellers have some luck using it and get a few sales.

One thing to remember, they might be watchers but not buyers.

Watchers can decide if they want to receive offers or not and you might have an item with 20 watchers, but only 2 that want to receive offers.

[labs118]

As a seller I use it & have had it result in a fair amount of sales.
As a buyer I also accept many offers

There are many reason a person may put things on their watchlist
Money (Waiting for payday )
I may throw things on my watchlist waiting for an ebay bucks promotion or throw several of the same items on my watchlist as I decide which I might decide to purchase.
Some may be other sellers just watching to see if & what your item sells for 

Can't hurt to try it and judge for yourself
I like this option better then adding a Best offer on my fixed price 

Good luck with your sales

[jack_bucks_ghost]

thanks to everyone for the input--it's great to hear the perspectives and experiences of veteran eBayers. i sent a couple of offers, so i'll see how it goes.  again, many thanks to all responders for the feedback and encouragement!!!