How to deal with Low Ball Offers

kb228
Posts
6153
Joined
1/31/2018
Location
Mansfield, OH, USA
2/13/2019 11:57am
Conversation last night went like this: Buyer: Is the bike still available? Me: Yes it is Buyer: What’s the lowest you’ll take? Me: Before you see...
Conversation last night went like this:

Buyer: Is the bike still available?

Me: Yes it is

Buyer: What’s the lowest you’ll take?

Me: Before you see it? My asking price, 5900.

Buyer: Which bike is this again? Can you send a pic I’ve been texting a lot of people

Me shouting at my phone: “COMPARE THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE POSTS YOU LOOKED AT YOU DIPSHIT”

*send picture of bike*

Buyer then proceeds to ask for every for every piece of information that was listed in the post. Including if the bike was ridden in the track or the desert

I answer.

Buyer then decides to show me another bike he’s looking at asking such and such money.

Me: Sweet! My price is obo but I don’t talk money without you seeing the bike and meeting a person eye to eye.

Buyer: “I’m a millennial bro that’s how we do things”

I can’t make this shit up.

Me: I guess I’m just old school. Let me know if you want to come see it

I’m 26.

The conversation went on for about 20 more minutes and him ending up deciding the other bike from PHOENIX was the better choice because he wanted a bike that was mainly desert ridden and not a “track bike”.

I don’t understand people.
aual4518 wrote:
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if...
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if they took the time to meet me and then I don't want to pay what they are asking. That's why I usually haggle before meeting, but just curious what everyone else thought.

Not a dig at you bear, just wondering about that.
For me, i usually am ok with paying the asking price. But i always find a low asking price. When i get there ill try to look at the bike for anything wrong and offer less and see what they say. Either way no big deal to me as the asking price was pretty good to begin with.
3
Forty
Posts
3066
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7/27/2009
Location
Saint Paul, MN, USA
2/13/2019 12:01pm
First I tell the caller that the history of the bike is in hand, oil changes, maintenance in general etc, also any upgrade or new parts included and then I tell them that I know what I have and the price isn’t negotalble. If they still come to buy it’s just a matter of loading it up and counting the dough.
1
2/13/2019 12:02pm
OP is a dick! I've never had trouble selling anything online. I post up the price, usually on the lower end of what I would take...
OP is a dick! I've never had trouble selling anything online. I post up the price, usually on the lower end of what I would take, and say in the ad that this is the price, first one to bring me $XXXX goes home with the bike/car/lawn mower... whatever.

People will come and look and then try to negotiate, to which I say "Well, I've got 2 more people coming today and another guy wants to see it tomorrow. I won't hold it for you but i'll let you know if it's still available in a few days."

They will inevitably walk away because "who doesn't negotiate", but they always come back that day and give me my full asking price. Always.

Nobody else is ever "coming to see it" that day.
OP is innocent read again
byke
Posts
3039
Joined
8/12/2015
Location
Auburn, CA, USA
2/13/2019 12:04pm
Conversation last night went like this: Buyer: Is the bike still available? Me: Yes it is Buyer: What’s the lowest you’ll take? Me: Before you see...
Conversation last night went like this:

Buyer: Is the bike still available?

Me: Yes it is

Buyer: What’s the lowest you’ll take?

Me: Before you see it? My asking price, 5900.

Buyer: Which bike is this again? Can you send a pic I’ve been texting a lot of people

Me shouting at my phone: “COMPARE THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE POSTS YOU LOOKED AT YOU DIPSHIT”

*send picture of bike*

Buyer then proceeds to ask for every for every piece of information that was listed in the post. Including if the bike was ridden in the track or the desert

I answer.

Buyer then decides to show me another bike he’s looking at asking such and such money.

Me: Sweet! My price is obo but I don’t talk money without you seeing the bike and meeting a person eye to eye.

Buyer: “I’m a millennial bro that’s how we do things”

I can’t make this shit up.

Me: I guess I’m just old school. Let me know if you want to come see it

I’m 26.

The conversation went on for about 20 more minutes and him ending up deciding the other bike from PHOENIX was the better choice because he wanted a bike that was mainly desert ridden and not a “track bike”.

I don’t understand people.
aual4518 wrote:
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if...
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if they took the time to meet me and then I don't want to pay what they are asking. That's why I usually haggle before meeting, but just curious what everyone else thought.

Not a dig at you bear, just wondering about that.
If I have a hard budget that's lower than what I think are the normal bargaining gaps, and I mean "normal bargaining gaps" as in someone asking $2700 is very likely to accept $2500 kind of thing, I'll send a message like, "I have a max budget of X and don't want to waste your time, so I was wondering if you thought it worth coming out to look at it?". Because making an actual offer without seeing something is dumb, but this way everyone has the information needed to prevent surprises.
5

The Shop

RexEasely
Posts
584
Joined
2/4/2019
Location
Pomona, CA, USA
2/13/2019 12:04pm
Put just a asking price not Firm or OBO. I will consder offers only after the seller has looked at the bike.
rbspecial138
Posts
156
Joined
1/29/2017
Location
Spanish Springs, NV, USA
2/13/2019 12:37pm
My Strategy is to list it for 10% more than I want for it and thats the price I give when people ask over text what the lowest I will go. Same goes for buying, I wont buy it if I cannot negotiate 10% off of asking. I think thats pretty standard, someone asking 5k for a bike and letting it go for 4500... Seems reasonable to me, and works pretty well on any scale, 450$/500 is a decent discount.
1
Adam43
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3309
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
WF
2/13/2019 12:37pm
When buying, I low ball all the time, a seller is certainly not obligated to say yes.

When I am selling, you have to consider "low-ball" offers for what they are. Someone actually lining up with their cash.

There is often a huge difference what your market will pay vs. what the seller thinks its worth. Especially in dirt bikes.
acres951
Posts
234
Joined
8/14/2016
Location
CA
2/13/2019 12:41pm
Adam43 wrote:
When buying, I low ball all the time, a seller is certainly not obligated to say yes. When I am selling, you have to consider "low-ball"...
When buying, I low ball all the time, a seller is certainly not obligated to say yes.

When I am selling, you have to consider "low-ball" offers for what they are. Someone actually lining up with their cash.

There is often a huge difference what your market will pay vs. what the seller thinks its worth. Especially in dirt bikes.
Yep, stuffs only worth what someone is willing to pay.
It’s always worth a shit on a low ball offer, maybe they need cash. I’ve bought a bunch of stuff that way.

The key is for civility and politeness as a buyer or seller. Pretty simple.
1
MOTO732
Posts
300
Joined
1/11/2019
Location
Elkhorn, WI, USA
2/13/2019 12:56pm
Anytime I am selling something, I always list my fair asking price. If anyone asks me what i am willing to take or what my lowest price is, I simply say...I don't negotiate against myself. Come see it, make an offer. Otherwise, have a good one. Bye.
danman
Posts
1204
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4/1/2008
Location
Readstown, WI, USA
2/13/2019 1:06pm
If I'm on the phone or in person, I just say "Wow, No way, that's too low, then I flat out give them the price it will take."
If the person is texting, I would usually ask if they were making an offer on the whole bike, or just the wheels.
1
Fog 25
Posts
181
Joined
6/25/2016
Location
Castaic, CA, USA
Fantasy
2/13/2019 1:08pm
Here’s one of my Craigslist corespondent for a bike I was selling.
Buyer
I moved here a year ago and sold my kx right before leaving and am regretting it so much with all the amazing trails out here. It's torturous having friend who own and ride bikes here and I am on their loaner or even worse, a rental....
So I have come to the conclusion that it's worth it to clear the checking account buy a bike, but I don't have much, so would you accept $3200 cash? I can come up and grab it today or tomorrow or whenever.
Me
$3200 is a little short what else you got offer? Wife? daughter? Send pictures.
Buyer
Done, you can have my wife! She doesn't cook or clean and hell, she not that good looking, but she sure does have a mouth on her. Can call the hens home to roost from 5 miles away!
Me
When you say "she not that good looking" how does she compare to my ex Who dumped my ass!!!

.

She was a bitch. She like cowboys and would only let you ride for seven seconds.
Buyer
Well sir, one would say you are better off to of loved and lost, but shit a 300+lbs cowboys fan just doesn't fall on your lap every day.....and you survive I mean.

3
yak651
Posts
8724
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Appleton, WI, USA
Fantasy
2/13/2019 1:09pm
Depends how bad I want to sell it. Last year I had a snowmobile for sale, had crappy winter with very low snow totals. I sat on it on season, kicking myself for not taking some offers pre-season that were low but what I would've been willing to sell it for. This year I had a low offer but I took it because didn't want to risk sitting on it for another year, and wasn't worth it for me to deal with it for another $200-$300.

When buying it depends how bad I want it. If something I'm interested in but don't need I'll throw out low ball offers. Many times I get the no thanks. I respond with, no problem, understand but if you don't sell let me know. My last 2 YZ125 projects I got this way. About a month latter the sellers called me back and said if you still want it come get it. I've had people get upset with my offers, oh well, they don't know me.
7eleven
Posts
655
Joined
8/20/2012
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
2/13/2019 1:21pm
It may be common knowledge to some, but for those who do not know... There are craigslist stalkers who make a living off of lowball offers. If they can buy something for peanuts, then flip it for 25% profit, that's a win for them.
This is a move mastered on the auto sales side because the margins are much bigger.

And just an FYI, never invite someone to your place to buy (you are showcasing your shit), always meet them at a location on your terms. If it's a high dollar item, I give them the local Police station address in case they have ulterior motives.

-711
2
mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
2/13/2019 1:31pm
7eleven wrote:
It may be common knowledge to some, but for those who do not know... There are craigslist stalkers who make a living off of lowball offers...
It may be common knowledge to some, but for those who do not know... There are craigslist stalkers who make a living off of lowball offers. If they can buy something for peanuts, then flip it for 25% profit, that's a win for them.
This is a move mastered on the auto sales side because the margins are much bigger.

And just an FYI, never invite someone to your place to buy (you are showcasing your shit), always meet them at a location on your terms. If it's a high dollar item, I give them the local Police station address in case they have ulterior motives.

-711
X2. Common sense. If they say no, you know watsup. And never unload or start the bike without seeing the $$ and their ID.
snackfedbear
Posts
1062
Joined
10/18/2016
Location
Southern, CA, USA
2/13/2019 1:31pm
aual4518 wrote:
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if...
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if they took the time to meet me and then I don't want to pay what they are asking. That's why I usually haggle before meeting, but just curious what everyone else thought.

Not a dig at you bear, just wondering about that.
I think it’s just a principle thing for me. I personally wouldn’t make an offer over the phone unless I have already seen the bike and don’t commit to offers unless they have seen the bike. Not to say it’s like that with everything, but you just get more serious sellers and buyers that way. There’s kind of a dance to it I guess and I respect it. Like I said I guess I’m just old school
Hman144
Posts
2131
Joined
12/4/2007
Location
York, PA, USA
Fantasy
2/13/2019 1:37pm
Just so y'all know, when you click the "inquiry" button on a FB Marketplace ad, it automatically sends that inane "Is this still available?" message. Gotta love facebook. Guess they figure it's too much work for their users to actually craft and type an intelligent inquiry.
1
cte936
Posts
28
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
2/13/2019 1:42pm
I'll get a text with asking whats the lowest price I'll take before they even see the bike. I give them my lowest price and then when they get there they start picking bike apart and offer less. YOU DID YOUR NEGOTIATING ON PHONE!! LOL
1
Falcon
Posts
12416
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
2/13/2019 1:42pm
"Mr. buyer, I'm sorry, but that offer is just too low for me at this time. I'm willing to negotiate a little if necessary, but the price I'm asking is fair for this bike in this condition and it will sell to someone soon. If you'd like to come see it, I'll be happy to work with you a little bit on the price."
don'tknowwhy
Posts
525
Joined
7/15/2015
Location
North Las Vegas, NV, USA
2/13/2019 1:54pm
Donovan759 wrote:
It's not something I would do, but I figured some of y'all would get a kick out of this. If this was posted let me know...
It's not something I would do, but I figured some of y'all would get a kick out of this.

If this was posted let me know and I'll pull it. I scrolled down a few pages & didn't see anything but its supercross season and the posts are flying.





What's even worse for those not familiar with Vegas is that Centennial is about as far away from the mall and address that was given as you could get. Far northwest to far southeast part of the valley and easily a half hour drive one way and potentially much more with all the construction.
YZ-MTB
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152
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2/5/2019
Location
USA
2/13/2019 1:54pm
aual4518 wrote:
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if...
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if they took the time to meet me and then I don't want to pay what they are asking. That's why I usually haggle before meeting, but just curious what everyone else thought.

Not a dig at you bear, just wondering about that.
If the asking price is ridiculously high or the post lacks basic information, I won't even waste my time contacting a seller. If it's a reasonable asking price, and not too far away, I'd look at it in person before making an offer.

If the bike (or whatever) is a long distance away, I'm going to come to an agreement on the price and get a commitment from the person to hold the item. I wouldn't bother even negotiating for a long distance item unless the seller has provided a good deal of info in their listing including detailed photos, or provides more upon request.

I'm not going to waste hours of my time and $$ in gas to go look at something then negotiate. At that point, as a buyer, you have absolutely no leverage.

I've driven as much as 9 hours round trip to buy something, but that's been with detailed information/photos on the item, a negotiated price, and a commitment to hold the item (<24 hours). That, and I have to get a good vibe from the seller. If he's acting like he's hedging his bets on another offer, or won't commit to holding it for a short time, no way am I driving more than half an hour. And I make it clear, that if the item is in the promised condition, we're good, but I find something major they are hiding when I inspect it (cracked frame), all bets are off.
2
Alec138
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540
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1/29/2018
Location
Bethania, NC, USA
2/13/2019 2:02pm
How I deal with lowballs......

The damn “block” button.

I try to post my bikes I do sell at a very fair price (compared to some people) based off what the bike is going for around me and in my area. Every bike I have posted I have gotten what I asked give or take $1-200.
snackfedbear
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1062
Joined
10/18/2016
Location
Southern, CA, USA
2/13/2019 2:05pm
cte936 wrote:
I'll get a text with asking whats the lowest price I'll take before they even see the bike. I give them my lowest price and then...
I'll get a text with asking whats the lowest price I'll take before they even see the bike. I give them my lowest price and then when they get there they start picking bike apart and offer less. YOU DID YOUR NEGOTIATING ON PHONE!! LOL
For the win
1
Monk
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864
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1/11/2017
Location
CA
2/13/2019 2:10pm
I don't negotiate unless they are standing there with me. Some complain because they might have to travel but IMO if you are serious you'll make the trip.
SPYGUY
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2169
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8/15/2006
Location
USA
2/13/2019 2:17pm
aual4518 wrote:
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if...
Does everybody usually wait until they see the bike before making an offer? I have always been skeptical and thought people would be pissed off if they took the time to meet me and then I don't want to pay what they are asking. That's why I usually haggle before meeting, but just curious what everyone else thought.

Not a dig at you bear, just wondering about that.
It used to be common for potential buyers to come and look at the bike and haggle over price in person.

These days, however, on the last several bikes I've sold anyway, the negotiation and agreement to sell has come with the buyer having never seen the bike in person.

What sucks now is that there are SO MANY people that text and waste time asking question after question only to, at some point, completely ghost you.

As for low ball offers, I've just gotten to where when someone asks what the lowest I'd be willing to take is, I just respond asking them what's the most they'd be willing to pay.
MOTO732
Posts
300
Joined
1/11/2019
Location
Elkhorn, WI, USA
2/13/2019 2:19pm
I remember driving down to Indianapolis to look at a 2003 CR125 I saw on CL. The bike looked clean online and with the grainy ass pics he sent, I was hooked. We made a deal and I sent him $300 to hold the bike. This was 2005 I think. I live 5 hours away in Wisconsin and drove to go get it. Excited as hell. We met at a mall parking lot and he was there when I arrived. I looked at the bike for 10 seconds and said, where's the bike we discussed? He said this is it, why? I said this is a 2002 not a 2003...like it says right there ON THE FUCKING FRAME VIN STICKER. He said he had no idea it was a 2002. I said you're either retarded or blind. He refused to return my deposit. If I hadn't been alone that day, his bike would have ended up flipped on the ground with the throttle wide open and my foot shoved in his face. I'm still pissed about this prick...OK, CL rant done. Thanks...lol.
2/13/2019 2:24pm
I always look at postings for the same bike to see what everyone else is selling them for, then I go a bit under that. That is usually fair, but still not good enough for some. I tell them I will negotiate in person, but that's it. I always make sure my bikes stay clean and are always ready to ride. I leave nothing for the buyer to try and negotiate off of the price.
sandman768
Posts
8106
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
2/13/2019 3:18pm
I don’t respond to any offer unless it’s face to face with cash in hand....All I know is if you want to hurt a millennials feelings just ask for their phone # .....
1
2
downard254
Posts
4073
Joined
12/10/2012
Location
Bremen, OH, USA
2/13/2019 4:04pm
I was selling a single axle semi tractor once, and the guy texted me asking what my lowest price was. I’m a no BS kind of guy, so I texted him back $3000 (I was asking $3250), he then texts me back asking if I’d take $2700? WTF!!!! I countered with $3500. We were then done.
byke
Posts
3039
Joined
8/12/2015
Location
Auburn, CA, USA
2/13/2019 4:34pm
sandman768 wrote:
I don’t respond to any offer unless it’s face to face with cash in hand....All I know is if you want to hurt a millennials feelings...
I don’t respond to any offer unless it’s face to face with cash in hand....All I know is if you want to hurt a millennials feelings just ask for their phone # .....
There's definitely a line with the phone number. I like to have a little email convo to feel someone out before giving my number to some rando on CL. If someone refuses anything but a phone number from the very beginning, those usually get filtered for me. A little email, then phone, and if all seems good, then meet in person. Gotta have some email to filter out the "WADUP WIT DA BIKE HIT ME UP CASH MONEY".
2/13/2019 4:39pm
I work in the Auto/Marine industry (Sales) and have people low ball me all the time. At first it makes me mad, but then I think,"When I'm looking for a car for myself, I low ball people too because I know what I can go to an auction/wholesaler and get it for and sometimes they take the offer. If I can get it for that price, why can't they?" I don't sell it for any less, but that reminds me not to get mad.

If you low ball enough people, someone will bite.
1

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