Making Offers on GearTrader

When browsing GearTrader, you may come across gear that you want to buy but feel the listed price is slightly above your budget—or you simply want to negotiate. That’s where our Make an Offer feature comes in. Below, you’ll learn how offers work, best practices, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Table of Contents

1. Overview: What’s an Offer?
2. Step-by-Step: How to Place an Offer
3. Responding to Seller Actions
4. Can You Retract an Offer?
5. Accepted Offers: Payment & Deadlines
6. What If You Don’t Pay for an Accepted Offer?
7. Extra Tips & Troubleshooting

1. Overview: What’s an Offer?

The Offer system allows buyers to negotiate a different purchase price for an item. Think of it as haggling in a traditional marketplace—except you can do it from the comfort of your home. Submitting an offer doesn’t guarantee that the seller will accept, but it opens up room for back-and-forth negotiation.

• Potential Savings: You might get the item at a slightly lower cost if the seller agrees.
• Seller’s Discretion: Sellers decide whether to accept, decline, or propose a counteroffer.

2. Step-by-Step: How to Place an Offer

Here’s how to use the Make an Offer feature:

1. Locate the “Make an Offer” Button
   On the product page, look for the Make an Offer option (usually under or near the listed price).
2. Check Your Shipping Address
   Confirm that your shipping details are accurate, as rates may vary by location.
3. Enter Your Offer Price
   Input the total amount you’d like to pay. If you plan to buy multiple units of the same item (if offered), ensure you type the combined total rather than a per-item price.
4. Add a Note (Optional)
   You can include a short message for the seller—mentioning your reason for the offer or asking additional questions about the gear.
5. Agree to Pay
   Acknowledge that if the seller accepts, you’re committing to purchase at that price.
6. Submit Your Offer
   Once you’ve verified all details, click Submit.

Important: Submitting an offer does not reserve the item. Another buyer could still purchase it outright at the asking price or make a competing offer.

3. Responding to Seller Actions

After you submit your offer, the seller typically has 24 hours to take one of the following actions:

• Accept: Your offer is successful. You’ll receive a notification to pay for the item.
• Decline: Your offer isn’t accepted, and no transaction takes place. You’re still free to make a new offer or purchase at full price.
• Counteroffer: The seller proposes a different price or terms. You may then accept, decline, or counter again.

If the seller doesn’t respond within 24 hours, the offer automatically expires.

4. Can You Retract an Offer?

Once your offer is submitted, there isn’t a direct “cancel” button. If you made a mistake:

1. Contact the Seller: Send a polite message explaining the error.
2. Request a Decline: The seller can manually decline your offer, effectively canceling it.
3. Double-Check Before You Click: In the future, be sure all details—price, quantity, and shipping info—are correct before submitting an offer.

5. Accepted Offers: Payment & Deadlines

When a seller accepts your offer:

1. You’ll Get a Notification
   This could be by email, push alert (if using our app), or a notice in your GearTrader account.
2. Item Moves to Your “Unpaid Orders”
   You’ll have up to 72 hours to complete payment, unless you’ve worked out an alternative timeline with the seller.
3. Complete Checkout
   Proceed with payment using your chosen method (credit card, PayPal, etc.). The total should reflect your agreed-upon offer price plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

6. What If You Don’t Pay for an Accepted Offer?

If you don’t pay within the allotted timeframe:

• Order May Be Canceled: The seller can cancel after a certain grace period—typically 72 hours.
• Account Consequences: Repeatedly abandoning orders can lead to warnings or suspension of your GearTrader account.
• Seller Inconvenience: Sellers often set gear aside for packing and shipping as soon as an offer is accepted.

Please make sure to submit an offer only if you’re ready to complete the purchase.

7. Extra Tips & Troubleshooting

1. Negotiate Politely
   Sending a friendly note along with your offer can encourage positive seller interactions.
2. Keep an Eye on Time
   Offers expire after 24 hours, and unpaid orders typically close after 72 hours.
3. Mind the Conditions
   Some listings don’t allow offers. Respect the seller’s preference if you see no “Make an Offer” button.
4. Ask Questions Upfront
   Clarify shipping costs, item condition, or return policies before making an offer.