In the first case, it's unlikely he had any other offer. He may have sought one out later, though. And, why wouldn't he come clean when I asked what happened? It's much better to tell me about a better offer than not responding.

For the second one, it was an offer to buy something I own. He gave a very uncertain sounding offer (very low, and said he wasn't sure how much he should offer). I responded that his offer would mean a loss for me, and asked if he could come a little higher. When he didn't respond, I made a counter-offer (not that much higher, but enough so I wouldn't lose out on the deal). I have never heard back. I have just given up on that one, but it was still very rude. It's unlikely I would deal with that person again, without a very plausible explanation.

JMHO.

Michael Siskin