Ebay Make Offer Option

I like how it's done on Delcampe. When you click on make an offer, the message "this seller agrees to receive lower offers of maximum XX%" appears. I've seen anywhere from 10%-40%. I also love that you can make a "group" offer from a seller's listings. Very handy (and economical) when you want to buy multiple single stamps which are offered by a seller. Just simply put them all on a list and then make an offer for the stamp lot you put together.

Dang Dave! Blew my cover again! Oh well............

The other Dave

I was doing some buying out of China and they sure like to haggle. Even if you are a repeat buyer.

One guy I got approx 8 sales over 3 months and the starting price was always the same and the end price was the same. Got the impression that there was a cultural enjoyment for the seller to do this.

I am not a fan of "Make An Offer"but it is nice to do what the Roman's do in Rome so to speak.

When I have a "make offer" item on ebay or Bidstart, I've always replied when I got the email from the site so I could respond. There have been times when I got the Best Offer from Joe Bag of Donuts has expired, my first thought is "I don't remember getting a best offer on that item."

Sellers play games with the make offer option.

Recent example: Item cost $20.00... I offered $18.00; a 10% discount.

Their counteroffer $19.80; a 1% discount.

I counteroffered $19.00. Their final counter $19.78. A total discount of 22 cents.

I passed on the item, not because of the cost but because seller was not taking the make offer option seriously and wasting my time.

Some sellers perhaps. Hardly all. I usually go for a "split the difference" on ask and offer.

KGV- my brother and I are about to sell a piece of property and both parties competing to buy it are Chinese nationals. I have to agree that dickering seems to be a cultural norm in their business dealings.

Timm and Family,

Not all "Make Offer" sellers are obstinate. Surprisingly, our very own controversial Kevin504 is receptive to offers and will let you know whether it is acceptable or not. Easy to work with and ships promptly.

Jack Kelley

I am about 50% successful with Make Offers, most sellers want to sell their stamps. If they ignore me - who cares, their loss!

I search an area collectable that is not so popular and look for sellers that are weakening from lack of sales.

On to make an offer have got as much as 40% off.

Or I will make an offer on a slow selling item.

Sitting back and doing this has been good to me over the last 18 months.

Most dealers won't accept a 40% off best offer. If that had been possible, the initial price would have been less assuming the objective is to sell the item quickly at the highest price possible. Setting an unrealistic high price and waiting for offers will result is slower sales for less money. A lower automatic rejection percentage limit is set when listing items and those remaining unsold may be repriced a couple of percentage points lower after a couple of months. Initially, some stamps are listed without best offer. After two or three months, the option is added. Items that sell in the first few weeks will not be available with a best offer. This helps maximize revenue and provides more money to buy better stamps and lots.

Clark

jkelley01938.....thanks!

You're welcome, Sheetguy2. I remember one time one of my offers was rejected and you gave me a good explanation as to why. It didn't take much more bending on my side to "seal the deal". Two happy collectors.

Jack Kelley

Certainly best offer lots are better than pure BINs. I personally don't come on ebay to view price lists.

Shermae,

Sometimes using ebay to see prices paid under "Sold Listings" can be useful.

Jack Kelley