“OBO” is an abbreviation commonly used in online marketplaces, social media, and texting, and it stands for:
“Or Best Offer”
It’s primarily used to indicate that a seller is willing to accept the listed price or a reasonable offer lower than the asking price.
Whether you’re buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or even local buy-and-sell groups, understanding OBO is essential to get the best deal, negotiate effectively, and avoid confusion.
This article explores its meaning, origin, online usage, examples, negotiation tips, and FAQs to give you a complete guide on OBO.
💡 Quick Overview of OBO
| Term | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| OBO | Or Best Offer | “Selling my bike for $200 OBO.” |
| Price Negotiation | Seller is open to offers | “$50 OBO” → Buyer may offer $45 or $40 |
| Common Platforms | eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram | “iPhone 12 for $400 OBO” |
| Alternative Terms | Negotiable, Flexible, Make Me an Offer | Used interchangeably in casual listings |
🛒 What “OBO” Means in Buying & Selling
When a product is listed with OBO, it shows the seller’s willingness to negotiate:
- Listing Price as Suggestion: The price is a starting point.
- Negotiable Offers: Buyers can send a lower offer than the listed price.
- Seller’s Discretion: The seller may accept, reject, or counter the offer.
Example:
- A bicycle listed for $150 OBO may be purchased for $140, $130, or even less, depending on negotiation and demand.
🏷️ Origin of “OBO”
- OBO emerged from online classifieds and e-commerce platforms.
- It’s a shorthand used in text-based listings to indicate flexibility without writing full sentences.
- Popular on Craigslist in the early 2000s, it later spread to social media selling groups.
💬 OBO vs Firm Price
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| OBO | Or Best Offer; negotiable | “Laptop $300 OBO” |
| Firm | Fixed price; no negotiation | “Laptop $300 Firm” |
| Negotiable | Flexible price, may accept offers | “Laptop $300 Negotiable” |
Summary: OBO is friendly for buyers, firm prices are non-negotiable, and negotiable is intermediate.
🌐 How OBO Is Used Online
| Platform | Usage Example |
|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | “Dining table $120 OBO, pickup in Brooklyn.” |
| eBay | “Vintage camera $250 OBO, auction or best offer accepted.” |
| Craigslist | “Used bike $75 OBO, text for offers.” |
| Instagram Buy & Sell | “Brand shoes $80 OBO, DM for offers.” |
Tips:
- Always check if OBO allows counteroffers.
- Sellers may ignore extremely low offers.
- Communication through DMs or messages is standard.
💡 Tips for Buyers Using OBO
- Start slightly lower than listed price – e.g., 5–10% below.
- Be polite and reasonable – unrealistic offers may be ignored.
- Ask questions about condition – helps justify your offer.
- Negotiate in private messages – maintain clarity.
- Check for competing buyers – act quickly if interested.
💰 Tips for Sellers Using OBO
- Set realistic prices – leave room for negotiation.
- Respond quickly to offers – keeps buyers engaged.
- Indicate urgency – e.g., “First come, first served” may drive action.
- Be transparent about condition – avoid disputes later.
- Use OBO strategically – attract buyers but maintain leverage.
📝 Common Mistakes About OBO
| Mistake | Explanation | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking OBO guarantees lower price | Not all sellers accept low offers | Offer reasonable amounts |
| Sending extreme lowball offers | Can offend sellers | Offer within 10–20% range of asking price |
| Ignoring product details | Leads to rejected offers | Read description and ask questions first |
| Expecting instant acceptance | Sellers may wait for better offers | Be patient and follow up politely |
🆚 OBO vs BIN (Buy It Now) vs Auction
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| OBO | Or Best Offer; negotiable | “$200 OBO” |
| BIN (Buy It Now) | Fixed price; immediate purchase | “$200 BIN” |
| Auction | Bidding process; highest bid wins | “Starts at $100, auction ends in 3 days” |
Summary: OBO allows negotiation, BIN is fixed, auction is competitive.
😂 OBO in Texting & Modern Slang
While primarily used in selling contexts, OBO sometimes appears in texting or casual conversations to mean:
- “Or best offer” figuratively → open to suggestions or options.
- Example: “I’ll do my part for the project, OBO” → open to better ideas.
❓ FAQs About OBO
1. What does OBO mean?
→ It stands for “Or Best Offer,” meaning the seller is willing to accept a reasonable offer below the listed price.
2. Is OBO the same as negotiable?
→ Similar, but OBO explicitly invites buyers to make an offer, while negotiable may be less formal.
3. How do I make an OBO offer?
→ Contact the seller politely with a price slightly lower than the listed amount.
4. Does OBO guarantee a discount?
→ No, acceptance depends on the seller’s discretion.
5. Can OBO be used outside selling?
→ Occasionally, in texting or casual slang, it can mean open to suggestions or flexible options.
🏁 Conclusion
So, what does OBO mean?
- It stands for “Or Best Offer”, used primarily in buying and selling contexts.
- It signals negotiation flexibility and helps buyers and sellers interact effectively.
- Beyond marketplaces, it can also appear in texting and casual conversations.
Whether you’re browsing eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local groups, understanding OBO can help you get better deals, make fair offers, and navigate online commerce confidently.
