John,

The problem is if both people are adamant they won't speak first, no business can get done. I've run into that some and especially using emails it is a pain to send back and forth: How much do you want for it? How much will you offer for it? No, you first... etc. I often give in and go first figuring if the other guy is that desperate to make an extra dollar, he probably really needs it much more than I and view it as a charitable contribution.