JonR --- let's not make this so damn complicated ... it really doesn't have to be so convoluted ....
I have traded on many different forums over many years, and 'best offer' on ALL of them are considered an auction, and it is not allowed ... because it is not a straight forward trade.
Here is an example of one set of guidelines pertaining to trades on another fourm, which is not necessarily the rules on this forum ... just an example to go by.
I have edited out what does not pertain to this fourm:
Some Basic Do's and Don'ts ---
Here are some basic rules when trading in the ***edited*** 'Trading Room':
The trading room is intended for cigar-lovers who wish to trade with others who share their passion for the leaf. The trading room is not meant for retailers (or others) wanting to make a profit from selling their cigars.
Don't auction cigars. Again this site is not intended for those who wish to profit from other members. If you want to auction cigars, take them to a site set up for that purpose. Don't ask for "best offer". This is considered to be another form of auction.
Post what you have to offer clearly and straightforwardly: For example, 'Certain cigar' or 'item' for trade, looking for 'certain cigar'or 'item'.
Those asking for 'best offer' just rub me the wrong way, when they claim they are looking for a trade, because it is not clear what they are looking for in exchange ... and I don't feel it is fair to those who really wanted what that person had to offer, and was first to take it on, and then they lose out to someone else who comes along and makes a better offer.
I don't consider that a trade ... and it's as simple as that. It's waiting until you get what you consider to be the best deal ... and blowing off eveyone else.
Hey ... if everyone else is comfortable with that, that's fine by me. I just don't agree that 'best offer' belongs in a 'Trades' room ... that's all.
FYI --- I had no idea Penguin13 had posted, because I had the 'post a reply to' window open, while I was searching my humidors for some good cigars ... and he posted under me ...