Excellent point, Rob !
I agree.
Nevertheless, I do understand Stewart's point and concern too.
We don't always want to feel as on a bazaar ... Oops, may I even say that nowadays, in these crazy times with terror all over the world ?
( My sincere and honest regards to Peter M., Darren and to Jan, at this occasion, thinking about the latest news from CPH and that the craziness has now even reached beautiful Denmark :-/ ..... )

It is, definitely, a matter of WHO we deal with ... and then we can act this way or another, or as you said, do the "dance".
I guess many of us will be this way ... It depends on WHO asks you about a price, a "best" price.
OK, let's leave away the term "best", because it usually sounds so "bazaaresque", if I may use this just created word....
But if somebody I know, or, even better , have dealt with before, asks me about my best offer, I wouldn't feel offended in a way at all ...while if some strange dude just asks me the same question ... I'd most probably react differently.
My humble 2 cents ...

I better stop. News have made me too sensitive today .... Terror and warnings about it ... canceling Carnevale celebration in cities in fear of terror .... people being more and more crazy everywhere we look .... not easy to handle these days.
But life goes on .... And we have Jeff's OTD ; have people we've met here and appreciate knowing ... keeping in touch, across borders and oceans.
So it's good to know there are still some fine folks out there. :-)
Cheers !

Excuse me if I got too off-topic here partly ....
Best regards to all true collectors and Heueristi,
Olaf

: For me it depends on who I am dealing with.

: Example, If I am buying a watch from Stewart (all around good guy)
: I do not want to waste his time in any way or low ball or play
: games.

: If the listing reads $5000 OBO, I would rather say "Stewart,
: what is the best price?"
: which I will take or leave. No slightly lower counter offer. No
: offense either way.

: This avoids the dance. I trust Stewart to give me the OBO.

: If the listing reads $5000 FIRM, then it is take it or leave it.

: Another great reason to deal with those you trust.

: Cheers

: Rob