You list your item—a $280 vintage camera, a gently used appliance, or that designer bag you no longer wear. Within minutes, a message pops up:
"Bro, $50 can?"
If you sell regularly, you know this scenario well. While most buyers are respectful, some negotiation patterns can drain your time and energy. The good news? Smooth transactions start with clear boundaries.
5 Common Buyer Behaviours
Recognising these patterns helps you respond calmly and efficiently.
The Lowballer
Offers 30–50% below asking price immediately to test boundaries. Hopes you'll accept out of urgency.
The Ghost
Agrees to buy, then disappears. Likely browsing casually or messaging multiple sellers at once.
The Endless Negotiator
Keeps haggling even after "price is firm". Enjoys the back-and-forth more than the purchase.
The Detail-Seeker
Requests 20+ photos of minor flaws already shown to justify a lower price by magnifying imperfections.
The Browser
Asks repetitive questions already answered in description. Not ready to buy just gathering options.
💡Mindset Shift
These aren’t personal. Your role isn’t to “win” an argument—it’s to move toward a clear yes or no.
3 Scripts That Keep Conversations Moving
Recognising these patterns helps you respond calmly and efficiently.
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FOR LOWBALL OFFERS
“Thanks for your offer! This item is priced based on current market rates and its condition. The price is firm at [$X]. Happy to arrange pickup at [location/time] if you’d like to proceed.”
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Why it works: You validate their effort while immediately restating value—no room for debate.
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For Buyers Who Go Silent
“Thanks for your interest! I’ve had a few enquiries today. I can hold the item for you until [today 5PM] if you can confirm a pickup time. Let me know by then so I can update the listing accordingly.”
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Why it works: Sets a soft deadline without pressure. Most serious buyers will reply
For Excessive Negotiation
“Thanks for checking—the small scratch is shown in photos 3 and 4 and already reflected in the price. I won’t be adjusting further, but it’s available at [$X] if you’d like to proceed.”
Why it works: “Thanks for checking—the small scratch is shown in photos 3 and 4 and already reflected in the price. I won’t be adjusting further, but it’s available at [$X] if you’d like to proceed.”
When to Step Back: Protecting Your Time
Not every conversation deserves your energy. Disengage immediately if a buyer:
- Sends abusive or threatening messages
- Shares suspicious links
- Asks to move payment off-platform (WhatsApp)
- Demands constant updates via rapid-fire messages
Best practice: Keep all communication inside Carousell Chat for protection.
Sell with Confidence using Tools
Carousell builds safety and efficiency directly into the selling experience. Top sellers leverage these features daily.
Buyer Protection
Funds held securely until both parties confirm transaction,
eliminating ghosting.
Premium Seller Badge
Premium Seller Badge is a purple diamond icon that is pinned right on your account’s profile picture. It will be displayed automatically on your profile, once you’re subscribed to CarouBiz.
Prevention: Set Expectations Early
The best negotiations happen before the first message. Optimise your listing to attract serious buyers.
Real Seller Wins
The best negotiations happen before the first message. Optimise your listing to attract serious buyers.
I listed a MacBook Air and got ghosted after agreeing on price. I sent: 'Can hold until 9AM if you confirm pickup.' Buyer replied in 8 minutes and paid via Buyer Protection.
A buyer offered 40% below my lens price. I replied with the 'Acknowledge & Redirect' script. They came back 2 hours later at full price—said they appreciated the firm but polite reply.
Quick Answers
Q: Should I reply to every lowball offer?
Q: What if a buyer insists on WhatsApp for "faster chat"?
Sell Smarter on Carousell
The result? Fewer stressful chats, faster sales, and more energy.
✨ Sellers with a CarouBiz badge receive 3x fewer lowball offers.
