BST Gripe

[mintacular]

Some people don't know what a card is worth and so the "best offer" option allows them to guage what that # it might be...If they get offers of $100, 200, 300, etc. they can atleast get a ballpark figure. Pre-war cards don't tend to have a long paper trail and so oftentimes this is the only way to go. To assume these folks aren't trying to actually sell is just that, an assumption...

[novakjr]

Patrick, you're spot on. They definitely belong in the BST, and there's nothing wrong with it. Sometimes the listings aren't necessarily intended to sell, and other times they are. Either way, the cards either aren't for sale, or are an auction. And rightfully belong in the auction section, or their own "make offers" section.

[HRBAKER]

I have always thought that most of the type of listings we are talking about were from fairly savvy collectors/sellers. Some cards are thinly traded for sure.

[Fred]

I figure if someone asks for an offer and doesn't provide a price then they shouldn't be annoyed if the low ball offers come in.

[sportscardpete]

Originally Posted by Fred

I figure if someone asks for an offer and doesn't provide a price then they shouldn't be annoyed if the low ball offers come in.

That's true too. Or they shouldn't be mad if we ask for a ball park (which hasn't happened to me).

[T206Collector]

I sometimes will do "make me an offer" posts. It helps me gauge interest in an item and identify potential buyers. That allows me to have a constructive dialogue, particularly when I fear that my price would be too high to even spur an offer.

[bbcard1]

The last time I made an offer, it was deemed offensive. And I am not a very offensive type of guy. Generally.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by novakjr

A "taking offers" section would be a nice thought to add to the BST, since the listed items aren't necessarily for sale. Only potentially for sale.

I feel the same way as the OP. I like David’s idea about having a separate “taking offers” section.

Originally Posted by mintacular

Some people don't know what a card is worth and so the "best offer" option allows them to guage what that # it might be.

I disagree. Unless the card just fell into their lap, they know what they paid for it and that should at least get the seller in the ballpark of what to ask for the card.

[xdrx]

There's always the simplistic selling approach of listing at a healthy price you'd be thrilled with but is almost certainly too high, then saying "OBO". You've effectively gotten around the gripe concerning "make me an offer" threads. No one seems to care about OBO listings.

[HercDriver]

The "make me an offer" posts are really auctions with hidden reserves. I don't think there's a fundamental problem with them, although I avoid them personally. I think if they were on the auction page, I'd be more inclined to "bid" on the card. People understand reserves and accept them...while the "make me an offer" turns many off. Just call it what it is...

Take Care,
Geno