What’s your lowest price?
The frustration with Facebook Marketplace lowballers.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace can sometimes feel like the Wild West, especially when you’re trying to offload a big-ticket item like a car. Picture this: you receive a message and get all excited about a potential sale, only to see the dreaded “what’s your lowest price?” message. It’s frustrating because it feels like the buyer is setting you up to negotiate against yourself right from the start.
Lowball offers
Starting a conversation with a low offer is tricky territory. When you’re hoping to get a fair price for your car, say $20k, an opening lowball can throw you off balance. If you’re just looking to get rid of the vehicle and don’t care about the price, you might be tempted to toss out a figure like 15k. But be wary—this often sets a baseline for further negotiations, and you’ll most probably find the buyer pushing for an even lower price.
On the flip side, if you’ve priced your car a bit higher with the expectation of negotiating, an initial lowball offer can still be frustrating. It can make you feel like you’re on the defensive from the get-go.
Turning the tables
Instead of getting flustered, try flipping the script. Respond with, “What’s your highest price?” and see where the conversation goes. For a bit of fun and strategy, you could also counter with a higher number, say $25k, and gauge their reaction. This not only shifts the dynamic but also gives you a sense of whether the buyer is genuinely interested or just fishing for a desperate seller.
The problem of selling cars
Selling high-ticket items on Marketplace is not easy. You can invest a lot of time and effort into negotiations, only for the buyer to vanish without a trace. This is where moving the conversation off-platform can be beneficial. Arrange to meet in person or at least have a phone conversation. This adds a layer of commitment and reduces the anonymity that often leads to ghosting.
Serial lowballers
It’s also worth noting that the person asking for your lowest price has probably sent the same message to numerous other sellers. They’re on the lookout for a desperate deal, often with the intent to flip the car for a higher price later. Being aware of this can save you time and frustration.
What we think
Selling a car on Facebook Marketplace requires patience, strategy, and a bit of psychological insight. By staying calm, turning the tables on lowballers, and moving conversations off-platform, you can increase your chances of finding a genuine buyer and getting a fair price.
Do you have any tips or funny stories about selling on Marketplace? Share them in the comments below! 🚗💬
