Articles on: Buying

Making an offer on a listing

Making an offer on a listing


On many fixed-price listings you do not have to pay the asking price without discussion. You can make an offer, which is a price you propose to the seller. (Offers are a fixed-price feature; auctions work by bidding instead. See How auctions and bidding work.)


The make-an-offer dialog


Sending an offer


Open the offer dialog from the listing and fill in two things:


  • Your offer amount: the price you are proposing to pay for the animal. This is the field that matters most. Offer what you believe is fair; the seller can accept it or not.
  • A message (optional): a short note to the seller. Use it to introduce yourself, explain your offer, or ask a question. A genuine, friendly note often helps a seller say yes, especially on animals where they care who the buyer is.


Submit, and the seller is notified of your offer.


What the seller can do


The seller has exactly three responses (this is the seller's view of an offer, covered in Reviewing offers on your listing), and it helps to know there is no back-and-forth haggling built in:


  • Accept: the seller agrees to your price. You are then sent to checkout at the agreed price, where you pay that amount (plus the buyer fee and any add-ons).
  • Decline: the seller turns the offer down. You are notified, and you are free to make another offer or simply buy at the asking price.
  • Withdraw (an accepted offer): if a seller accepted but circumstances change before you have paid, they can withdraw the acceptance, and you are notified.


There is no counter-offer. The seller does not send back a different number; they accept or decline what you proposed. If your offer is declined, the next move is yours: offer again at a different price, or buy outright.


After an offer is accepted


Once the seller accepts, your job is to check out promptly at the agreed price.


Checking out an accepted offer


An accepted offer is held open for a limited window (a few days), so complete the purchase while it is yours. Checkout works exactly like any fixed-price purchase: you pay, Creatures holds the funds, and the seller is paid only once you confirm delivery. See How buying works.



Updated on: 23/06/2026

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