lowball

Thân thiện

The contractor decided to lowball the bid to win the project.

Definition

Verb: 1. To make a deliberately or deceptively low estimate, offer, or bid, typically to secure a contract, sale, or advantage, with the expectation that the final cost or terms will be higher.

Usage

The verb "lowball" is used to describe a strategic, and often unethical, business or negotiation tactic. A person or company "lowballs" by presenting an initial figure that is unrealistically low to win a deal, with the intention of raising the price later or providing inferior quality. It implies a lack of transparency and an attempt to mislead.

Examples

• The seller lowballed the repair cost to get the job, then presented a much larger final bill.
• We suspect the contractor lowballed the bid to undercut the competition.
• Don't be fooled by the initial quote; some companies lowball their estimates to attract clients.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun (less common): A "lowball" can refer to the deliberately low offer itself.
  • Their initial bid was a lowball designed to get their foot in the door.
• In negotiations: The term is frequently used in contexts like car sales, contracting, consulting, and any situation where bids or estimates are given.

Variants and Related Words

• Lowballer (noun): A person or entity that makes lowball offers.
  • Be wary of lowballers; you often get what you pay for.
• Lowball offer/estimate/bid (noun phrase): The specific low offer made.

Synonyms

• Underbid
• Underestimate (deliberately)
• Undervalue (with intent to mislead)

Antonyms

• Overbid
• Overestimate
• Highball (slang for an unrealistically high estimate)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To lowball someone: The act of making such an offer to a specific party.
  • I think they're trying to lowball us because they know we need a quick sale.

Học thuật

Verb

1. make a deliberately low estimate
   • The construction company wanted the contract badly and lowballed

Từ đồng nghĩa

• underestimate