A fair deal starts with a fair offer, but when you’re on Craigslist, thatās not always the case. If youāve ever tried selling something online, you know the frustration of lowball offers those ridiculously low prices that just donāt do your item justice. Trust me, Iāve been there, and it can be downright frustrating. But hereās the good news: You donāt have to just settle for them. When you’re looking to turn that low offer into a better deal or politely decline without wasting your time, this guide has got you covered.
In this article, Iāll walk you through smart, effective, and even humorous ways to respond to lowballers, helping you handle them with confidence and get the deal you deserve!
1. Thanks for your offer, but Iām firm on the price.
Story:
Sarah listed her old furniture on Craigslist. Tom sent her a message offering a much lower price than her asking amount. Sarah decided to stay firm on her price since she knew it was fair for the quality.
When to Use:
Use this response when you’re confident that your price is already reasonable or youāre unwilling to go lower. It shows that you’re firm and not easily swayed by lower offers.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this response if you’re willing to negotiate a little. It can come off as rigid if you’re open to some flexibility.
Example:
Tom: Would you take $100 for this couch?
Sarah: Thanks for your offer, but Iām firm on the price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
Thank you for your offer! However, Iām firm on the price. I believe itās already a great deal based on the quality and condition.
2. I appreciate the offer, but the price is already quite reasonable.
Story:
John was selling his bicycle on Craigslist for $200. Jane offered him $120, but John thought the price he set was already a fair one considering the bikeās condition. He wanted to politely explain that he wasnāt willing to lower it.
When to Use:
This response is great when you want to show appreciation for the offer but want to explain that your asking price is fair and non-negotiable.
When Not to Use:
Donāt use this if youāre open to negotiation or youāre in a hurry to sell. It might give the impression that you’re not flexible.
Example:
Jane: Would you take $120 for the bike?
John: I appreciate the offer, but the price is already quite reasonable.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate your offer, but Iāve priced it fairly considering its condition. The current price is already reasonable.
3. I understand your offer, but Iām not able to lower the price.
Story:
Lisa was selling her camera gear and received an offer from Mark for half the price she was asking. She knew the items were in excellent condition, so she kindly let Mark know that she couldnāt lower her price.
When to Use:
This works well when you understand the buyerās budget but simply canāt drop the price any further. Itās polite and clear about your position.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to consider a small reduction in price. It can sound final and close the door for any future discussion.
Example:
Mark: How about $250 for the camera?
Lisa: I understand your offer, but Iām not able to lower the price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I get that you’re looking for a better deal, but Iām unable to lower the price. Itās already a great offer for whatās being sold.
4. Thatās below my minimum price. Please let me know if you can meet my asking price.
Story:
Kevin was selling a gaming console that he knew was in high demand. Rebecca offered him $100, which was much lower than the price Kevin was comfortable with. He responded by letting her know what his minimum price was.
When to Use:
Use this when you want to let the buyer know that you have a minimum price you wonāt go below. It invites them to meet you halfway if theyāre still interested.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to be a bit flexible on the price or if youāre desperate to sell quickly. It could discourage potential buyers.
Example:
Rebecca: Iāll offer $100 for the console.
Kevin: Thatās below my minimum price. Please let me know if you can meet my asking price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
Thanks for your offer, but thatās below my minimum. Let me know if youāre able to meet my asking price.
5. Iām sorry, but thatās too low for me to consider.
Story:
Mia posted a vintage watch on Craigslist for $500, but Tom sent her an offer of $150. Mia was disappointed but wanted to politely let Tom know that the price he offered was too low.
When to Use:
This response works when you want to reject an offer thatās unreasonably low but still want to be polite. It lets the buyer know that the offer is too far below what you’re willing to accept.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if you’re open to negotiations or if the offer is just slightly below your price. It can come across as too blunt if you’re willing to make some adjustments.
Example:
Tom: How about $150 for the watch?
Mia: Iām sorry, but thatās too low for me to consider.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate the offer, but itās too low for me to consider. Feel free to reach out again if youāre willing to meet my price.
6. My price is firm, but Iām happy to answer any questions about the item.
Story:
Emma was selling her vintage record player on Craigslist. Jake offered a price much lower than what she listed. Instead of shutting him down completely, she kept the conversation open by letting him know the price was firm while offering to answer any questions.
When to Use:
This is great when you want to be polite but firm. It reassures the buyer that youāre open to discussion about the item itself, just not the price.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to negotiate. It might make a flexible buyer think thereās no room for discussion.
Example:
Jake: Would you take $50 for the record player?
Emma: My price is firm, but Iām happy to answer any questions about the item.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate your interest! My price is firm, but let me know if you have any questions about the condition or features.
7. Iām not able to accept that offer. Are you willing to meet the asking price?
Story:
Ryan listed his mountain bike for $600. Lisa offered $350, hoping for a deal. Ryan declined but gave her the opportunity to meet his asking price if she was serious.
When to Use:
This is useful when you want to reject a lowball offer while keeping the door open for negotiation. It puts the buyer in control of whether they want to proceed.
When Not to Use:
Donāt use this if youāre open to counteroffers. It makes it seem like youāll only take full price.
Example:
Lisa: Can you do $350 for the bike?
Ryan: Iām not able to accept that offer. Are you willing to meet the asking price?
How to Respond š£ļø:
That offer is too low for me to accept. Let me know if youād be open to paying the full price.
8. Iām happy to negotiate, but I canāt go that low.
Story:
Olivia was selling a high-end coffee machine for $250. Daniel offered $100, which was way below its value. She let him know she was open to negotiating but needed a better offer.
When to Use:
Use this when youāre willing to lower the price, but only within reason. It keeps the conversation going without entertaining extremely low offers.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre not willing to negotiate at all. It may make buyers think thereās more flexibility than you actually have.
Example:
Daniel: Would you take $100 for the coffee machine?
Olivia: Iām happy to negotiate, but I canāt go that low.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I can be flexible on price, but $100 is too low. Let me know if you have a better offer in mind.
9. Iāve set the price based on similar items and their condition. I hope you understand.
Story:
David listed his DSLR camera for $800, basing the price on recent sales of similar models. Sophia offered $400, thinking she could get a deal. David politely explained that his price was based on fair market value.
When to Use:
This response works when you want to justify your price politely. It reassures the buyer that your price isnāt random but carefully considered.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if you donāt have a strong reason for your pricing or if youāre willing to negotiate without much explanation.
Example:
Sophia: Would you take $400 for the camera?
David: Iāve set the price based on similar items and their condition. I hope you understand.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I researched similar items before pricing this one, and I believe itās fair based on the condition. Thanks for understanding!
10. Thanks for the offer, but Iām not interested in lowering the price.
Story:
Samantha was selling a designer handbag that was in perfect condition. Eric made a much lower offer, hoping sheād accept. Instead, she politely declined without leaving room for negotiation.
When to Use:
Use this when youāre absolutely firm on your price and not interested in counteroffers. It ends the negotiation without being rude.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre open to lowering the price at all. It might discourage buyers who would have offered a slightly better deal.
Example:
Eric: Would you take $80 for the handbag?
Samantha: Thanks for the offer, but Iām not interested in lowering the price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate your interest, but Iām firm on the price. Let me know if you change your mind!
Professional Ways to Respond for Avoid Calling SomeoneĀ
11. Thatās lower than Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if you can offer more.
Story:
Jake was selling his gaming console on Craigslist for $350. Mia sent an offer for $200, hoping for a bargain. Instead of rejecting her outright, Jake let her know he needed a higher offer but left room for her to counter.
When to Use:
This response works well when a buyer offers too little, but you still want to encourage a better offer.
When Not to Use:
Avoid using this if youāre firm on your price and donāt want to negotiate further.
Example:
Mia: Would you take $200 for the console?
Jake: Thatās lower than Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if you can offer more.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I canāt accept that price, but Iām open to a better offer if youāre interested!
12. I appreciate your offer, but Iāve priced this fairly based on market value.
Story:
Sophia listed her antique dresser for $600 after researching similar pieces. Liam lowballed her with a $250 offer. She politely explained that her price was based on fair market value.
When to Use:
Use this when you want to justify your price politely and show that itās not random or inflated.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to drop the price significantly, as it may make the buyer think you wonāt budge at all.
Example:
Liam: Iāll give you $250 for the dresser.
Sophia: I appreciate your offer, but Iāve priced this fairly based on market value.
How to Respond š£ļø:
Iāve done my research, and this is a fair price based on what similar items are selling for.
13. Thanks, but thatās not within my price range.
Story:
David was selling his electric scooter for $500. Emily offered $300, which was far too low for him. He declined without room for further negotiation.
When to Use:
Use this when the offer is way too low, and you donāt want to waste time haggling.
When Not to Use:
Donāt use this if youāre open to counteroffers, as it may shut down potential buyers.
Example:
Emily: Would you take $300?
David: Thanks, but thatās not within my price range.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate the interest, but thatās just too low for me to consider.
14. Iām looking for offers closer to my asking price. Let me know if youāre interested.
Story:
Olivia was selling a home theater system for $800. Mark offered $400, expecting a negotiation. She declined but kept the door open if he wanted to make a better offer.
When to Use:
Use this when you expect a better offer but donāt want to outright reject the buyer.
When Not to Use:
Donāt use this if youāre only willing to accept full price, as it may give the impression of flexibility.
Example:
Mark: Iāll give you $400 for it.
Olivia: Iām looking for offers closer to my asking price. Let me know if youāre interested.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I canāt accept that, but if youāre serious, Iād consider an offer closer to my price.
15. I appreciate your offer, but Iāve had other interest at my asking price.
Story:
Ryan was selling a high-end smartwatch for $300. Sarah offered $150, thinking sheād get a deal. Ryan let her know that others were willing to pay full price, signaling that his price was fair.
When to Use:
This works well when you want to create urgency and let buyers know you have other offers.
When Not to Use:
Avoid using this if you donāt actually have other buyers, as it may seem dishonest if they call your bluff.
Example:
Sarah: Would you take $150?
Ryan: I appreciate your offer, but Iāve had other interest at my asking price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
Iāve had multiple inquiries at full price, so Iām sticking with it for now.
16. Thanks, but Iām not willing to go that low.
Story:
Emma listed her designer coat for $200. Kevin offered $75. Rather than engaging in back-and-forth, Emma politely declined.
When to Use:
Use this when you donāt want to negotiate at all but still want to remain polite.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre hoping for a counteroffer, as it may shut down the conversation.
Example:
Kevin: Would you take $75?
Emma: Thanks, but Iām not willing to go that low.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I appreciate the offer, but thatās just too low for me.
17. Iām not able to accept that offer, but Iām open to discussing a reasonable price.
Story:
Jake was selling his fishing gear for $400. Matt offered $150, which was too low. Instead of shutting him down, Jake left room for a reasonable discussion.
When to Use:
Use this when you want to negotiate, but the buyerās first offer is too low.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre not open to negotiation at all.
Example:
Matt: I can do $150.
Jake: Iām not able to accept that offer, but Iām open to discussing a reasonable price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
I canāt go that low, but Iād be happy to talk about a fair price.
18. Thanks for the offer, but Iām confident in the price Iāve set.
Story:
Sophia was selling a collectible figurine for $120. Liam offered $50. She declined while showing confidence in her pricing.
When to Use:
Use this when you believe your price is fair and not open to negotiation.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to lower the price.
Example:
Liam: Can you do $50?
Sophia: Thanks for the offer, but Iām confident in the price Iāve set.
How to Respond š£ļø:
Iāve priced this fairly, so Iām sticking to my listing.
19. Iāve priced this based on its condition and current market value. Let me know if you can meet my asking price.
Story:
David was selling his road bike for $600. Olivia offered $300. He explained why he priced it that way and invited her to pay full price.
When to Use:
Use this when you want to justify your price while keeping the buyer engaged.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre willing to lower the price, as it may make buyers hesitant.
Example:
Olivia: Iāll offer $300.
David: Iāve priced this based on its condition and current market value. Let me know if you can meet my asking price.
How to Respond š£ļø:
This is a fair market price based on its condition. Let me know if youāre interested!
20. Iām not willing to accept that offer. Can you offer more?
Story:
Emma was selling a rare book collection for $500. Mark offered $200. Instead of saying no outright, she encouraged a higher offer.
When to Use:
Use this when youāre open to negotiation but want the buyer to increase their offer.
When Not to Use:
Avoid this if youāre only accepting full price.
Example:
Mark: Would you take $200?
Emma: Iām not willing to accept that offer. Can you offer more?
How to Respond š£ļø:
I canāt accept that, but Iād love to hear a better offer!
21. Thanks, but thatās lower than what Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if youāre interested in paying closer to the asking price.
Story
Tina was selling her vintage guitar for $350. John offered $150, far below her asking price. She politely declined but kept the conversation open by inviting a closer offer.
When to Use
Use this response when the offer is far too low, but you still want to keep the door open for serious buyers.
When Not to Use
Avoid using this if youāre not interested in negotiating and want to stick strictly to your asking price.
Example
John: How about $150?
Tina: Thanks, but thatās lower than what Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if youāre interested in paying closer to the asking price.
How to Respond š£ļø
I canāt go that low, but if youāre serious, Iād be happy to consider a higher offer.
22. Iām open to negotiation, but I canāt go that low. Can you make a higher offer?
Story
Alice was selling her used laptop for $800. Bob offered $400, which was much lower than she was willing to accept. Instead of rejecting the offer, Alice suggested negotiating for a better price.
When to Use
This works when youāre willing to negotiate but the buyerās first offer is much lower than youāre comfortable with.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if youāre not open to negotiation and want to stick strictly to your asking price.
Example
Bob: Iāll give you $400.
Alice: Iām open to negotiation, but I canāt go that low. Can you make a higher offer?
How to Respond š£ļø
Iām happy to discuss a reasonable price, but thatās much lower than I had in mind.
23. Iām confident in the price based on its value and condition. Please let me know if you can meet it.
Story
Jake was selling a designer watch for $500. Linda offered $250, which was too low. Jake politely explained that he priced the watch based on its value and condition.
When to Use
Use this when your price is fair and firm, and you donāt want to lower it significantly.
When Not to Use
Avoid using this if youāre willing to accept a lower price but still want to negotiate.
Example
Linda: Would you take $250?
Jake: Iām confident in the price based on its value and condition. Please let me know if you can meet it.
How to Respond š£ļø
Iāve researched similar items, and this price reflects its true market value.
24. I appreciate the offer, but Iāve already priced this fairly. Let me know if youāre willing to offer more.
Story
Sara was selling a rare book collection for $1,200. Mike offered $600, expecting a bargain. Sara politely declined while leaving room for a better offer.
When to Use
Use this when you know your item is competitively priced and donāt want to sell for much less.
When Not to Use
Avoid this response if youāre in a hurry to sell and open to taking lower offers.
Example
Mike: Iāll give you $600.
Sara: I appreciate the offer, but Iāve already priced this fairly. Let me know if youāre willing to offer more.
How to Respond š£ļø
This is a great deal already. If youāre serious, Iād be happy to discuss a closer offer.
25. Thanks for the offer. If you can come closer to my asking price, we can discuss further.
Story
David was selling his camera gear for $900. Lisa offered $400, hoping for a deal. David acknowledged the offer but signaled that he needed something closer to his asking price.
When to Use
Use this response when youāre willing to negotiate, but the buyerās offer is still too low.
When Not to Use
Avoid this response if you want to stand firm on your asking price with no room for negotiation.
Example
Lisa: Would you take $400?
David: Thanks for the offer. If you can come closer to my asking price, we can discuss further.
How to Respond š£ļø
I appreciate your interest. Letās find a fair middle ground.
26. Thanks for the offer, but Iāve had better offers. Please let me know if you can improve your bid.
Story
Emma was selling a gaming console for $300. Ryan offered $150, but Emma had already received a higher offer. She let Ryan know that heād need to increase his bid if he wanted a chance.
When to Use
Use this when youāve already received better offers and want to push the buyer to make a higher bid.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if you havenāt received any other offersāit might sound like a bluff.
Example
Ryan: Would you take $150?
Emma: Thanks for the offer, but Iāve had better offers. Please let me know if you can improve your bid.
How to Respond š£ļø
Iāve had interest from others at a higher priceācan you increase your offer?
27. Iām not accepting offers below my asking price. Let me know if youāre interested at the full price.
Story
Lucas was selling a brand-new bicycle for $500. Sarah offered $350, hoping to negotiate. Instead of haggling, Lucas made it clear that he was firm on the price.
When to Use
Use this when you arenāt open to negotiation and want serious buyers only.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if youāre willing to accept lower offers or looking to sell quickly.
Example
Sarah: Can you take $350?
Lucas: Iām not accepting offers below my asking price. Let me know if youāre interested at the full price.
How to Respond š£ļø
My price is set. If youāre still interested, let me know.
28. Iām confident in the value of this item at my asking price. If youāre interested, let me know.
Story
Olivia was selling a handmade dining table for $700. Mark offered $400, underestimating its worth. Olivia stood firm, explaining that she had priced it fairly.
When to Use
Use this when your item has high value, and you donāt want to lower your price.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if youāre willing to take lower offers just to sell quickly.
Example
Mark: Would you consider $400?
Olivia: Iām confident in the value of this item at my asking price. If youāre interested, let me know.
How to Respond š£ļø
This item is worth every pennyāI hope you understand!
29. Thanks for your offer, but I canāt accept that amount. Please let me know if youāre willing to pay closer to my asking price.
Story
Tom was selling a high-end smartphone for $800. Jenny offered $500, thinking she could get a deal. Tom declined politely but kept the conversation open.
When to Use
Use this when youāre willing to negotiate, but the offer is too low.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if you donāt want to go below your asking price at all.
Example
Jenny: Would you take $500?
Tom: Thanks for your offer, but I canāt accept that amount. Please let me know if youāre willing to pay closer to my asking price.
How to Respond š£ļø
If youāre serious, Iād be happy to discuss a better offer.
30. Thanks, but thatās lower than what Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if you can offer more.
Story
Sophia was selling a designer handbag for $600. Liam offered $300, expecting a discount. Sophia declined, keeping the negotiation open for a better offer.
When to Use
Use this when the offer is too low, but youāre open to counteroffers.
When Not to Use
Avoid this if you want to sell quickly and donāt mind taking a lower price.
Example
Liam: Iāll give you $300.
Sophia: Thanks, but thatās lower than what Iām willing to accept. Please let me know if you can offer more.
How to Respond š£ļø
I canāt go that low, but Iām happy to discuss a more reasonable price.
31. I appreciate your interest, but I canāt accept that offer
Story: Jake listed his high-quality desk for $150, but a buyer offered only $40.
When to Use: When you want to politely reject an unreasonable offer without further negotiation.
When Not to Use: If you are open to bargaining and want to keep the conversation going.
Example:
Buyer: āWould you take $40?ā
Jake: āI appreciate your interest, but I canāt accept that offer.ā
How to Respond š£ļø Keep it simple and direct while staying polite.
32. Iāve had higher offers, so Iāll have to pass on this one
Story: Sarah listed her old bicycle for $200. A buyer offered $50, but she had other interested buyers.
When to Use: When youāve received better offers and want to let the buyer know they need to offer more.
When Not to Use: If you donāt have other offers and still want to sell quickly.
Example:
Buyer: āIāll give you $50 for the bike.ā
Sarah: āIāve had higher offers, so Iāll have to pass on this one.ā
How to Respond š£ļø Use this when you want to encourage a better offer without directly rejecting the buyer.
33. Iām selling this at a fair price, so Iāll wait for the right buyer
Story: Mike is selling a vintage watch for $300, and a buyer offers just $80.
When to Use: When youāre in no rush to sell and want to hold out for a fair price.
When Not to Use: If you need to sell quickly and are willing to negotiate.
Example:
Buyer: āWould you take $80?ā
Mike: āIām selling this at a fair price, so Iāll wait for the right buyer.ā
How to Respond š£ļø This lets the buyer know youāre not desperate and discourages further lowballing.
34. I appreciate your offer, but Iāve priced this competitively
Story: Emma listed a gaming console for $250, and a buyer offered only $100.
When to Use: When you want to remind the buyer that your price is already a great deal.
When Not to Use: If youāre open to negotiation and want to hear counteroffers.
Example:
Buyer: āCan you do $100?ā
Emma: āI appreciate your offer, but Iāve priced this competitively.ā
How to Respond š£ļø This response signals confidence in your pricing and encourages serious buyers.
35. Iād rather keep it than sell for that price
Story: David listed his high-end speakers for $400, but a buyer offered just $150.
When to Use: When the offer is so low that youād rather not sell at all.
When Not to Use: If youāre willing to negotiate and want to keep the conversation open.
Example:
Buyer: āWould you sell for $150?ā
David: āIād rather keep it than sell for that price.ā
How to Respond š£ļø This is a strong response that shuts down further lowballing.
Conclusion
Dealing with lowball offers on Craigslist can be frustrating, but responding the right way can help you negotiate effectively or politely decline without wasting time. Whether you want to hold firm, encourage a better offer, or reject the deal outright, having the right response makes a difference.
By using these smart and confident replies, you set clear expectations and avoid unnecessary haggling. The key is to stay polite, firm, and patient while ensuring your item is not undervalued. The right buyer will come along one who respects your price and sees the value in what you’re selling.
I’m Lily Hart, the Admin behind the engaging responses at SayStyles.com! With a knack for blending wit and warmth, I turn every piece of writing into something memorable. From clever advice to fun comebacks, Iām here to make sure every response leaves you smiling and thinking.
