Listings in the For Sale threads

[Mart61]

Ok, maybe it's just me. I have used for several years a photographic forum that has the following amongst its rules for listings in their For Sale forum:

"Every single item must contain an asking price and be adequately described. Items discovered without asking price will be immediately removed"

I must confess I agree with this rule. Whilst I can accept that every seller wants to get the most for their items, and every buyer wants to get the most for thier money, I for one would be very reluctant to get involved in any listing that says "Make me an offer".

Is it just me or do others feel the same? Why do sellers just not state a price they are after and make it easier for all concerned, without the need to get into "horse trading"?

Rant over...

[matt27]

i would agree with this
it makes it far easier for both sides
both know what the price is then
makes sense

[Smoothound]

Doesn't bother me at all.

I sometimes list with a price and sometimes with a make an offer or is there any interest in this item before I ebay it.

Makes no odds to me. If you are interested in an item you are interested whatever the listing says and can send a PM.

[Mike W]

it only takes 2 minutes to make someone an offer .. all they can say is yes or no .. No biggie ....

[Made2Fade]

Depends if you know what price you want or not... some people genuinely might not have a clue how much its worth. Asking for offers allows them to have a number of potential buyers instead of one.

Cheers
Lee

[Mart61]

I guess it is, in general terms, just me then.

[Made2Fade]

I guess it is, in general terms, just me then.

Id be lying if i said it didnt bug me sometimes. Im guessing alot of people would be the same TBH. But again some people genuinely dont know what to ask for/what its worth or are worried people jump down their throats (which im seeing alot more of on here lately) about how much they are asking for. We have to remember items are worth whatever people will pay for them... simple as that really. If you dont want to buy something then dont respond to the thread. As long as potential buyers are made fully aware of what your selling and any potential issues with it.

Cheers
Lee

[Smoothound]

At the end of the day as long as the item is well described, known issues noted etc. the price is really just between the buyer and seller so can be negotiated via PM unless the seller is sure about his price required.

[sacko]

I was going to say something before, but being new to the forum I didnt bother.

Not stating a price is a waste of time, it puts people off as people dont know whether to off a low price and be a bit cheeky or kick themselves for offering too much.

At the end of the day, you wouldnt put a house up for sale without a guide price, you wouldnt expect to go to your local LHS and not have any prices.

Personally stating a price would make me much more comfortable in buying items which is always a good thing if you are a seller surely?

If sellers dont know what it is worth, then they should research into as it is their item for sale, make an effort.

So...Well said!

[Si Goodchild]

I'd much rather have a starting price offered by the seller. Appeals to my English reserve and my love of seeking out a bargain!

[Made2Fade]

I was going to say something before, but being new to the forum I didnt bother.

See your thinking now... well done! Like me lately.

Cheers
Lee

[sacko]

Well I wouldnt normally hold back to be honest, and I dont see why being new to the forum should, but somethings just arent worth the hassle

[Made2Fade]

As long as potential buyers are made fully aware of what your selling and any potential issues with it.

Cheers
Lee

Thats the main issue i have.

Prices can be discussed... hell u even get discount in some shops if you open your mouth. The diffrence being you have warranty with a shop purchase and none second hand. This should always be reflected in the price mind IMO.

Cheers
Lee

[Mikee]

I tend to be a casual buyer.. if it's offered at a price.. that I can relate to then I'll buy it, even If I have no real need for it at that time. If I need to think about it or pm a offer then chances are I would'nt bother or buy it

Mikee

[Hunders]

I agree. Every other forum that I am a member on that has a for sale section operates that way.