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Author
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Topic: Posting asking prices with sale threads
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mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 03-08-2016 02:29 PM
   
I’m curious if there is support here for a rule that requires that anyone listing an item for sale must provide their asking price in their initial post. I have seen this enacted on other (non-space) collecting forums and it works surprisingly well, for both sellers and buyers. For buyers, there is no wasted time e-mailing the seller, trying to negotiate a price, only to find out the asking price is high or beyond their budget range. For sellers, it can help them avoid low-ball offers from buyers looking for a bargain. Posting the asking price removes the mystery up front. It doesn't stop sellers or buyers from negotiating (if they choose to do so), but it forces those with unrealistic expectations to be more forthcoming. In the forums where I've seen this rule enacted, the entire experience of buying and selling is so much smoother for everyone involved. I think this rule would be fairly easy to enact, since most sellers are good about posting their prices already. Only those sellers who ask to "e-mail me for the price" posts would be required to change their ways. Would others here be in support of this type of rule? |
Starfighter1
Member Posts: 95
From:
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-08-2016 02:48 PM
I would definitely support this suggestion. This would be a big time saver for everyone involved. |
Steve Zarelli
Member Posts: 731
From: Upstate New York, USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 03-08-2016 02:52 PM
I have seen this policy enacted elsewhere and agree it is a "best practice."Truth be told, whenever I see items listed with "inquire for price," I assume the asking price is unrealistically high and I won't bother. If an item priced to move, why would a seller not disclose price up front? |
rgarner
Member Posts: 1193
From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 03-08-2016 03:32 PM
I completely agree. Nine times out of 10 whenever I email asking for a price it is usually very inflated, and it is a waste of time! |
mach3valkyrie
Member Posts: 719
From: Albany, Oregon
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 03-08-2016 03:42 PM
It makes good sense to me and I would be in favor of it. |
cfreeze79
Member Posts: 455
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-08-2016 03:51 PM
YES YES YES! And it is long overdue... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42987
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-08-2016 03:59 PM
I have no problem supporting this rule, if that is what members want. |
pupnik
Member Posts: 114
From: Maryland
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 03-08-2016 04:07 PM
I like it. I don't think I've ever followed up on a listing that has no price except in rare cases (like when someone is selling 100+ items and can provide that list/prices via email). |
gareth89
Member Posts: 298
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014
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posted 03-08-2016 04:40 PM
I'm definitely in favour, it'd make life a whole bunch easier! |
SpaceCadet1983
Member Posts: 227
From: United States
Registered: May 2012
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posted 03-08-2016 05:30 PM
I support the idea. |
Panther494
Member Posts: 402
From: London UK
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 03-08-2016 05:37 PM
Yes please, would make things a lot easier and smoother. |
Lunar rock nut
Member Posts: 911
From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A.
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 03-08-2016 05:38 PM
100% Behind this proposal! |
Skythings
Member Posts: 243
From:
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 03-08-2016 05:55 PM
Completely support this proposal. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1397
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 03-08-2016 06:01 PM
Same here... but to be fair, there are some great members who already do that (and many of us know who they are) and are upfront with their asking prices. Others who are not should at least say "best offer over xxx." |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-08-2016 06:17 PM
Posting the asking price along with details of the items for sale seems like no brainer common sense to me. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-08-2016 06:21 PM
In some instances the parties involved in a transaction may wish to keep sale price confidential... |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 03-08-2016 06:38 PM
Support. |
cycleroadie
Member Posts: 452
From: Apalachin, NY USA
Registered: May 2011
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posted 03-08-2016 06:49 PM
Thank you for saying it !! Most of us have been thinking it, I support it. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 03-08-2016 07:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceAholic:
In some instances the parties involved in a transaction may wish to keep sale price confidential...
There would be no requirement to post what the final negotiated sale price is, so buyers and sellers are protected that way. Plus, there is no requirement that buyers be identified.However, for the sake of an even playing field, I believe the original asking price should be made public. It would be a small concession to use what is otherwise a free forum. For sellers seeking greater anonymity or confidentiality, there are other avenues out there for selling. |
ramedog
Member Posts: 37
From: Overland Park KS USA
Registered: Feb 2014
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posted 03-08-2016 07:05 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceAholic:
In some instances the parties involved in a transaction may wish to keep sale price confidential...
I agree that there may be cases where people don't want to disclose the sale price — I can't see where this would apply to me but at least listing an ask with OBO. This way people won't necessarily know the sale price but would give me an idea if I'm anywhere near the ballpark before feeling like a dope and asking only to realize that I'm off by a zero (or more). |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 03-08-2016 07:28 PM
This has been the most annoying part of looking to buy something here. Nobody seems to want to post a price. I had long assumed that I was alone with being annoyed by this, and I'm glad to see so many responses in support of it. |
jonspace
Member Posts: 169
From:
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 03-08-2016 07:44 PM
I support this idea! |
Jurg Bolli
Member Posts: 977
From: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-08-2016 08:13 PM
I support this idea as well. This makes life a lot easier, then we know what we are dealing with.
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jtheoret
Member Posts: 344
From: Albuquerque, NM USA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 03-08-2016 11:03 PM
I support posting prices. I do and appreciate when others do as well. |
phivosh
Member Posts: 34
From: Nicosia, Cyprus
Registered: Sep 2015
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posted 03-09-2016 12:29 AM
I think that when one wants to sell something, the first thing he/she should do is name the price for it. From my own experience, most listings (most anywhere) with no asking price are an invitation to an undisclosed bidding war. |
rgarner
Member Posts: 1193
From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 03-09-2016 03:13 AM
In all, it looks as though the vote here is unanimous. Prices should be listed. If anyone doesn't want to disclose the price in the first place it tells me they're asking too high a price. This will also allow for a better understanding of market value. |
Chuckster01
Member Posts: 873
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 03-09-2016 04:58 AM
Personally I find I purchase most of the items I inquire on with the price posted in the listing (if not sold before my email arrives). It is rare that I purchase items with the price not listed as the price is usually higher then I believe the item to be worth. So I do vote for the listing of prices. |
jimsz
Member Posts: 616
From:
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 03-09-2016 06:27 AM
I support this. I never respond to ads for an item to sell without a price listed. If the seller really wants to make a fair sale, they will list the price. |
cfreeze79
Member Posts: 455
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 03-09-2016 08:17 AM
At the risks of causing "thread drift" — my gripe is, when I ask "What do ya want for it?" I, 99 times out of 100, get a "I don't know, what will you give me for it?" and I am now bidding against myself (and I have no qualms about low-balling because, hey, I like a deal too!).I hope this policy, if/when implemented, cuts down on some of the grief and unnecessary back-and-forth. The key word, of course, is "hope." I look forward to seeing the resulting streamline! |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 03-09-2016 08:17 AM
Price upfront - good idea. |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 03-09-2016 08:32 AM
Support.  |
cal10pilot
Member Posts: 76
From: Denver, Colorado
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 03-09-2016 08:59 AM
I for one won't agree to post prices, simply because prices change rapidly. If you are interested, ask. If you aren't, don't. This isn't difficult. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42987
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-09-2016 09:05 AM
The majority seem to be in favor of the proposed rule so, barring a sudden influx of objections, I suggest we begin a trial period. Beginning today, new "for sale" posts that omit an asking price will be asked to add one or will be removed.As always, please leave the moderation to me. If you see a post that doesn't meet the requirement, please email me and I'll address it with the seller. (If this becomes too time consuming, I may appoint a second moderator for this forum.) |
fredtrav
Member Posts: 1673
From: Birmingham AL
Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 03-09-2016 10:01 AM
Thanks Robert. This is a good idea. I might add one piece of advice, for those who are new or do not know the price to ask, that person can always post to the Opinions and Advice forum. |
DSeuss5490
Member Posts: 299
From: Columbus, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 03-09-2016 11:18 AM
I would agree that prices change rapidly, but this is not a setting where you would have to wait for more than a few hours for a legitimate response or sale from a potential buyer. I have seen where desirable or competitively priced items sell within minutes and have missed out many times. Clearly, if an item is overpriced the response, or lack thereof, would indicate a problem with the asking price. It is always evident when a seller is serious, and realistic, when reductions in price are forthcoming. I have purchased many items over the years from collectSPACE members, but never from one who did not initially post an asking price. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-09-2016 11:24 AM
Making it prescriptive to state price up front will further disincentive some potential sellers who are interested in securing best return from listing to this forum and instead drive them to alternative venues/auction - my default position under the new policy. |
rgarner
Member Posts: 1193
From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 03-09-2016 11:47 AM
The only sellers this will disincentivise are the ones whom have inflated asking prices. And frankly, that is a good thing. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 03-09-2016 12:33 PM
quote:
Originally posted by cal10pilot:
I for one won't agree to post prices, simply because prices change rapidly. If you are interested, ask. If you aren't, don't.
This isn't the stock market, where the value of the item changes throughout the day. Generally, an item will sell within a few days of being advertised, if it's going to sell at all. Prices shouldn't really change in that time period. However, if you post prices that you feel are no longer correct, you have the freedom to edit or amend your post(s) accordingly. Unfortunately, with some sellers, unpublished prices seem to "change rapidly" according to how many potential buyers respond. That is what this rule is designed to help avoid. |
Steve Zarelli
Member Posts: 731
From: Upstate New York, USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 03-09-2016 01:21 PM
Let's speak plainly — some sellers don't want to list a firm price because they would prefer to entertain private offers where potential buyers drive the price up against each other. If the offers go high enough, the seller has the option to sell it. If not, decline all offers and try again another day.Also, this allows the seller to try to obtain top-of-market pricing without any transparency or those pesky auction fees. Some would call this wanting to have your cake and eat it too. |
fredtrav
Member Posts: 1673
From: Birmingham AL
Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 03-09-2016 01:23 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SpaceAholic:
...instead drive them to alternative venues/auction - my default position under the new policy.
I don't understand your position here. I have seen you list numerous items and I do not recall you listing them without a price. Since you already list them with prices, why would this change in policy cause you to go elsewhere? Since you list a price, how is this disincentivising you from realizing your best price? |
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