the classifieds: best offer?

[sf]

Should users be forced to set a price when listing items in the classifieds?

Currently, it is legitimate to ask for a "best offer".

 

[rover]

I believe this is the default if you do not enter a price.

 

[sf]

I believe this is the default if you do not enter a price.

yes, if you enter "0", I think, but my interest is to see how people think of this option. I have seen a strong tendency in one direction in my conversations here on RFF, but I'll leave my opinions and conclusions out of this.

 

[rover]

It clearly would make things easier if a price was set by the seller. Some offer a price in their description, perhaps to be confident they are listing a price in the correct currency.

 

[sherm]

Multiple Best Offers = Auction to me

Sounds like you'd be more inclined to EvilBay

Just a thought............

 

[Pablito]

Agree with sherm. My personal preference would be: set a price. If a seller wants to get the "best offer", take it to the bay. I have no problem with a seller posting a high price then lowering it if there's no action.

 

[FrankS]

I'd prefer to see a set price rather than a request for best offer.

 

[Gray Fox]

I, too, prefer a set price. But I'd also like to see something like "will be listed on the "bay" if not sold by such and such a date, if that's what the owner intends. And, I think it should be the owner's responsibility to pull the add once it has gone there., not an "it's listed there with item # xxx if you'd like to bid on it.

 

[Pherdinand]

i think it is both ways.
If the seller sets a price, the potential buyer should be offering something around that price, not much less. BUT if the seller sets "Best offer" then he is morally obliged to take ANY offer seriously, no matter how low that might be. This means a proper answer to the offer, either positive or negative.
Saying "best offer" and then complaining about a too low offer is a stupid and arrogant way of doing business, i would say.

 

[MCTuomey]

I don't like requirements, generally. As Chris points out, a seller may need the the flexibility to ask for offers if the going price can't be determined. That said, my experience is that setting a price is a more productive way to sell gear. It's seems to generate more serious interest from potential buyers. I know that I appreciate the reference point that an asking price gives me when I'm buying.

 

[FrankS]

A good compromise might be: best offer, I'm looking for around $xxx

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Saying "best offer" and then complaining about a too low offer is a stupid and arrogant way of doing business, i would say.

Who's complaining? I think it's entertaining.
Wanna hear some offers I've gotten? 😉

Chris

 

[Steve Bellayr]

When I've come across this before with anything. I offer a dollar because it is really the seller who should set the price otherwise it is an auction.

 

[Nostalgie]

I agree, "best offer" is basically an auction, I think if the seller said, "I'm looking for around $XXX, or best offer" Thats fine, then you know whats in the sellers head, and there might be a little room to negotiate. Thats just my 2 cents though.
Bryan

 

[sherm]

The only additional thing to say by my way of thinking is to just try it and see what happens. I've conducted business at RFF as both a seller and a buyer and I think it's safe to say that this is a great group of people who are fair and courteous and always try to do the right thing. I really doubt that it will be a negative experience however you decide to go....... As always just my opinion.

Scott

 

[FrankS]

It may have changed now with the growth of RFF, but back in the day,
RFF was a smaller community where we offered each other gear for sale at a lower price than could be obtained by selling on ebay auctions for whatever the market would bear. What is before us is the choice to maintain that tradition, or to go commercial. Perhaps it is too late to choose?

 

[Nick R.]

I don't mind a listing like: "$XXXX or best offer" as long as it means that once someone offers $XXXX they get it. This tells me that the seller thinks the camera is worth X amount but needs the dough and so will sell for less. When I sell something, I don't want fellow RFF members paying me more than I think the camera is worth.

 

[back alley]

if you look, and i think most of us do, there are very few ads with a 'best offer' attached to them.
and i think most of THEM have the price in the body of the ad.

 

[JohnM]

It's the seller's right to sell whatever he has for whatever he wants. It's the buyer's right to decide not to play along if he thinks the price or the procedure is not worth it. If interested, I make what I think is a realistic offer - if it's accepted, great. If not, I move on. Works well.

A far bigger issue would be having dealers or pro sellers move into the member section of the classifieds.

 

[rbiemer]

Should it be required that sellers set a price for their gear in the classifieds?

I personally prefer ads with a price but I don't think it should be required.
If I want to play in an auction, then I'll go see what's up for sale at ebay.
Rob