No. I'm not selling anything.. but wanted to discuss this question. :0)

We all seek watches, trade them, hunt them, and occasionally sell them. Many would agree that the hunt is a good part of the fun.. then when you've found said watch, it gets down to the business end, and a nice little bit of negotiation can also be fun.

It wasn't that long ago that someone would advertise a watch for sale, lets say at $3000. Then people would contact the seller, and propose an offer.. something along the lines of "Hi X, I've been after one of these for some time.. yours is a lovely example. Would you be interested of an offer of $2500?".
Obviously every possible transaction is unique.. but on the whole, the reply to that offer may be "Hi Y, thanks for your offer", then usually followed by one of the following: "Lets split the difference, and call it $2750?" or "Sorry no, that's too low" or "Yes, I'd be happy with that" or "Sorry, that's a little too low, I'd go to $2850". You can see where I'm going - it's a nice little conversation, where you get to have a little banter about the watch, the price, and along the way build up a little rapport. In essence, the buyer makes the seller an offer, and hopefully some common ground it met.

Now it seems that a new way of doing it is becoming more and more common.. where the potential buyer wants the seller to make them an offer.
So.. the seller receives an email that goes a little like this "Hi, what's your best price?". I don't like this much.. maybe it's just me, maybe others think it's ok. Essentially there is nothing wrong with it, but it seems to have an edge to it, it appears less friendly than the old way. Funny thing is.. I've even found myself starting to do it, but only when contacting a dealer, and I try to be more pleasant about it.

I feel that it's a strange question to ask.. because, lets be silly for a minute.. if I'm selling a watch at $3000.. and the question is "What's the best price?".. well, that's simple.. my best price would be $10,000. That would really make my day!! Yes, that's silly.. but it illustrates the point. My best price, being sensible would be $3000. I know I'm being a little facetious , but it's kinda true. Essentially what is happening is that the 'offer making' has been reversed.. now the seller has to second-guess the possible buyer, and make them an offer of what they think they would pay - it's all a bit strange.

Is it just me? What's your best answer? ;0)

Stewart
Heuerville