Insulting Craigs List offers

gtochris · Mar 12, 2014

The worst part of selling something for me has always been finding the right buyer.
I have my boat up on craigslist with some real good quality photo's, a detailed description of the condition of everything and what I have done to it. Essentially it is turn key for the next guy.

I think I priced it reasonable for our area and spring is approaching. The boat is in a garage right now ready to go.

I would never think of randomly e-mailing someone just a price.... especially one 25%+ lower than what the guy listed it for.

eavega · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

Put yourself in the potential buyer's shoes; your opinion of your rig may differ from the potential buyer's. When I am doing a preliminary negotiation on Craigslist and I am going to make an opening offer substantially less than the asking price, I will usually justify it; I see something in the pictures, or perhaps the seller has over-priced their item when compared to similar items. I'll offer my price. The worst that can happen is the seller just says no (either in a polite or impolite way. I'm a big boy and I'm sure I've heard most of the words that an impolite response contains). At best, I caught the seller in a good mood, they decide that the'll rather sell than haggle, and I win. In between is the art of negotiation. The goal for me is to always complete a deal where both sides feel they got mostly what they wanted. I'd rather respond to a low-ball offer than have to deal with the scammers. Its not like its that much effort to shoot back an e-mail or text saying "no".

Rgds

Eric

Bigprairie1 · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

I always thought that 'lowball' offers were those that were in the range of 50% of what the guy was asking....thinking that 25% lower isn't all that bad to open with.
The trick to a 'win' when buying is to make the guy feel positive about selling his item. Disparaging it while offering him very little money just leads to a 'walk away' usually....at least it does with me. I'd rather wait another week or month to sell something to someone who shows some respect for the item and my endeavor to sell it.

Now, all this assumes that it is priced fairly to begin with. One opinion....does not a price make. I've seen a lot of sellers blowing some serious smoke on what is clearly an undermaintained, poor condition item....often best for parts.
That said, its not often that any offer without an in person viewing....is too serious, mostly just a quick test.

My two bits.
BP

bruceb58 · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

I used to buy and sell cars in college. I never took it personally so it wasn't insulting to me. Its just part of doing business.

It is just a tactic to see how flexible you are on your price. I wouldn't think any more of it.

If you aren't getting any calls to see the boat, you are either listing it too high or it's still too early in the season(likely).

gtochris · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

It just seems like a reminder of the rude "modern age" we are in as most of the time the questions I'm asked are answered in the text if the person could only take 2 seconds and read.

MTboatguy · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

What I am asking for something when I sell it, has no bearing on what I am willing to offer when I am buying, it is really easy to say no thank you when I get a low offer and I don't get upset when someone says no to me when I make an offer. This is not a craigslist thing, it is simple buying and selling, the lowball offer and the highball asking has been part of selling for thousands of years. If you want to see this in person, then travel to one of the many bazaars and open markets around the world, it is an amazing spectacle.

pikefisherman · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

Set your price and stick to it, be realistic on price. If someone wants it they will work with you, Lots of guys just trying to flip things and make a quick buck.

Brian 26 · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

25% off for an initial offer isn't horrible but yes those are annoying. Unfortunately it's part of the deal with CL, and the anonymity of email and texts make it worse. I can tell you that 90% of those random email offers are BS. I've replied before saying "Yes I will take that, it's yours, when will you be here to pick it up" and guess what.....never hear another word.

I just delete them and go about my day. Another option is to put "low-ball offers will be politely ignored" right in the ad.

My technique when selling is usually under price it by just a little bit and sell it for that price to the first guy that shows up with cash.

Craigslist can be summed up in one sentence: The best thing about CL is that anyone can put anything on there, the worst thing about CL is that anyone can put anything on there

Splat · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

I'm that guy. I offer low all the time. Need to have somewhere to go with the negotiations. The trick, if it's something you really want, is to offer low, but be reasonable, expect to move up from there.

The problem I see is people think their goods are worth new prices. It's hard to convince people that it's only worth what people are willing to pay for it.

Haggeling is such a lost art. I went to buy new tires a few weeks ago. I walked in a hour before closing just to get a price quote. Had no intention of buying at that time. The guy quoted me a price than said if you do them right now I'll knock off $40. I looked around at the empty shop and his guys standing around. Knowing the markup on tires I replied "if I would've flinched at that price you would take that $40 off anyways, your looking for work to pay for your guys for the rest of the day, how about $80 and I'll do it?" "Where's your keys?" Was all he replied.

My friend with me was amazed. All I could say was it never hurts to ask. Haggeling is such a lost art.

calvinator · Mar 12, 2014

Re: Insulting Craigs List offers

Something else to consider..... these offers are bogus and there is an alternative agenda....

If you respond via email.... your email address is now exposed and verified. Your email address, along with the thousands of others responding to bogus inquiries, is harvested. Your email address is then enriched with demographic data... Such as what internet provider you are using, the IP address range you are using, and what was the nature of the online ad (Location, type of thing being sold, etc). This info is distilled and then sold to Marketing companies.

So you are being fished online. Other common ways to fish for people is:
a) respond to their ad with "is the item still for sale ?".
b) ask the seller what their schedule is.
c) do something to provoke an email response-- like low ball offer and want to trade....
d) a fake ad, like a nice Jetski for $675. Lots of people will respond to that type of ad

Harvesting demographic info is big business, so you can't get away from it unless you unplug....

bruceb58 · Mar 12, 2014