OBO Meaning FAQ: Common Questions Answered

OBO stands for "or best offer". It's commonly used in online marketplace listings to show the seller may accept a lower price than the one shown, depending on the offer and terms. When you see a price listed as "£200 OBO" or "$150 OBO", the seller is signalling that they are open to negotiation and willing to consider reasonable offers below the asking price.

The phrase "or best offer" implies that the seller will evaluate incoming offers based on multiple factors, not just the monetary amount. Speed of transaction, convenience of pickup or delivery, payment method, and the buyer's communication style can all influence which offer the seller considers "best". This makes OBO listings more flexible than firm-price advertisements, but also requires clear communication and mutual respect between buyer and seller.

They are closely related. "OBO" usually appears after a price (for example, "$200 OBO") and signals flexibility, while "best offer" may be written as a separate phrase or feature on some platforms. Many online marketplaces have a "Make an Offer" button or "Best Offer" feature that serves the same purpose as adding OBO to a listing title or description.

The key difference is presentation: OBO is an acronym that sellers type directly into their listing text, while platform-specific "best offer" features are built-in tools that facilitate private negotiation. Both approaches invite buyers to propose a price lower than the listed amount, and both give the seller discretion to accept, decline, or counter any offer received.

There is no universal rule. A reasonable approach is to consider condition, local demand, and comparable prices, then make a respectful opening offer with a clear pickup or shipping plan. Research similar items that have sold recently to understand the market range, and assess the condition and completeness of the item you're interested in.

Many experienced buyers start with an offer between 60% and 80% of the asking price, depending on how long the item has been listed and how negotiable the seller appears to be. If the listing is new and the item is in excellent condition, a higher opening offer shows seriousness. If the listing has been active for weeks or the item shows wear, a lower offer may be appropriate. Always accompany your offer with polite language, a specific collection or delivery proposal, and prompt communication to demonstrate that you are a reliable buyer.

No. OBO invites offers, but the seller can decline, counter, or wait for a better proposal. The "best" offer can include speed, payment method, and convenience—not only price. Sellers are under no obligation to accept the first offer they receive, nor must they accept the highest monetary offer if another proposal is more convenient or reliable.

For example, a seller might prefer an offer of £90 with immediate cash collection over an offer of £95 that requires holding the item for a week and arranging courier delivery. The seller's personal circumstances, urgency to sell, and assessment of each buyer's reliability all factor into their decision. This is why clear, respectful communication and flexibility on logistics can make your offer more attractive even if it is not the highest in monetary terms.

In texting, OBO most often still refers to "or best offer" when the conversation is about buying or selling. If the topic is unrelated, ask for clarification because acronyms can be ambiguous. Text messaging and online chat platforms use hundreds of abbreviations, and the same acronym can have different meanings depending on context.

If a friend texts "I'm selling my bike, £120 OBO", the meaning is clear. However, if you encounter OBO in a conversation that has nothing to do with transactions or pricing, it's worth asking what the sender means. Polite clarification prevents misunderstandings and shows that you're engaged in the conversation. In general, context clues such as currency symbols, item descriptions, or negotiation language will help you identify when OBO refers to "or best offer".

Yes. You may see "ONO" (or nearest offer) in some regions, and platform-specific terms like "make an offer". The intent is similar: the listed price is negotiable. ONO is particularly common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and functions almost identically to OBO in signalling that the seller will consider reasonable offers below the asking price.

Other variations include "OIRO" (offers in the region of), often used in property listings, and simply writing "negotiable" or "open to offers" in the item description. Different online marketplaces may also have their own terminology or built-in offer systems. Regardless of the exact acronym or phrase used, the underlying principle remains the same: the seller is willing to discuss price and consider proposals that differ from the listed amount.