Ever scrolled through an online marketplace and seen “$50 OBO” and wondered what the seller actually means? That little three-letter tag shows up more often than you might think, and it can change how you approach a bargain.
OBO stands for or best offer, and sellers use it to signal they’re open to negotiating the listed price.
Where You’ll See OBO and What It Means
“OBO” is most common in classified ads, online marketplaces, and garage-sale style listings. When a seller writes $100 OBO, they’re saying they prefer $100 but will accept a lower amount if a buyer makes a reasonable offer. This gives both clarity and flexibility: buyers know they can propose a counterprice without insulting the seller.
Online marketplaces: eBay-style listings, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist.
Local classifieds: newspaper ads or community bulletin boards.
In-person sales: yard sales, swap meets, and flea markets sometimes use it in posted signs.
Did You Know? The abbreviation is closely related to older shorthand like “ONO” (or nearest offer) used in British English, though OBO remains especially common in American listings.
How to Use OBO as a Seller (Step-by-Step)
Set a clear asking price you’d be happy to accept as a starting point.
Add OBO to the listing to invite offers without negotiating every message.
Expect inquiries: buyers might offer below asking price; respond with a counteroffer or accept.
If you get no offers, consider lowering the price or marking “firm” to stop lowballing.
Tips:
Use OBO when you want fast movement and don’t mind negotiation.
If you need a minimum amount, state it in the description to avoid wasting time.
Beware of scammers: always use safe payment or meet in public places.
How Buyers Should Respond to OBO Listings
Start with a polite offer slightly below what you’re willing to pay.
Ask questions about condition and delivery; being informed can justify a higher bid.
Be respectful—many sellers choose OBO to avoid aggressive haggling.
Suggest cash or quick pickup as bargaining chips for a better price.
Fun fact: In some cultures, hard bargaining is expected; in others, it’s polite to accept a firm price. OBO bridges that divide by giving room to negotiate or decline.
Mini Q&A: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Is OBO the same as “price negotiable”?
A: More or less—both invite offers, but OBO is a concise shorthand widely recognized in listings.
Q: Can I use OBO for digital goods or services?
A: Yes; sellers sometimes use it when offering freelance services, courses, or digital products to indicate flexible pricing.
Q: What’s the difference between OBO and firm?
A: “Firm” means no negotiation; OBO explicitly invites it.
A Few Historical and Cultural Notes
The use of brief abbreviations in classifieds dates back to limited space ads in newspapers; OBO emerged as a compact way to show flexibility.
Similar shorthand includes “ONO” (or nearest offer) in the UK and “BO” (best offer) in some auction contexts.
The rise of online marketplaces made OBO more visible and standardized across regions.
Personal Touch
I once bought a vintage lamp because the listing said “$75 OBO.” I messaged with a friendly counteroffer, offered to pick it up that afternoon, and we settled at $60. The seller wanted it gone and I wanted a quick score—OBO made that simple. Negotiation felt human and fair, not like a game.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what does OBO mean, now you know: it’s short for or best offer, a useful signal that price is open to negotiation. Next time you see it, try a polite, informed offer—you might walk away with a better deal. What’s the best OBO bargain you’ve ever scored? Share it below.