What Does "Reasonable Offer" mean?

[Fishing68]

Cash? What else would you expect to pay with?
1995, I was selling a 78 Monte Carlo I advertised for $1000. A guy offered $700.
Sorry man, I need the $1000.
But I'm talking $700 in CASH.
Yeah, I don't care if it is $700 in cash or ground beef, I need to get $1000.
Why would anyone think that using the word c a s h would make a difference? ALL I want is the cash. ALL I am willing to take is cash. I didn't post the ad to read "$1000 in cash or the equivalent in full service massages from attractive women".

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I think the point was the venue impacts what would generally be considered reasonable. Garage sales are generally sales of a wide variety of items being offered to a wide variety of buyers. This type of venue is more likely to be open to wide variety of pricing and offers

 

[273]

Your take- I respect that.

But hey, I think it is a two way street is all.

I think it’s reasonable to inform an unreasonable seller that they are being unreasonable using reason

I'm not saying you can't, wheel and deal how you like

But as a side note most here seem to be assuming the seller is obviously the ones being unreasonable and all the buyers are only low balling cause they only care about fairness lol

 

[318willrun]

Cash? What else would you expect to pay with?
1995, I was selling a 78 Monte Carlo I advertised for $1000. A guy offered $700.
Sorry man, I need the $1000.
But I'm talking $700 in CASH.
Yeah, I don't care if it is $700 in cash or ground beef, I need to get $1000.
Why would anyone think that using the word c a s h would make a difference? ALL I want is the cash. ALL I am willing to take is cash. I didn't post the ad to read "$1000 in cash

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Well, don't know how to tell you... but IF you sell often (in which I have...), I've had people waste tons of my time with trying to write a check after being clear on cash only.... or.. I'll be back, just set it aside and I'll be back with cash (but NEVER see them again), and if it's NOT a garage sale but a marketplace add or a forum add, how many say "be there at noon saturday" and message back and forth but on saturday NEVER to be heard from again as I waste my time waiting for their own arranged appointment... So... when somebody has "cash" on them, that means something and no time wasting

 

[Kern Dog]

Yeah, I’ve sold many times as well. Out here, rarely does anyone offer anything BUT cash.
To me anyway.

 

[Jim Lusk]

If I have something for sale you CANNOT offend me. All I can, and will, do is tell you yes or no. I have low-balled people and got a counter offer. The term "reasonable" really doesn't mean a thing...

 

[Jim Lusk]

One more thing. I recently sold my older son's Barracuda. The price was firm, but I had to explain that to a few guys. I also turned down a full price offer ($5k) because the guy said he was going to put an LS in it...If it hadn't sold my younger son and I were probably going to put it back together this fall or winter so I could be firm on the price.

 

[273]

If I have something for sale you CANNOT offend me. All I can, and will, do is tell you yes or no. I have low-balled people and got a counter offer. The term "reasonable" really doesn't mean a thing...

So if I'm selling something and I say asking $1,000 or reasonable offers only, what your saying is obviously I mean I'm open to any offer ?

 

[Jim Lusk]

No, not at all. You say "reasonable offer". That doesn't mean anything, but you will have a number in mind. The buyer doesn't know what that number is so they will offer what they would like to get it for. Then you can say yes or no. All I'm saying is that whatever somebody offers will not be insulting. I will say yes or no.

 

[273]

No, not at all. You say "reasonable offer". That doesn't mean anything,

Of course it does, you guy's are being purposely obtuse.

but you will have a number in mind. The buyer doesn't know what that number is

of course you do, it's obviously close to the asking price

so they will offer what they would like to get it for.

All that means your ok offering unreasonable amounts

Then you can say yes or no. All I'm saying is that whatever somebody offers will not be insulting. I will say yes or no.

If everyone was willing to offer unreasonable amounts you could get 10's of 1000's of offers.

Should everyone that visit this site everyday offer a ridiculously low offers on all for sale items just in case you can get a ridiculous deal even if you want it or not ? all they have to do is say no a couple thousands times a day no biggie.

 

[MILO]

Reasonable offer is 25 percent off

 

[Fishing68]

I like the attitude that if you receive an offer you don’t like then you are free to turn it down and you can also ignore it if you consider it unreasonable. That is the mature adult way to conduct the situation. To get hot under the collar or offended by an offer is ultimately an emotional reaction that is tantamount to loosing emotional control of yourself.
It takes only a second to read an offer and decide to ignore it if you consider it unreasonable.

 

[Fishing68]

With the hobby of old cars being full of so many different sources for parts and cars there is a very wide range of prices one might pay for a type of item. We have all met sellers who want a premium price and those who are just clearing out space and want something gone or off to someone else who can use it.

I have sometimes paid too much for parts (in hindsight- based on seeing it for less later) but also have received great parts for far less than I was willing to pay, sometimes even free. I also often “sell” parts for free or for the shipping cost only. It’s one way I pay the hobby back for what it gives me.

The point I’m trying to make is what is reasonable to one person may not be to another. I understand the point of view that a reasonable offer would be one close to the asking price but ultimately that is also subjective.

Maybe the hobby would become more affordable if all the potential buyers simply offered to sellers what they would pay. Are sellers that afraid of letting the market dictate pricing?

Being offended is a choice- however, I know this is easier said than done- but it’s a healthy and worthy mindset to aspire to.

Sometimes I feel like sellers who post for a “reasonable offers only” are predisposed to both ask too much in the first place or are worried they may end up doubting the value they have in mind for the item.

I’m rambling now…but will close by saying thank you to fabo, the op, and all participants. I found it surprisingly thought provoking and informative diving into the depths of the topic.

 

[273]

I like the attitude that if you receive an offer you don’t like then you are free to turn it down and you can also ignore it if you consider it unreasonable. That is the mature adult way to conduct the situation. To get hot under the collar or offended by an offer is ultimately an emotional reaction that is tantamount to loosing emotional control of yourself.

Wouldn't the mature thing to do is respect seller wishes? if the seller says "reasonable offers only" aka No to all low bidders so you already got a pre answer "NO" from the seller but your like F him and his request and bother him with a low ball bid anyways and figure what's his problem why is he getting upset for me ignoring his wishes cause I low balled him anyways even though I already knew he wasn't interested my offer, just on the slight chance it could benefit Me what a dick for not wanting Me to waste their time when I clearly understood their request.

It takes only a second to read an offer and decide to ignore it if you consider it unreasonable.

It could be hours of dealing with someone, question, pics, seeing it in person, test drives etc.. to only get an offer anyone with 2 brain cells would turn down.

No one is gonna get overly upset about decent offer so you guys are trying to argue for you offering a ridiculously stupidly low amount and figured it shouldn't be looked down on and or get anyone upset, cause of an offer that anyone in their right mind wouldn't entertain unless circumstances beyond seller control forces him to accept such a ridiculous offer. Basically just incase you can take advantage of someone's circumstances. Which there probably it's any if the seller says firm or reasonable offers only etc.. Must go is usually a sign of I'll take what I can get.

 

[Fishing68]

There are people who are not going to be nice to you in the world. There are people who will not do what you ask of them. It’s just a fact. All you can do is make a choice of how you are going to handle yourself in the situation. Will you let them or the situation control your emotions, your actions and get under your skin? or will you be an adult and handle it maturely? Confident in who you are and how you conduct yourself?

 

[273]

With the hobby of old cars being full of so many different sources for parts and cars there is a very wide range of prices one might pay for a type of item. We have all met sellers who want a premium price and those who are just clearing out space and want something gone or off to someone else who can use it.

I have sometimes paid too much for parts (in hindsight- based on seeing it for less later) but also have received great parts for far less than I was willing to pay, sometimes even free. I also often “sell” parts for free or for the shipping cost only. It’s one way I pay the hobby back for what it gives me.

The point I’m trying to make is what is reasonable to one person may not be to another. I understand the point of view that a reasonable offer would be one close to the asking price but ultimately that is also subjective.

Maybe the hobby would become more affordable if all the potential buyers simply offered to sellers what they would pay. Are sellers that afraid of letting the market dictate pricing?

What does that got to do with a sellers request to No to all unreasonable in relation to my asking price or in other words $xx or reasonable offers only.

Being offended is a choice- however, I know this is easier said than done- but it’s a healthy and worthy mindset to aspire to.

Sometimes I feel like sellers who post for a “reasonable offers only” are predisposed to both ask too much in the first place or are worried they may end up doubting the value they have in mind for the item.

Could be but don't change what a seller means by reasonable offers.
Most are strawmanning this convo.

How many sellers do you think mean No to offers under 60% ?
or 70% ?
or 80% ?
etc..

I’m rambling now…but will close by saying thank you to fabo, the op, and all participants. I found it surprisingly thought provoking and informative diving into the depths of the topic.

lol

 

[Kern Dog]

Being offended is a choice-

Uhh, no...it is not.
I don't intend to get pissed off when someone offers way below an asking price, it is a natural response.
Now, how I express myself to that bullshit offer is another thing. If some broke dick offers way below value, he should expect resistance of some type.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I'm not saying you can't, wheel and deal how you like

But as a side note most here seem to be assuming the seller is obviously the ones being unreasonable and all the buyers are only low balling cause they only care about fairness lol

The only time I think a seller is being unreasonable is if they get their little girlie panties on a wad over an offer. Just say no and move on. Getting upset, mad or flying off the handle is just being a jerk. Just refuse the offer. How hard is that? People sell things for less than half their asking price every single day. You don't know unless you ask. If you get upset and bent out of shape over someone's offer, you're the one with the problem.

 

[Fishing68]

I’m just going to put this out there- seems like you have had some personal experiences with buyers wasting your time.

In a case where a seller lists an item for sale with a note indicating ANYTHING about conditions under which they will accept offers- the seller has tipped their cards to buyers that they are willing to go lower.

If a seller doesn’t want to receive offers below a certain amount then they should state the amount below which they will not sell… right?

…well, actually we all know the answer to this question is: NO, that would not serve the seller.

And why is that? Because the seller is playing a cat and mouse game to a degree. The seller does not want to say their bottom number because they want the most they can get.

And the buyer doesn’t want to pay too much. In some cases the buyer may also believe the seller is asking a premium over what most would be willing to pay.

So both the seller and buyer are involved in a game or dance initiated by the seller.

Now if the seller stipulates in the sales listing that any any offers be “reasonable” - it leaves the door open to interpretation and especially in the case of a long standing sales listing is a sign of weakness that some buyers will use to try and exploit. It’s not difficult to see why buyers might try to get fresh and dip their dance partner so to speak.

Don’t like it? Sorry, it’s part of the seller and buyer dance. There are always going to be buyers who lowball. If you don’t want to spend time with a buyer who will lowball you- first realize it’s just part of the nature of the market and second become aware of the signals you are sending buyers. List that you are firm or simply just list the price with no mention of accepting offers for less.

Welcome to the dance

 

[Fishing68]

Yep, being offended is a choice. Unless you don’t think it is- Then you made your choice already and you are subject to being trapped by others manipulating your emotions.

 

[Fishing68]

If a seller has to resort to stating their price is in question in their ad - the sharks will circle and test the seller.

 

[273]

For one I generally don't sale ****, so I'm not getting offended or care if people are or are not low balling people, what gets me is how people can't understand what is meant by "reasonable offers only". It's literally blowing my mind how some can't grasp it, not only that are getting offended and defensive, obviously about their low balling, I just don't get it.

The only time I think a seller is being unreasonable is if they get their little girlie panties on a wad over an offer.

I'm sure some do, but seems more here got their panties wad cause I guess how dare you say anything about low balling.

Just say no and move on.

They did, what do you think reasonable offers only means.

Getting upset, mad or flying off the handle is just being a jerk.

For one this is mainly strawman, I highly doubt everyone fly's off the handle.

Just refuse the offer. How hard is that?

I can say the same thing, just accept they don't want the bullshit offer, probably why they gave a pre no by saying reasonable offers only why is that concept so hard to accept.

People sell things for less than half their asking price every single day. You don't know unless you ask. If you get upset and bent out of shape over someone's offer, you're the one with the problem.

If some says they don't want your bullshit low ball price why you get all bent out of shape about and feel the need to waste their time with it.

Who wants to deal with 5-25+ low ballers a day cause they can't accept reasonable offers only.

And in general Idc if people are being unreasonable to sellers or buyers, but you guy's getting offended about others getting offended for your unwillingness to respect reasonable offers only request and to act like you don't know what they mean by it and make a bunch of strawman scenario's to justify being able to ignore the sellers request is just too much and hilarious lol.

 

[RustyRatRod]

For one I generally don't sale ****, so I'm not getting offended or care if people are or are not low balling people, what gets me is how people can't understand what is meant by "reasonable offers only". It's literally blowing my mind how some can't grasp it, not only that are getting offended and defensive, obviously about their low balling, I just don't get it.

I'm sure some do, but seems more here got their panties wad cause I guess how dare you say anything about low balling.

They did, what do you think reasonable offers only means.

For one this is mainly strawman, I highly doubt everyone fly's off the handle.


I can say the same thing, just accept they don't want the bullshit offer, probably why they gave a pre no by saying reasonable offers only why is that concept so hard to accept.

If some says they don't want your bullshit low ball price why you get all bent out of shape about and feel the need to waste their time with it.

Who wants to deal with 5-25+ low ballers a day cause they can't accept reasonable offers only.

And in general Idc if people are being unreasonable to sellers or buyers, but you guy's getting offended about others getting offended for your unwillingness to respect reasonable offers only request and to act like you don't know what they mean by it and make a bunch of strawman scenario's to justify being able to ignore the sellers request is just too much and hilarious lol.

That's just part of doing business. It always has been.

 

[Fishing68]

If its broken- try another approach

 

[273]

Yep, being offended is a choice. Unless you don’t think it is- Then you made your choice already and you are subject to being trapped by others manipulating your emotions.

How you deal with your emotions is a choice you probably can change your emotional reactions over time but it's more how you deal with it cause in the short term you have little say about your emotional state, but for the most part what proof are people losing their mind over getting low ball offers, sounds like a strawman argument to me.

Your can also control how you respond to others request like reasonable offers only, and most seem to think F your request and time and I'd do what I please cause obviously my needs and wants are more important than yours, and if it bothers you, I gonna get all offended and think your a dick cause how dare you not want to deal with my bullshit offer lol.

 

[Fishing68]

OK. Your right. Everything is fine. Glad we got that all sorted