Ethics in classifieds!?

[bertusras]

Perhaps a counter point would contribute to a better discussion than a simple ad hominem attack?

  

Learnt a new word that you want to get out at every opportunity but don't really know how to use it or what it means?

 

I have very little time for intellectually challenged individuals who project their lack of understanding as the failure of others. What don't you understand about my 2 posts on this matter? Calling me obtuse when I have clearly set out why I think buyers are losing out on a purchase because another buyer was more aggressive reflects far more on your state of mind than mine.

Pretty sure both myself and Nakoota made our points earlier, yet you chose to make your own assumptions.

 

In both our instances we were willing to get to the seller as soon as possible, yet they said that they were not available immediately, but said we could meet on another day. And then they go turn around and sell it to someone prior to that? Doesn't make sense to me.

 

But okay.

[No Hare]

Ah, now some are intellectually challenged and anal, regarding their opinions off cause. So, let us go down that road.

 

 

Edited February 12, 2017 by No Hare

[eddy]

In both our instances we were willing to get to the seller as soon as possible, yet they said that they were not available immediately, but said we could meet on another day. And then they go turn around and sell it to someone prior to that? Doesn't make sense to me.But okay.

Clearly the buyer was capable of negotiating an earlier meeting. Why don't you figure out a way of doing the same next time?

 

Until you have a contract you have no rights. There is of course no problem with you agreeing a contract of option (and paying for it) until you can view and buy it. If the deal is as good as you say, taking a punt on an option would be a clever move.

[bertusras]

Clearly the buyer was capable of negotiating an earlier meeting. Why don't you figure out a way of doing the same next time?

 

I think it is fair to expect someone to honour their arrangement with you (that they proposed), but going by this thread it seems that I'm ignorant and gullible and in the wrong.

 

Was it the best deal in the world and I'm devastated that I missed out on it, no, but would I expect a bit of common decency from another human being, yes.

[Phatman]

 

 

Pretty sure both myself and Nakoota made our points earlier, yet you chose to make your own assumptions.

 

In both our instances we were willing to get to the seller as soon as possible, yet they said that they were not available immediately, but said we could meet on another day. And then they go turn around and sell it to someone prior to that? Doesn't make sense to me.

 

But okay.

Most likely explanation is that a slightly higher offer was made, and for a few extra bucks the seller was suddenly able to find time to meet the other guy.

[eddy]

I think it is fair to expect someone to honour their arrangement with you (that they proposed), but going by this thread it seems that I'm ignorant and gullible and in the wrong.

 .

Not wrong, just with a sense of entitilement and unrealistic expectations.

 

I recently advertised a good deal on a sought-after frame. I anwered each PM as they came in and told them where they were in the sequence.

 

The first person in line paid my asking price sight unseen and I eventually shipped it off to him.

 

I chose to do so because it suited me. Nobody had any right to expect that I would prefer their custom.

[BikerBoer]

Sounds to me like most of the times the sellers are the problem in this regard.

 

As a buyer I think you should change your approach on shopping for a bargain.

 

Here's a few scenarios:

 

The call

 

"Hallo Piet, I see you selling your Cannondale carbon Scalpel for R25K, Listen...I've got the cash in my hand and I live in the same city and I'm already sitting in my car...I can be at your place in 10 minutes. Can you give me your address please? Shot, I'll be right over boet"

 

The visit (scenario A)

 

Thanks boet, here's your money. Sorry about you aunties heart transplant you have to pay for. It's a pity you have to sell your bike to help her, but its admirable. Good luck to her and to you"

 

The visit (scenario B)

 

"Chom this bike looks nothing like the pictures on the interwebs....It's not even carbon. R25K vir die stuk kuk...jys bedonnerd man!....Cheers!"

Edited February 12, 2017 by BikerBoer

[BigTom]

Had it twice on selling bikes that the oke would agree to a price on the phone then rock up and then try and barter with the person that was handing over the bike. I was at work so could not be there for the transaction. Rather annoying. 

 

Still bleak I sold a beauty of an old Trek as it was a great retro bike at an amazing price, I sold it on behalf of a friend who did work with Postal in the off season. But I did see the dude the next day enjoying the bike so made me a bit better but jealous of the bike

Just had a similar one.  Guy negotiated price down on what was already a reasonable price, but we agreed on a deal.  I arranged to have the bike delivered to him, and he agreed to pay the cash to the driver.  When the bike arrives, he claims the frame is cracked (was just the paint), but I had disclosed this prior to the agreement.  I say fine, send the bike back with the driver if he's not happy.  So then he says will I take R500 off the price.  Now tell me, if you honestly believed a bike had a cracked frame, would you buy it for just R500 less than an unbroken one?

[Uni]

I think it is fair to expect someone to honour their arrangement with you (that they proposed), but going by this thread it seems that I'm ignorant and gullible and in the wrong.

 

Was it the best deal in the world and I'm devastated that I missed out on it, no, but would I expect a bit of common decency from another human being, yes.

No I'm with you here, to use a term from the Captain - that's a wank move. I'd be peeved too. Yes the seller doesn't owe you anything but he also doesn't need to be a dick. Hence why I'm rather picky who I buy from.

[BigTom]

Just found this thread and did actually take the time to read all 23 pages. 

 

Just a few observations that have mostly been noted...

 

I've been buying and selling (mostly buying) on the hub for years and by far most hubbers I've dealt with have been a pleasure.  But yes, I have encountered a few of the complaints on this thread too.

 

The golden rule has been mentioned - I think the trouble comes when we also expect to receive the treatment we give, and the reality is that some people just don't operate that way.

 

"A good name is to be desired more than great riches." - A principle I've tried to live by, and it seems many other hubbers agree - your word means something.  As has been mentioned, there are some that it doesn't and they are willing to sacrifice their word for a few rand more. Frustrating when you have accepted their word in good faith, but it is an unfortunate reality that some don't value their word.

 

This thread also highlights the importance of good communication - I wonder how many of these situations could have been avoided by good communication between buyer and seller, including verbalising expectations.

 

The trader feedback is a valuable tool, but only works if people use it.

 

And yes, I am one of those guys who has been on the classifieds for years, but have a very low post count.  Does than make me a bad person?  Incidentally, my "introduction" to the forums of "reputable" hubbers was when I was accused of being one of those guys that poaches bargains and then resells at a markup.  But no one bothered to check if it was true before making the accusations.

[Skylark]

Sorry BigTom, I think I was one of those that unfairly judged you earlier in the thread, my apologies.

[BigTom]

Sorry BigTom, I think I was one of those that unfairly judged you earlier in the thread, my apologies.

No worries.  Apology accepted.  It's all good.  Just to add to the rest of the story, I did post on that thread, and pm'd the guys that made the accusation.  The guys did go back on the post with an additional post to correct the information.

And the information is half right - I do try and grab bargains when available - if it is something I need.   But it is because I use it (that thread explains why so no need to repeat here).  I don't purchase for the purpose of resale.  I do sell stuff from time to time when there are "leftovers" from a build to try and help fund the next one.

[BlackSnow]

While we are talking about classified etiquette.

 

What's up with this new trend in the classifieds that every second ad does not have any pictures...whatsapp/SMS me for images seems to be the new standard. If you are to lazy to upload a pic don't advertise!!! I totally understand if you are selling a race entry you don't need pics.

 

Recon most hubbers don't want to hunt for your contact details and engage via another platform to get the information required to asses if they want to buy your product on offer.

[Rudi Pollard]

While we are talking about classified etiquette.

 

What's up with this new trend in the classifieds that every second ad does not have any pictures...whatsapp/SMS me for images seems to be the new standard. If you are to lazy to upload a pic don't advertise!!! I totally understand if you are selling a race entry you don't need pics.

 

Recon most hubbers don't want to hunt for your contact details and engage via another platform to get the information required to asses if they want to buy your product on offer.

if there is no pics, I wouldn't even respond to the ad even if it is something I really want. 

[carbon29er]

Buying and selling is always a challenge when it involves pre-owned goods.

 

What we see here is buyers being let down.

 

Sellers have little harps to plat as well.

 

I the past 8 days I have received, both by PM or direct email correspondence like this:  "Is the xxxxx xxxx still available?"

 

I respond immediately with a yes and details on how to acquire said xxxx xxxx.

 

Then nothing.

 

My question is why go to the trouble of sending a mail asking about the availability if there is no intention of follow through?

 

It's not an ethics thing but it is just plain silly.

[BigTom]

While we are talking about classified etiquette.

 

What's up with this new trend in the classifieds that every second ad does not have any pictures...whatsapp/SMS me for images seems to be the new standard. If you are to lazy to upload a pic don't advertise!!! I totally understand if you are selling a race entry you don't need pics.

 

Recon most hubbers don't want to hunt for your contact details and engage via another platform to get the information required to asses if they want to buy your product on offer.

Or listing all the specs on a bike as "standard"