Advise required - is this a Hub scam?

[Alain]

For some of us working folk, it can be quite difficult to arrange couriers etc... I won't have stuff collected from my work so I need to get it to someone else's place and then arrange a courier at a time convenient to them. This means it often will take me a few days to send stuff - I try to warn ppl up front, but they often still expect/want it sent immediately. This has lead to more than one unhappy customer, but nothing dodgy from me, just that it takes a bit of time and effort to arrange. Hopefully you come right with your purchase, I'm only posting this to show you that it could be a legitimate delay!

 

Yes this makes sence Edge but its always good to look at the number of posts and date joined and you fast enough figure out who's the older players on the hub... But like you say comunication is key in any deal.....

[rouxtjie]

It really comes down to managing expectations...commit to when you can ship...Don't say you will ship tomorrow and then do it a week later.

 

My rule of thumb when selling...if you have more posts than me, I will ship without confirmation of EFT / payment, if not you pay before I ship. Also I prefer people to collect from me if I am selling and vica versa. If I need to ship...next day courier only for your account.

Edited August 27, 2012 by rouxtjie

[Red Zone]

This is why I only deal in Cape Town, in cash and in person. Just not worth the pain and suffering to deal at arms length

[W1Z@RD]

 

Thanks, I thought so. No phone number available otherwise I would have phoned ages ago Guess it is time to get out the big stick.

Just sick of this k@k. Just do not know if I am too hasty but the common decency thing worries me.

Will name and flame later perhaps he will make contact.

 

Yeah I feel your pain.... I get stressed out if I don't have communication. Very paranoid whenever buying something online from an unknown source.... Best thing you can do is like TheV said and call etc first

[wolf182]

This is why I only deal in Cape Town, in cash and in person. Just not worth the pain and suffering to deal at arms length

 

I prefer to do the same, i was a bit nervy when i bought a bike a few years back from a seller in Potch off the hub, a close friend took the drive from Jhb to pay and collect on my behalf.

I just couldnt pay without physically seeing the bike.

 

Name and shame plse, we need to know who to look out for.

[Sepia]

hard luck - hopefully the person is just busy and all will be better tomorrow.....

 

oh....and i tried to resist but i couldn't...... it's "advice"

Thanks Stretch. Also picked that up but I am too Pi.....d of to care at this stage.

[kosmonooit]

Good to have a chat over the phone first, establish personal contact, but often I don't. If there is a work email being used, that is reassuring.

 

But otherwise I have had good dealings (and luck I suppose) often deal with people in other cities. If I am selling I do expect to see payment reflecting and cleared.

[Sepia]

For some of us working folk, it can be quite difficult to arrange couriers etc... I won't have stuff collected from my work so I need to get it to someone else's place and then arrange a courier at a time convenient to them. This means it often will take me a few days to send stuff - I try to warn ppl up front, but they often still expect/want it sent immediately. This has lead to more than one unhappy customer, but nothing dodgy from me, just that it takes a bit of time and effort to arrange. Hopefully you come right with your purchase, I'm only posting this to show you that it could be a legitimate delay!

Yes Edge, I agree. You at least keep in contact and keep the buyer informed. Cannot ask more than this. I am not unreasonable in this regard but I do believe the seller has an obligation to the buyer, no matter what. Just keep the other person informed is all I ask. Jumping to conclusion/haste etc does not bide well but, it is another story if the guy ducks.

[Sepia]

Good to have a chat over the phone first, establish personal contact, but often I don't. If there is a work email being used, that is reassuring.

 

But otherwise I have had good dealings (and luck I suppose) often deal with people in other cities. If I am selling I do expect to see payment reflecting and cleared.

 

No number on the Hub otherwise I would have contacted the bloke. I do have his private email but he is not answering that either. Time to let the dogs out.

[rouxtjie]

Name and shame...see how much his reputation is worth

[Sepia]

Final update.

Got held of his bank, action line gave me a private mail address and wallah, return of mail. Copy of which is attached.

STILL, no communication is extremely poor and can get you into the pie for no reason at all. Take this as an example.

Must say, found it strange the bank was helpful in this way and it would appear, are taking a stand against "scamming"

 

All is good. lesson learnt.

 

 

"Sorry to make this an unpleasant scenario, I have been snowed under with work and to add was sick as a dog from Thursday last week. The panniers is with Courier Surgeon and should reach you Wednesday to Thursday this week. It had to be repacked as the initials packaging made the courier costs +R500. They have now bubble wrapped it and the price came to R200, I have supplied them the proof of payment already with your address.

 

The last mail I read was the one with your address since then I have not read any responses until now due to my illness. Again I do apologise for the delay and unsatisfactory service from my side on this sale as it is not how I usually do business. I trust you will be satisfied when you receive the panniers later this week."

 

Shame!

[Grebel]

I am not a regular seller on the hub but the three sales that I have made have gone through without a hitch.

 

I stick to these simple rules:

 

Make sure you state terms of sale in the advert including shipping details

Cash is king!

Face to face is better!

If EFT payment (NO CHEQUES!!!) then the funds must clear in my account before I post. (I wait until I can transfer the funds into another account)

Postage is at the expense of the buyer unless otherwise stated.

Usually Speed Service Couriers overnight counter to counter. If the buyer wants hand to hand courier then they arrange that themselves to collect from me.

I send the tracking number as soon as I get back from the post office.

I also follow up to see if the item has ariived and if they have collected it and that the item arrived in good order.

 

If you stick to these simple rules of buying and selling, you should be fine. So far so good for me.

 

As far as buying goes, face to face purchases are better. If you need to get it shipped, get high res pictures (not cellphone pictures. Not even if ClintZA took them with his Nokia!!) Date joined, post count as well as sellers reputation all count. I would be sceptical if there was no contact number... once you are satisfied that the item is to your liking, pay the money and wait for delivery.

 

If it isn't face to face it is always going to be a bit risky!

[pastapouch]

I'm seeing too many funny names, more like chinese, african on here to even remotely feel safe buying something. Did previously, didn't get burned. But its too risky lately.

[Sepia]

Another suck-up received. Too late for tears my friend, you crossed the line. All it would have cost was ONE pm or mail!!

Flipping chancer!

 

 

"As said I am truly sorry for the delay and understand your frustration there were a multitude of things that just went wrong. I hope you feel a bit better now knowing the stuff is in the way to you.

 

Please correct anywhere you might have cast me in the light of taking your money and running. If you are unhappy regarding the way the sale went down as said I understand and am not proud of the way it was handled but work and illness really got me down."

[nishiki]

Another suck-up received. Too late for tears my friend, you crossed the line. All it would have cost was ONE pm or mail!!

Flipping chancer!

 

 

"As said I am truly sorry for the delay and understand your frustration there were a multitude of things that just went wrong. I hope you feel a bit better now knowing the stuff is in the way to you.

 

Please correct anywhere you might have cast me in the light of taking your money and running. If you are unhappy regarding the way the sale went down as said I understand and am not proud of the way it was handled but work and illness really got me down."

I don't think you'll see your money or panniers again. His excuses are feeble.

 

Part of the problem you are having is from your side though. You should always insist on a phone number and make a call to the seller before proceeding. Emails can be faked, a quick, frank call is harder. Also, pay with your credit card so that when you have this problem, you can report the fraud and they will reimburse you.