Repair-It

So... this isn't exactly new, but it is the first time I tried it out. It is the Make an offer option on some eBay auction/buy it now listings.

I needed a TV stand because my sister and brother-in-law gave me their old TV, but I don't want to mount it on the wall. They didn't have the stand anymore. The TV is kind of old and the part isn't available anymore. I found a couple on eBay for $50-$100.

On one of the $50 listings I entered $30 as an offer, they came back with 35, and I accepted. Pretty easy. Kind of like Craigslist, except without rusty knives in back alleys... And all of the buyer protection of eBay.

I think I like this non-confrontational haggling.

I actually was just talking about this. I bought a vintage (from my childhood) remote control car to repair one that I'd like to put back into service to use with Ian. It was $100 buy it now or best offer. I just clicked Buy it Now out of habit because that's the only way I really believe in eBay anymore. But after I bought it, I was like...oh, I could have made an offer.

Which led me to a train of thought just like what you said. For making an offer, you put in what you'd like to pay. Which is what an auction is supposed to be. Except it is way smoother and less BS. So I will have to try that. I regret not trying it on the car but I've seen them for way more than $100 in worse shape so I figured it was worth it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REMOTE-CONTROL- ... 2215888538?

Side note: this was about $100 when I was in 6th grade. It is a good car and I've done some upgrades on mine. Mostly mine just needs new rear tires but now I have all these spare parts, too.

For making an offer, you put in what you'd like to pay.

Maybe a little less than the most you are willing to pay because then they counter offer, but yeah basically.

This is how I got the Riviera. Also, the counter offer can contain terms rather than a different number. You are also able to add terms to your offer. Less useful for buying a remote control car, but more useful for cars.