You’ve finally decided to part ways with your iPhone. Maybe you’re upgrading to the latest model, or maybe you just need the extra cash. You clean it up, snap some high-quality photos, write a great description, and post it online with what you feel is a fair price. Then it happens—someone messages you with an offer so ridiculously low it almost feels insulting. Suddenly, instead of excitement, you feel frustration.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do people send these lowball offers when I’m trying to sell my iPhone at a fair value?”, you’re not alone. Lowball offers are one of the most common—and annoying—parts of selling used electronics. While it may seem like every potential buyer wants to pay pennies for your iPhone, the truth is, handling these situations correctly can make the difference between selling quickly for the price you deserve and wasting time in endless back-and-forth messages.
Imagine being able to confidently respond to lowballers, stand your ground, and still end up making a deal that feels good for you. You won’t have to worry about giving your phone away for less than it’s worth. You’ll know the right strategies to negotiate, the best ways to attract serious buyers, and how to avoid getting caught in frustrating cycles with time-wasters. With the right approach, you’ll not only handle lowball offers with ease but also sell faster and smarter.
This guide will walk you step by step through everything you need to know about dealing with lowball offers when you’re trying to sell my iPhone. From understanding why lowballers exist, to building strong listings, to responding with professionalism, and finally closing the deal—you’ll be prepared to turn frustration into profit.
Why Lowball Offers Happen
Before we jump into strategies, let’s take a moment to understand why lowball offers happen so frequently when selling something as valuable as an iPhone.
1. Bargain Hunters
Some buyers genuinely believe that throwing out a low number might score them a deal. They’re not trying to insult you—they’re just testing the waters.
2. Resellers
Plenty of people make a business out of flipping used phones. They’ll buy your iPhone at the lowest price they can, then resell it for a profit. Their goal is to maximize margins, not give you fair market value.
3. Misunderstanding Value
Not everyone knows how much iPhones are worth. Some assume that because the phone is “used,” it must be worth only a fraction of its original price.
4. Scammers and Time-Wasters
Unfortunately, the online marketplace is filled with people who send outrageous offers just to see if you’ll bite. Sometimes, they’re not even serious about buying.
Understanding the motivation behind a lowball offer helps you take it less personally—and deal with it more effectively.
Setting Yourself Up for Success Before Selling
The first step to reducing lowball offers is preparation. If you create a strong listing and set clear expectations, you’ll attract serious buyers who are less likely to waste your time.
Clean and Present Your iPhone
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Wipe it down, remove fingerprints, and if possible, restore it to factory settings.
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Take photos in good lighting—show the front, back, sides, and any accessories.
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Honesty is key: highlight scratches or wear so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
Research the Market Value
Before you list, check platforms like eBay, Swappa, and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar iPhones are selling for. Knowing the current market rate gives you confidence when you price.
Price Strategically
If your goal is to sell my iPhone quickly, you might price it slightly below market value. If you’re willing to wait, price it at the higher end. Always leave a little room for negotiation.
Write a Compelling Listing
Include:
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Model and storage capacity
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Carrier status (locked/unlocked)
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Condition
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Original box, charger, or extras (if available)
The better your listing, the fewer “junk offers” you’ll receive.
How to Spot a Lowball Offer
Not every lower-than-expected offer is a “lowball.” Some people just like to negotiate. So how do you tell the difference?
Characteristics of a Lowball Offer:
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The offer is 50% or less of your asking price.
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The buyer messages with only a number, no greeting.
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The tone feels disrespectful (“I’ll give you $100 for it, take it or leave it”).
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They’re unwilling to budge or discuss.
Recognizing the difference between genuine negotiation and lowballing helps you decide how to respond.
The Best Ways to Respond to Lowball Offers
Now comes the most important part—how you handle those frustrating lowballers.
1. Stay Professional
It’s tempting to fire back with sarcasm or anger, but don’t. You want to maintain professionalism, because serious buyers may be watching your responses.
Example:
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m firm at my listed price given the condition and accessories included.”
2. Counteroffer Strategically
If the offer is low but not insulting, you can counter.
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Example: You listed at $500. They offer $300. Counter with $460.
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This shows you’re flexible, but not desperate.
3. Educate the Buyer
Sometimes buyers don’t know what the phone is worth.
Example:
“I appreciate your offer, but similar models are selling for around $480–$520. I think my price is fair considering the condition.”
4. Ignore and Move On
If someone sends a ridiculously low offer with no room for discussion, it’s perfectly fine to ignore them. Your time is valuable.
5. Use Humor (Optional)
Some sellers use light humor to defuse the situation.
Example:
“$100 for an iPhone 13? I’d love that deal too, but unfortunately I can’t accept it.”
Negotiation Tactics That Work
Handling lowball offers is about negotiation. Here are tactics to help you walk away with a fair deal when you sell my iPhone:
Anchoring
Start slightly higher than the lowest price you’re willing to accept. This gives you space to negotiate while still landing in your comfort zone.
Bundling Extras
If you have accessories like cases, chargers, or headphones, use them to justify your asking price.
Example: “The phone comes with three cases and the original charger, which makes it a solid deal.”
Limited-Time Offers
Create urgency.
Example: “I have other interested buyers. If you’d like to secure it today for $480, it’s yours.”
Firm Yet Friendly
Be approachable but clear. Buyers respect confidence.
Platforms and Their Lowball Culture
Not all selling platforms are created equal. Some attract more lowballers than others.
eBay
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Pros: Wide audience, protection for sellers.
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Cons: Auction system can drive prices lower, lots of fees.
Facebook Marketplace
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Pros: Local, fast sales.
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Cons: Flooded with lowball offers, scammers.
Craigslist
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Pros: No fees, cash-only deals.
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Cons: High risk of unserious buyers and lowballers.
Swappa
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Pros: Serious tech buyers, better prices.
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Cons: Smaller audience.
Trade-In Programs
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Pros: Quick and guaranteed.
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Cons: Lower payout compared to private sales.
Knowing the culture of each platform helps set expectations and prepare your strategy.
Protecting Yourself Against Scammers
When trying to sell my iPhone, some lowballers aren’t just cheap—they’re scammers. Here’s how to protect yourself:
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Never ship before receiving payment.
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Use secure payment methods (PayPal Goods & Services, not Friends & Family).
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Meet in public places if selling locally.
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Avoid “overpayment” scams where someone sends extra money and asks you to refund.
Building Confidence as a Seller
One of the hardest parts of handling lowball offers is confidence. When buyers bombard you with messages, it’s easy to question your pricing. Here’s how to stay strong:
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Remember, iPhones hold value better than most electronics.
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Do your research—if the market says your phone is worth $450, don’t settle for $250.
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Be patient. The right buyer is out there.
When to Walk Away
Not every negotiation leads to a sale—and that’s okay. If someone refuses to meet you near your price, politely decline and wait for the right buyer. Sometimes walking away is the smartest move.
Tips to Attract Serious Buyers
To reduce lowball offers, attract serious buyers from the start:
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Highlight the value: Mention unlocked status, battery health, and condition.
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Use strong visuals: Clear photos increase trust.
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List across multiple platforms: More exposure means better chances of finding buyers willing to pay your price.
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Be responsive: Quick replies show professionalism and keep serious buyers engaged.
Conclusion
Dealing with lowball offers when trying to sell my iPhone is frustrating—but it doesn’t have to derail your sale. By preparing well, pricing strategically, and responding with confidence, you can turn potential time-wasters into opportunities. Remember, not every offer deserves your attention, and not every buyer is worth your energy.
The key is to stay calm, stay professional, and stay firm in knowing the value of your device. With the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the chaos of online selling, weed out lowballers, and secure the fair deal your iPhone deserves.
So next time someone offers you $100 for a $500 iPhone, you’ll know exactly how to respond—with confidence, professionalism, and a smile.