How to Handle a Lowball Offer

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

While it feels really good to rage about a lowball offer, shame the buyer in an Instagram post, or have a full-on Twitter meltdown...it really isn't going to change the fact that you were lowballed.

I drafted this topic in mind with Poshmark, but it really relates to just about every selling platform and, in general, when someone undermines your overall worth.  No matter how or why it's happening, it's frustrating.  Immediately, we link this to mean the buyer has a lack of respect for us and the items we sell...but, why?

I'm cheap.  I will always work my way towards finding the bootleg version to literally anything, if I can.  Or, I just won't buy it.  I understand why someone would want to just see what would happen if they submit a ridiculously low offer -- maybe the heavens will open and they will snag an incredible deal. Of course, there are those people who send offers and then never pay, but this isn't about those types of people.

Buyers are trying to get the best deal possible.  On the flip side, as resellers, we are trying to make the most money possible.  It's a simple transaction and I'm sure basic economics but I don't understand economics because I hated that class and teacher in high school.  [Don't go there, Jen, you passed remember?  At least you passed!]

Instead of withering into a puddle of frustration, remember these options are available to you:

Counteroffer
I know - so simple it sounds unbelievable.  First off, offers are assumed to help in the algorithm (both on eBay and Poshmark).  It's really tempting to send back the full asking price, but try sending a tempting offer.  I tend not to send my absolute final amount on a super lowball.  Why?  Because there is a greater chance they will counter with something lower.  I like looking flexible and willing to make a sale.  I've had buyers decline who came back hours or days later and offered my last counteroffer.

Decline
If you're really that peeved off, you can decline.  While (once again) this may affect the algorithm, it is your business and you have every right to decline.  You are closing yourself off for a potential sale, but it's 100% up to you.

Screenshotting the offer and texting your friends the details
I'm way more a fan of this one rather than posting it on social media.  Why?  Because you never know if that buyer has social media and follows you or the Poshmark hashtag.  Is it worth it to look like an asshole?  I mean, I guess this choice is up to you, but when someone offers you $10 on a $100 item and you start raging...you kind of look like a nutter, even though you're justified.  People who don't know you may read into your public temper tantrum.  It can affect the way potential buyers see you and your brand.

Sharing a sign from your closet
Why not?  I have a sign that mentions my deals on bundles.  If I feel like the initial offer is way to low and not very likely to make a sale, I might as well get my direct shares up.  This only worked for me twice where the lowballer cancelled their offer and bundled more than one item.  The offer the second time around was better off and I made two sales I wouldn't have if I declined.

***

Look, I get it.  Sourcing, measuring, photographing, and listing is grueling.  We want to be paid fairly.  But it ain't strengthening your mental game to go into overdrive on a crappy offer.  The buyer isn't insulting you -- they're trying to get something for as cheap as humanly possible. They'll most likely fail, but it is not a personal attack on you.  Remember, they liked your item enough to want to make an offer in the first place.

Stay strong, fellow resellers!


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