So, if you’ve recently been on eBay as a buyer, you may have noticed a lot more “Buy it Now” listings versus the usual auction-style listings. This is because eBay made changes at the beginning of May 2015 to encourage sellers to list their items as what is known as a fixed price listing, which translates to the “Buy it Now” option for buyers. There will be a lot less of the auction-style listings going forward in most item categories, so there will be less bidding wars and more items selling at any time during the item’s listing period.
That leads me into telling you about eBay’s and buyer’s secret weapon: the “Make Offer” option! A relatively newer feature, it has taken a little getting used to as a seller and as a buyer. The more and more I think about it, and use it, the more I like it! What is it, you ask? Ebay’s description is as follows:
With “Best Offer,” you can offer to purchase a Buy It Now item at the price you suggest. The seller can accept your offer, reject it, or make a counteroffer.
As a buyer, this is an amazing tool to use. No, it doesn’t always get you the price you want because a seller has a certain amount they must get to make any profit, but it does sometimes add a little negotiation room to your purchase.
Let me tell you how this works, it’s super easy!
First, find the item you want. Simple enough, right? Is it a “Buy it Now” item? If so, does it have a “or Best Offer” option underneath the price? Yes? Perfect! You have options here!
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You can choose to watch it (there’s an actual “watch item” button you click on) if you are not ready to make the purchase, but this means you run the risk of someone else snatching it up before it ends and before you decide to buy. If the item you are watching sells, you will be notified, as well as when the item is close to ending.
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If it is a really good price and you are satisfied with it, you can buy it right then and there. No muss, No fuss!
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If the price is OK, but you really want it for less, click on the “Make Offer” button and send your suggested price. If you have any special terms, you can add a message, too.
If you decide to go with option three, your offer is sent to the seller for their response. They have the option to accept offer, decline offer or send you a counteroffer.
Note: When the seller is listing an item, they have the ability to put in a minimum price they are willing to accept; the buyer does not see this amount. If you suggest anything lower than their minimum, it will give you a declined offer message instantly; the seller does not receive a notification for this offer. However, not all sellers use this option. In this case, you will need to wait for a response back from them. They have 48 hours to reply before the offer expires. Regardless if the minimum is met, or if the seller declines or counteroffers, you only have three chances to make an offer, so use them carefully.
Remember, if you don’t use the instant “Buy it Now” option, someone could swoop in and buy it during your negotiations.
Don’t be afraid to use the “Make Offer” option! If the seller has opted to use this in their listing, then they are open to a reasonable offer. The “Make Offer” is a great tool, so definitely use it! Most sellers are OK with a little negotiation to find a win-win sale.
Important: If the seller accepts your offer, please be courteous and pay ASAP. Most sellers will get your package in the mail within one-two business days for a fast transaction. 
So, do you have any questions? Easy peasy, right? Have you used the “Make Offer” option as a buyer or seller yet? What advice do you have for those new to the idea?
