On Facebook Marketplace, “OBO” is an abbreviation that stands for “or best offer.” It is commonly used by sellers to indicate that the listed price of an item is negotiable. This signals to potential buyers that the seller is open to receiving offers lower than the stated price and is willing to consider selling the item for a reduced amount. For example, a listing with a price of “$50 OBO” suggests that while the seller ideally wants $50, they are receptive to reasonable offers from interested parties.
The inclusion of “or best offer” benefits both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it presents an opportunity to potentially acquire an item at a lower cost than initially advertised, fostering a sense of negotiation and potential savings. For sellers, it widens the pool of potential buyers by making the item more accessible to individuals with varying budgets. Historically, this type of negotiation has been common in physical marketplaces, and the use of “OBO” transfers this practice to the online environment, enhancing the bargaining aspect of online transactions.
