Getting a lowball offer on Craigslist can feel frustrating, awkward, or even insulting — especially when you’ve priced your item fairly and thoughtfully. I’ve sold everything from used laptops to furniture on Craigslist, and trust me, almost everyone encounters low offers at some point.
This guide is designed to help you respond with warmth, care, clarity, and confidence — without burning bridges or sounding harsh. Whether you want to stay firm, invite negotiation, or politely decline, these responses are crafted to protect your value while keeping the conversation human.
1. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m firm on the price.”
This response acknowledges the buyer politely while clearly setting a boundary.
Best use:
When your price is already fair and non-negotiable.
Not to use:
If you’re actually open to negotiating.
Other ways to say:
- “I appreciate the interest, but the price is firm.”
- “Thanks, but I’m not able to go lower.”
Example:
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m firm on the price given the condition.”
2. “I appreciate the offer, but that’s lower than I can accept.”
This keeps the tone respectful while declining the lowball.
Best use:
When you want to stay polite and leave the door open.
Not to use:
If the offer feels unserious or spammy.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s a bit below what I can do.”
- “I can’t go that low, but thank you.”
Example:
“I appreciate the offer, but that’s lower than I can accept right now.”
3. “I’ve priced this fairly based on market value.”
This response leans on logic rather than emotion.
Best use:
When dealing with buyers who argue price aggressively.
Not to use:
If the buyer is casual and friendly.
Other ways to say:
- “The price reflects current market rates.”
- “I’ve researched similar listings.”
Example:
“I’ve priced this fairly based on market value and condition.”
4. “I’m open to reasonable offers, but not that low.”
This keeps negotiations alive while setting limits.
Best use:
When you want better offers without shutting them down.
Not to use:
If you’re firm on price.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m flexible, but within reason.”
- “I can negotiate slightly.”
Example:
“I’m open to reasonable offers, but not that low.”
5. “That price wouldn’t work for me, but thanks for reaching out.”
Short, polite, and emotionally neutral.
Best use:
When you want to decline without explanation.
Not to use:
If the buyer wants detailed reasoning.
Other ways to say:
- “That won’t work on my end.”
- “I’ll have to pass.”
Example:
“That price wouldn’t work for me, but thanks for reaching out.”
6. “Given the condition, the price is already competitive.”
This reinforces value gently.
Best use:
When selling well-maintained or high-quality items.
Not to use:
If the item has visible flaws.
Other ways to say:
- “It’s priced accordingly.”
- “The condition justifies the price.”
Example:
“Given the condition, the price is already competitive.”
7. “I’m not in a rush to sell, so I’ll stick with my asking price.”
Calm and confident without arrogance.
Best use:
When you truly aren’t desperate.
Not to use:
If you need a quick sale.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m comfortable waiting.”
- “I’ll hold at this price.”
Example:
“I’m not in a rush to sell, so I’ll stick with my asking price.”
8. “If you’re able to come closer, we can talk.”
Invites negotiation respectfully.
Best use:
When you want to guide the buyer upward.
Not to use:
If the offer was extremely low.
Other ways to say:
- “Let me know if you can increase the offer.”
- “I’m open if the number improves.”
Example:
“If you’re able to come closer to the asking price, we can talk.”
9. “I’ve already had interest at the listed price.”
Signals demand without pressure.
Best use:
When it’s true — honesty builds trust.
Not to use:
If it’s untrue.
Other ways to say:
- “There’s strong interest.”
- “Others are considering it.”
Example:
“I’ve already had interest at the listed price.”
10. “That’s a bit too low for me right now.”
Soft, human, and non-confrontational.
Best use:
For friendly buyers.
Not to use:
If you want finality.
Other ways to say:
- “That’s lower than I hoped.”
- “I can’t do that price.”
Example:
“That’s a bit too low for me right now.”
11. “I understand budgets, but I can’t go that low.”
Empathetic and relatable.
Best use:
When buyers explain financial limits.
Not to use:
If you want to avoid emotional discussion.
Other ways to say:
- “I get where you’re coming from.”
- “I understand, but I can’t.”
Example:
“I understand budgets, but I can’t go that low.”
12. “The price reflects the item’s value and condition.”
Professional and calm.
Best use:
For electronics, tools, or collectibles.
Not to use:
If the item is purely sentimental.
Other ways to say:
- “The value is built into the price.”
- “It’s priced accurately.”
Example:
“The price reflects the item’s value and condition.”
13. “I’ll pass on that offer, but thank you.”
Clear and final.
Best use:
When you’re done negotiating.
Not to use:
If you want counteroffers.
Other ways to say:
- “I’ll decline.”
- “That won’t work.”
Example:
“I’ll pass on that offer, but thank you.”
14. “I’m comfortable waiting for the right buyer.”
Confidence without ego.
Best use:
When demand exists.
Not to use:
If time-sensitive.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m in no hurry.”
- “I’ll wait.”
Example:
“I’m comfortable waiting for the right buyer.”
15. “I can offer a small discount, but not that much.”
Balanced and reasonable.
Best use:
When negotiating fairly.
Not to use:
If firm.
Other ways to say:
- “I can come down slightly.”
- “There’s limited flexibility.”
Example:
“I can offer a small discount, but not that much.”
16. “Thanks, but I’ll stick with the listed price.”
Simple and polite.
Best use:
For repeat lowballers.
Not to use:
If you want discussion.
Other ways to say:
- “I’ll stay at asking.”
- “Price remains the same.”
Example:
“Thanks, but I’ll stick with the listed price.”
17. “That offer doesn’t reflect the item’s worth.”
Direct but respectful.
Best use:
For serious undervaluation.
Not to use:
If you want friendliness.
Other ways to say:
- “It’s undervalued.”
- “It’s worth more.”
Example:
“That offer doesn’t reflect the item’s worth.”
18. “I’ve put thought into pricing this fairly.”
Human and transparent.
Best use:
When buyers accuse overpricing.
Not to use:
If you want brevity.
Other ways to say:
- “I priced it carefully.”
- “It wasn’t random.”
Example:
“I’ve put thought into pricing this fairly.”
19. “I’m happy to answer questions, but the price stands.”
Keeps engagement open.
Best use:
When buyers need reassurance.
Not to use:
If conversation is going nowhere.
Other ways to say:
- “Ask away, price stays.”
- “Open to questions.”
Example:
“I’m happy to answer questions, but the price stands.”
20. “That won’t work for me, but I appreciate the interest.”
Warm and final.
Best use:
When closing politely.
Not to use:
If negotiating.
Other ways to say:
- “I appreciate you reaching out.”
- “Thanks for checking.”
Example:
“That won’t work for me, but I appreciate the interest.”
21. “I’m aiming close to the asking price.”
Clear expectations.
Best use:
Early in negotiation.
Not to use:
Late-stage talks.
Other ways to say:
- “Looking near list.”
- “Close to posted price.”
Example:
“I’m aiming close to the asking price.”
22. “I’d rather not sell than go that low.”
Honest and firm.
Best use:
When offer is extreme.
Not to use:
If you want warmth.
Other ways to say:
- “I’ll hold onto it.”
- “I’ll keep it.”
Example:
“I’d rather not sell than go that low.”
23. “That’s outside my acceptable range.”
Professional tone.
Best use:
For high-value items.
Not to use:
Casual listings.
Other ways to say:
- “Out of range.”
- “Below minimum.”
Example:
“That’s outside my acceptable range.”
24. “I think we’re too far apart on price.”
Graceful exit.
Best use:
Ending negotiations.
Not to use:
If you want counteroffers.
Other ways to say:
- “We may not align.”
- “Too much difference.”
Example:
“I think we’re too far apart on price.”
25. “Best of luck finding what you’re looking for.”
Kind and human.
Best use:
Final response.
Not to use:
Mid-negotiation.
Other ways to say:
- “Wishing you luck.”
- “Hope you find one.”
Example:
“Best of luck finding what you’re looking for.”
Why People Pick These Responses
These responses work because they balance confidence with empathy. From years of buying and selling online, I’ve learned that tone matters just as much as price. Polite firmness protects your value, while warmth keeps conversations respectful — and sometimes even turns a lowballer into a serious buyer.
They also:
- Prevent conflict
- Save time
- Maintain professionalism
- Build trust
- Reflect real-world negotiation experience
In short, these phrases help you stand your ground without sounding cold, which is exactly what successful Craigslist communication requires.
