Verbal offers to selling agents?

[Tom V.]

I'm wondering if it is proper etiquette to contact the listing agent for a property and just make a verbal offer to see if the seller would be interested in my price? I don't want to annoy my own agent by asking her to make a bunch of offers for me that will likely be rejected. If my verbal offer is entertained, then I would contact my agent to have her set up a showing and make a formal offer.

Is this reasonable? Suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.