If I see something I want and there's an option for an offer, I'll usually offer at least close to the VCP average (what I consider current market value). However, if that means it's less than 50% of the asking price, I'll usually stay away so as not to offend the seller. I can only remember once or twice (out of probably hundreds) that an offer close to 50% of the asking price was accepted, so it's not unheard of, but quite rare.
It's also happened more times than I can remember, as it has to many of you, that my offer is completely ignored or countered at 95% or higher of the asking price, and that's when I'm thinking why the heck did you even bother with the best offer option?
