So who

[thecatspajamas]

To give a seller's perspective, I personally get annoyed with offers on AUCTION items mainly because at any given time I have several thousand FIXED PRICE / BEST OFFER listings and obviously know how to use the Best Offer function. If I wanted to take offers, or add a Buy It Now price to the listing, I would.

Personal annoyance aside though, when I get offers or requests for a Buy It Now price on an Auction item, I send back a "thank you for your interest, but no" message and politely explain that I have a policy to never end an Auction early to sell the item outright.

When it comes to taking Best Offers on Fixed Price items, the offers of 10% of my asking price are somewhat annoying, but I typically respond to those with what I feel to be a reasonable counteroffer. I feel there is a bit of etiquette with making Best Offers, but realize that everyone may not feel the same way. The ones that really push my buttons though are when the offerer makes a lowball offer and also includes an explanation along the lines of 1) I really don't need it, but will take it off your hands for this amount 2) it's a gift for whoever, so please take my offer 3) make a big deal about the condition of the item but that they could use a filler copy until they can find one in decent condition, etc. 4) I'm going to be making (lowball) offers on a lot of your items so hopefully you will take them all.

My favorite was a buyer who offered $5 for some small toys that I had priced at $50. I countered something like $40 or $45, and they sent back the same $5 offer saying "Take the offer. I'm just going to put them in a candy dish on my coffee table." I declined and informed them that what they did with the items didn't enter into the equation. I also asked if, by their logic, if they intended to throw the items in the trash upon receipt, should I just give the toys to them for free?

My philosophy is that sure, lowball offers are annoying, but I don't have to take them. Don't insult my intelligence and expect me to still do business with you though.