eBay : Best Offer : What's the point?

[90GTVert]

Lately I've been using the Best Offer on Buy It Now / Best Offer listings on eBay. So far, zero success...

One listing was up for $19.99. It was a good price for the item, but I thought maybe I can save a buck... the Best Offer must be there for a reason. I offered $18.99 and it was refused.

Another item was $40, and ending very soon. Since it's not a bid item, it's doubtful it would sell I assume. I offered $30. The seller returned a counter offer of $39. I set a counter-counteroffer of $1 then. lol

If the seller wants within $1 of the Buy It Now price, WTF is the point of even having Best Offer? Even a dollar less is good, but if I don't really need the item, sending a counter offer within $1 of a $40 item that's about to go unsold just guarantees I won't buy it. If it was already a great deal I wouldn't have sent an offer.

Anyone else have this experience, or do I just pick the wrong sellers?

[2strokd]

I havet messed with tit much yet. I dont blame you though. Whats the point right?

[shakerdriver]

I've had a few experiences like yours with no luck. And i don't understand the reasoning behind the best offer option.

[lshigham]

You can get some good bargains with the best offer feature, but I find you're more likely to get a good amount off when buying multiples or expensive items.

[stepthrutuner]

I think I've purchased a couple of items through b/o but my offers were within 10% or less of the "buy it now" price.

[dr1445]

i got some bicycle parts that way, but i have not bid on any scooter stuff with best offer..

[sidthesloth]

It is not a bad thing, I bought a towbar for my car from a dealer's warehouse, they wanted $325, I offered $260, he counter offered $300 (which was what I wanted to pay), both happy. I did end up buying more bits from him, came to a little over $800.
When I bought a cylinder kit for my scooter a couple of weeks ago, yet to fit it, he wanted $129.95, I offered $115, he counter offered $128.95, I offered $120 and he accepted. I think with that system, you need a sense of humour and a little cheek, it is all about bargaining. I like the idea of being able to haggle the price, even if you don't get much off the price, it is good to get something off.

[mechanical1990]

I have had some decent experiences with the best offer function, usually my offer is accepted