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Original poster

Quick idiot's guide question about eBay!

6 replies

CockleburIck · 07/02/2019 10:10

I've noticed over the last year or so there is a "best offer" option for normal auctions, (not just BIN) but there's no built in facility for this like the "Make Offer" button on a BIN listing.
So how and when do I make an offer? Seems a bit messy sending the seller a written message and having to find the contact section first.
Also how much would you offer in these circs? Less than the opening bid, or a bit more to end the auction early?

The thing I like is soon going to end with no bids yet, so I don't want to offer more than starting bid if I can get it for that!

Thanks

OP posts:
GiveMeStrength2day · 07/02/2019 10:20

I think I'm right in saying that if the seller doesn't want a Best Offer option then they won't select one to be available. I have made a Best Offer on such items though and the seller has only been willing to drop the price by 10p!

Original poster
CockleburIck · 07/02/2019 10:27

Thanks, Give

10p? Great saving!

You just send an ordinary message to the buyer to make the offer, though? Seems a bit unofficial.
The Make Offer in BIN is easy and automated.

OP posts:
fatoneatthegym · 07/02/2019 10:27

If you can't find an actual button saying make offer, then the seller isn't accepting offers.

As a seller, my prices are as advertised. I hate it when people send me messages asking me to drop the price. The answer is no! I don't use the best offer/make offer thing because I don't want people haggling with me.

Having said that, with people who do allow best offers on auctions, I think you're supposed to offer something above the starting price. I've seen several posts on here from people complaining about being sent offers below as they find it annoying.

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fatoneatthegym · 07/02/2019 10:29

You just send an ordinary message to the buyer to make the offer, though? Seems a bit unofficial. The Make Offer in BIN is easy and automated.

No. If there isn't a best offer button, then don't contact the seller at all sellers find it annoying.

Original poster
CockleburIck · 07/02/2019 10:32

But fat it says "or best offer" under the starting bid price? I wouldn't offer otherwise. There's no offer button.

OP posts:
outpinked · 07/02/2019 10:42

You can remove the option of best offers from an auction when you create the listing so if a seller has the option chances are they don’t mind offers. I think it prevents the incessant messages from people asking if the seller has a buy it now/would they accept x amount (always been annoying).

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