Handling Lowball Offers on Poshmark Without Losing Profit
You know what’s frustrating? Getting excited to see that you have a Poshmark offer, only to find out that it’s someone trying to buy your $50 item for $10. Lowball offers are one of the most common struggles for Poshmark sellers, and while they are super annoying, they’re also part of the business.
Some buyers send low offers just to see if they can score a deal, while others might not realize how much an item is actually worth. Instead of getting personally offended or immediately declining, there are ways to handle lowball offers strategically so you can still make sales from those buyers who are serious about your item.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to respond professionally, when to negotiate, and when to walk away so you can maximize your earnings without feeling pressured to accept unfair offers.
Related post: Confused About Poshmark Pricing? Here’s a Better Way to Do It
What are Lowball Offers?
First, I don’t think there’s an “official” definition. But I consider a lowball offer to be typically 50% or more below your asking price, but it really depends on the item and market. For example, if you list a brand-new pair of Nikes for $80 and someone offers $20, that’s a clear lowball.
Some buyers send low offers expecting to negotiate, while others are just hoping for an unrealistically cheap deal.
How to Respond to Lowball Offers
While it’s easy to be a bit offended and decline out of frustration, the best approach is to stay professional and use it as a chance to negotiate! Here’s how:
- Counteroffer instead of declining. Many buyers expect to meet in the middle. If they offer $20 on a $50 item, try countering with $40 instead. They may accept, or they may keep the negotiation going.
- Use a friendly but firm message. You can add their item to a bundle and leave a message like ”Thanks for your offer! I can do [$X] and ship today.” Sometimes, connecting with an actual person will help them decide to buy the item.
- Decline with caution. I almost always counter, but if I’m going back and forth with someone for 5 or 6 offers and they’re just not getting anywhere near me, I’ll decline so they know I’m not willing to go that far.
When to Accept vs. When to Negotiate
Not every offer is a good one, but knowing when to stick to your price and when to compromise will help you make the most profit without wasting time.
Accept the Offer When:
- The offer is within 10-20% of your asking price (especially if it’s fair and saves time).
- The item has been listed for a while with little to no interest.
- You need quick cash flow and want to move inventory.
- The buyer added multiple items to a bundle, and the overall sale is still profitable.
- You need the cash flow, and you feel like you’re still making a decent profit
Negotiate When:
- The offer is low, and there’s room to meet in the middle.
- You just listed the item or have multiple recent likes.
- The item is in high demand, trending, or new with tags.
Instead of declining a low offer outright, I always recommend you send a counteroffer you’re comfortable with. Many buyers expect a little back-and-forth, and a thoughtful counter keeps the conversation going and keeps the chance of a sale open.
Related post: How to Use Closet Clear-Out Events to Maximize Profits
When to Walk Away
The harsh truth is that not every buyer is worth your time. If someone repeatedly lowballs you, ignores your counteroffers, or tries to argue about pricing, it’s okay to decline and move on.
It’s better to wait for the right buyer than to sell too low and lose money. There are plenty of buyers out there who will appreciate the value of what you’re selling.
Final Thoughts
Lowball offers are frustrating, but the important thing here is to treat your Poshmark closet like a business and not get offended. By staying professional, countering wisely, and knowing when to accept, counter, or walk away, you can make sales and protect your profit.
Instead of seeing low offers as an insult, treat them as an opportunity to negotiate. The more confident you are in your pricing, the easier it will be to turn lowball offers into real sales.
If you need help with pricing, check out this article: Confused About Poshmark Pricing? Here’s a Better Way to Do It
