What Is a Best Offer? A Beginner's Guide

Definition and context

The term Best Offer refers to an option commonly provided on online marketplaces, classified sites, and in person-to-person sales that allows buyers to submit a proposed price to a seller for an item listed at a fixed or 'Buy It Now' price. Instead of being restricted to paying the listed price, a buyer can suggest an alternate amount and wait for the seller to either accept the offer, decline it, or respond with a counter-offer. This feature brings a controlled, trackable layer of bargaining to modern e-commerce.

Where you see it

Best Offer is most frequently associated with platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and various classified ad sites, though the exact implementation and rules vary by marketplace. Some shops on Etsy or independent online stores may also manually accept offers through messaging or a dedicated 'make an offer' button.

How it works — a simple example

Imagine a seller lists a vintage jacket for $80 and enables Best Offer. A buyer submits an offer for $55. The seller receives the offer and has three main options: accept the $55, decline it, or send a counter-offer — perhaps $70. The buyer can then accept the counter-offer, decline it, or propose another amount. Many platforms impose time limits on how long an offer remains open and sometimes allow automatic rejections for offers below a seller-set minimum.

Benefits of using Best Offer

• Flexibility: Buyers who might otherwise walk away can engage, increasing the chance of a sale.
• Price discovery: Sellers can learn what buyers are willing to pay and adjust pricing strategy over time.
• Improves conversion: Offering negotiation can convert hesitant shoppers into buyers without permanently lowering a public price.
• Perceived value: Sellers may sell items at different prices to different buyers while keeping the listed price visible to others.

Considerations and limitations

Not every product or platform is suited to Best Offer. High-volume commodity items with tight margins may not tolerate negotiation. Some marketplaces limit Best Offer functionality for certain categories or require sellers to set minimum acceptable offers to avoid unreasonable lowballing. Additionally, sellers should account for shipping costs, platform fees, and taxes when considering offers.

Etiquette and best practices for beginners

Buyers should be realistic and polite when submitting offers. An extremely low offer can offend a seller and reduce the chance of a productive negotiation. Sellers should respond promptly and courteously; ignoring offers often causes missed opportunities. Use counter-offers strategically rather than responding emotionally.

When Best Offer is especially useful

Best Offer works well for unique items (vintage goods, collectibles), bundled lots, seasonal inventory, and when testing demand for a new product. It can also be useful in clearing slow-moving stock or when a seller needs to free up space quickly.

Quick checklist for beginners

• Buyers: Research similar listings first, make a reasonable offer, and be ready to negotiate.
• Sellers: Set a realistic minimum and response window, track offers, and factor fees and shipping into decisions.
• Both: Keep communication clear and professional, and adhere to the platform's terms of service.

Wrap-up



Best Offer is a practical, approachable tool that introduces negotiation into online commerce while keeping interactions structured and trackable. For beginners, it opens more opportunities to buy at a reduced price or to sell more flexibly. The key is to be reasonable, understand costs, and use the feature thoughtfully to create win-win outcomes.