Just had another experience that lines up with this thread...
I found a Singer that I wanted on the auction site but it was listed for just over $100. They did have a make offer available, so I thought i'd get the negotiations started. I usually offer low so that when the inevitable counter offer comes back the adjusted price would still be in my range.
I also included my usual note about what I do with my collection and the shows we do.
The seller accepted my initial offer(!?!) with a note to say she had REALLY hoped it would be bought by a person who would appreciate it as opposed to flipping it or just hording it on a shelf to just collect dust.
Some sellers are motivated by cash, others are motivated by more humanistic reasons.