Poor purchasing etiquette

[marcingo]

I appologize if this is not a topic I can post however I feel people should not be taking advantage of others when purchasing from a fellow member.

Recently I sold my tank off as a package. The purchaser and I agreed upon a price well below what I was asking for due to the fact that I was in a hurry to take it down. Taking their word in good faith I began tearing down my tank. They then told me they needed to run to the bank to get the rest of the money and assured me I could keep taking things apart.

Once my tank was taken apart, deep sand disturbed they came back telling me they had $30 less than what we had agreed to and wanted to take less than what they had agreed to.

In the best interest of my livestock and to prevent them from living in a half torn down tank with a disturbed sand bed possibly releasing toxic gases I was forced to give away my tank for 30% less than the price we had agreed to which was much lower than what I was asking in the first place.

I guess the lesson learned for everyone is ask to see the money up front. Seems like even in a hobby we cannot trust others.

This is the first and will definately be the last time I will be running into a situation like this.

I understand we sometimes don't have what we think in the bank account but wouldn't common courtesy suggest bringing the money you agree to even if it is the next day or week?

Anyway I appologize for venting on the board but I just hope others might learn from my loss.

[viperfish]

I share your frustration. I sold a light fixture to a person in Calgary, we agreed on a price online. I even agreed to bring it to him at my cost (apparently going from Calgary to Medicine Hat is like going to the moon but everyone thinks the other way around is like walking across the street). When I get to the guy's house he tries beating me down even more on the price and wouldn't take the fixture until I gave in. I felt like wringing the guy's neck!

[fencer]

That happened to me once and I told the guy to walk. He came back 2 weeks later and met my price and I told him 2x of what I orignally asked...he turned me down :)

[marcingo]

I guess my situation wasn't as bad as yours. At least he came to my house.

[globaldesigns]

This is a common occurrence and we all have our stories. I have even made deals with others, for FREE stuff, then after weeks, still no show. You all know who you are! HEHE :biggrin:

So, if I sell something, first to my door gets it. That is the way I work.

Oh well, just the way it is.

[corpusse]

People are animals.

I usually have to write in comments like "DO NOT REPLY UNLESS YOU ARE GOING TO PICK UP". In Ontario no shows are a big problem. Lowballers too, but people agreeing on a time even calling and confirming and never showing up.

I'm all for trying to get the best deal if the person is wiling, but once you agree to a price that's it. Even if I found a better price I'd feel like I have to pay it because once I tell someone I'll take it at agreed upon price I feel like I've given my word.

[lorenz0]

That is the worst someone could do. I thought about selling my 60 and ordering a new tank only to remember all troubles i went through trying to sell my cube. Ive met alot of decent guys in this hobby and there have been times where I have even given the seller more than the price they were asking.

One thing that grinds my gears... low balling. it happens everywhere and its not like your going to do it at a store. Also how is a healthy coral worth less than one at a store... that has grown. Or established fish that are proven to be great eaters.




So, if I sell something, first to my door gets it. That is the way I work.



thats what I do. I give everyone my contact info, first person that calls and shows up gets what ever i am selling. btw i think silentcivilian still owes you $10 lol

[Aquattro]

You have to realize that not everyone here, even someone that partakes in threads, is your friend. They aren't really even fellow hobbyists. We have countless "members" here that are only here to to get a good deal on your misfortune. In Victoria, we had a Canreef member systematically go through every for sale post in town and do the old " show up, need to go to bank, come back with less money" trick. I had 15 reports of it in 3 weeks. If you tried to lend the guy a hand, he tried to take your arm.

Essentially, unless you personally know someone here, or know for certain that they have a solid long term history on the board, don't trust anyone to do what they say or give you what they said they would. If I'm selling something to anyone, I don't count it sold until someone actually knocks on my door and hands me the correct amount of money. Especially with livestock. If anyone even tries to renegotiate at my door, I'm closing it.

It's too bad that the world is like this, but it is, and we can't put our tank inhabitants at risk over it. It's not sold until the buyer actually shows up (so rare these days) and hands over the correct amount of cash or gold. Nothing else works. If the sale falls through, I'd rather give the stuff to the LFS than get taken in by one of these losers.

[Cal_stir]

It's too bad that the world is like this, but it is, and we can't put our tank inhabitants at risk over it. It's not sold until the buyer actually shows up (so rare these days) and hands over the correct amount of cash or gold. Nothing else works. If the sale falls through, I'd rather give the stuff to the LFS than get taken in by one of these losers.

Same here, I call it SCRAM, LOSER!

[Carrera75]

Essentially, unless you personally know someone here, or know for certain that they have a solid long term history on the board, don't trust anyone to do what they say or give you what they said they would. If I'm selling something to anyone, I don't count it sold until someone actually knocks on my door and hands me the correct amount of money. Especially with livestock. If anyone even tries to renegotiate at my door, I'm closing it.

It's too bad that the world is like this, but it is, and we can't put our tank inhabitants at risk over it. It's not sold until the buyer actually shows up (so rare these days) and hands over the correct amount of cash or gold. Nothing else works. If the sale falls through, I'd rather give the stuff to the LFS than get taken in by one of these losers.

I could not agree more with you.

[Flash]

it happens unfortunatly. I am sorry you had a bad experience. If you can't afford it going into the sale, be honest upfront instead of gaining a bad rep within the community. Sad to say that some people never learn and do constant business this way.

[Pirates_Gold]

CANREEF has a "Sponsoring Vendors Rating Forum", so why not a "Members Rating Forum"? How can other members be warned about these losers? Is there a list posted somewhere? On the other hand, perhaps there are preferred members to buy from or sell to, but how do we know? Will we only find out too late? Perhaps the mods can provide some insight here.

[Flash]

CANREEF has a "Sponsoring Vendors Rating Forum", so why not a "Members Rating Forum"? How can other members be warned about these losers? Is there a list posted somewhere? On the other hand, perhaps there are preferred members to buy from or sell to, but how do we know? Will we only find out too late? Perhaps the mods can provide some insight here.

I see your point... but people get nasty and I really don't see any good coming out of it.. it will just turn into a "he said/she said" issue...

I usually ask other reefers if it's someone I don't know... I check thier profile and post history, see if any other deals have been done with that person...

Just like with a site like Kijiji, you never know what you're going to get.

If the seller is not happy, say no... buyers, stop being so cheap and inconsiderate. the end!

[The Grizz]

I have been ripped off 2x now, NEVER EVER AGAIN. I have had dealings from Manitoba to B.C. & all but 2 have been all good. I can't stand people that try to low ball or re-negotiate after agreement was made. Anyone who does this should be ashamed to show there face in public. I would also like to add that if there is an issue with a transaction they both parties to do every thing possible to solve it like responsible human beings. I like to think that I have a good track record with fellow members buying or selling. All I can say is don't rip me off unless you want me to track you down & show up at your door when you least expect it.

[Aquattro]

CANREEF has a "Sponsoring Vendors Rating Forum", so why not a "Members Rating Forum"? How can other members be warned about these losers? Is there a list posted somewhere? On the other hand, perhaps there are preferred members to buy from or sell to, but how do we know? Will we only find out too late? Perhaps the mods can provide some insight here.

Unfortunately that leads to more trouble than good. We have no way of knowing what really happened, and as always, there are three sides to every story. In the end, be a member here, participate in discussions, and you get to know the good members. If you just come here to shop, it's the same as any other online garage sale, you have to use common sense and feel out who you're dealing with. Most of the time you can tell by a person's post to your ad. If it's abrupt, the typical "hey, yo, call me, I want it, for real d00d" then I'd be skeptical :) Alternatively, if someone asks legitimate questions and deals with you politely and maturely, it's less likely to be a troublesome transaction. not always, but a good indicator of the type of person you're dealing with.

[Slick Fork]

My favourite is when you're trying to sell and someone says "What's the lowest you'll take?".... I always have to stifle the urge to snap back with "What's the most you'll pay :twised: "

[truperc]

I have always found it best just to pay what the person is asking if the price is fair. I have always found sellers here on Canreef very generous if you are willing to pay the asking price. More than once I have been given freebees. I like buying from fellow reefers, you are guaranteed to get healthy stock as it has multiplied or survived for some time in their tank.

[The Grizz]

My favourite is when you're trying to sell and someone says "What's the lowest you'll take?".... I always have to stifle the urge to snap back with "What's the most you'll pay :twised: "

Don't fight that urge Chris, I wouldn't even think twice about spitting that out myself.

[Skimmerking]

Or I only have this much to give you , Well I only have a middle finger back to give you.

[mark]

I've had people show up short and just find it amazing. Also had the no shows (even when free) and though it bothers me to do so, now it's first come first served type thing (I'll make it know up front). Other thing, if you say you'll show up at 2:00, you're taking your chances showing up at 4:00 expecting me to be home.

Gotten to the point flushing xenia and macro is just easier.

[fencer]

Mark that is one of the reasons why I will only sell at the reefers meetings

[reefermadness]

Some people are just plain rude and selfish. I was going to type more but really thats all it boils down too.

I have to say I respect everyone who thinks this type of behavior is appalling.

I would also like to say that I'm thankful that I have meet way more good people in this hobby than bad.

[The Grizz]

Mark that is one of the reasons why I will only sell at the reefers meetings

Or to me :biggrin:

[marcingo]

I have always found it best just to pay what the person is asking if the price is fair. I have always found sellers here on Canreef very generous if you are willing to pay the asking price. More than once I have been given freebees. I like buying from fellow reefers, you are guaranteed to get healthy stock as it has multiplied or survived for some time in their tank.

Like me. I even offered to throw in some salt(free) with the price he agreed to and he still took advantage.

Oh well.

[Vitaminz]

That really sucks, but you get that with anything you sell on line. Seems like with everything you try and help people out, there are those that take advantage. But I find there are more positive transactions than negative ones. I really appreciate all the experiences that I have experienced in this hobby, and all the great people that are here on Canreef.

Jeff

[marcingo]

I agree. This is my first negative transaction in 10 years.

[intarsiabox]

It's not only the buyers that are the problem but lots of sellers too. Advertising items in mint condition when they are piles of crap. Not home at arranged times. Agreeing to a pick up time and then selling it to someone else before the agreed to time, which sadly some people think is ok. When I make an agreement with someone I always hold up my end, unfortunately some feel that they only need to keep their word if it's convenient. I also don't see the big deal if someone gives an initial lowball offer, people do realize that they don't have to respond, right? Trying to reduce the price after one has already been agreed upon is a different story however and I wouldn't tolerate it from anyone. This all being said, I have found most people on canreef to be great people to deal with and learned to never bring my wife because she ends up getting mad at me because it takes 3 hours of chat time to pick a fish or coral! So in the end I still won't hesitate to deal with fellow canreefers and think the bad apples are the vast minority.

[Coleus]

Sorry to hear you ran into bad people on canreef. I also deal with lots of canreef member over the years that i am in this hobby. There are lots of good ppl at beginning and lately it is getting worse as canreef forum grows.

Very frustrating sometimes.

[fishoholic]

I'm not sure I should say anything but I'm finding I can't help myself. While I don't agree with low ballets etc I have to say karma sucks eh?

When I first got into this hobby and I didn't know much of anything marcingo (the OP) sold me a 30g cube tank and stand and a MH light. I was told it was all in good condition only to show up and see the tank had lots of scratches in it and the stand was also in rough shape not horrible but not "good" either. The MH light was awful I was under the impression that it was a store bought light and in good working condition. It was a DIY light that looked like a total fire hazard it had wires hanging out all over the place and was the worst MH light I have ever seen to this day in this hobby. I had agreed to the deal over pm's and felt like I couldn't back out since we had already made a deal and I did want the tank and stand however I was told it was a package deal and I had to buy it all or nothing. I honestly have never felt so ripped off and so bitter about a sale in this hobby as I felt with that sale. I ended up having to re-wire the whole MH light just for it to be safe to use :sad:

[kien]

ya no kidding..

A couple of years ago I went to purchase a Regal Angel from a local canreefer that was shutting down her tank. There were a bunch of canreefers there at the time that I knew and that knew her. Plus she ran Big Als fish room at the time so I figured she was somewhat reputable. Anyway, long story longer, I gave her the money and she told me she'd net the Angel that night and drive it over to my place the next day. The Angel ended up spending the night in one of Big Al's tanks I was told, which was fine with me. Well, days passed but no Angel was delivered :( Repeated PMs, eMails and phone calls went into the ether. Eventually she disconnected her phone and moved..LOL. I laugh because I guess she really needed that money really bad to high tail it out of town. Just as well I guess. I do enjoy donating to charity from time to time.

Another sad story.. so 10 years ago I lent this guy my fish trap. For the sake of keeping his identity private I shall call him, "Levi". He told me countless times that he'd return my fish trap. To this day I am still without a fish trap..

[lastlight]

Serves you right considering the insane prices you charge for frags Kien. We were all thinking it folks... don't hate!

[intarsiabox]

Another sad story.. so 10 years ago I lent this guy my fish trap. For the sake of keeping his identity private I shall call him, "Levi". He told me countless times that he'd return my fish trap. To this day I am still without a fish trap..

:lol:

[AJ_77]

It's imposible to know this many people well enough to trust them. Our first "organized" Calgary reefers meeting in 2002 had six people. We became buds, easy enough. I was given as much stuff as I bought from that group, which grew to about 20 or so. We thought that was pretty cool.

Now I know there are many excellent hobbyists in Calgary that I haven't even met. I see their constructive/witty/helpful posts and it makes me glad the community is doing well. There's a ton of positive interaction. There are also douchebags, but what are ya gonna do? Just be careful out there...

I find helpful the posts where a member requests information on doing business with a certain party, and by PM they receive all KINDS of advice, from those with experience.

[Coleus]

ya no kidding..

A couple of years ago I went to purchase a Regal Angel from a local canreefer that was shutting down her tank. There were a bunch of canreefers there at the time that I knew and that knew her. Plus she ran Big Als fish room at the time so I figured she was somewhat reputable. Anyway, long story longer, I gave her the money and she told me she'd net the Angel that night and drive it over to my place the next day. The Angel ended up spending the night in one of Big Al's tanks I was told, which was fine with me. Well, days passed but no Angel was delivered :( Repeated PMs, eMails and phone calls went into the ether. Eventually she disconnected her phone and moved..LOL. I laugh because I guess she really needed that money really bad to high tail it out of town. Just as well I guess. I do enjoy donating to charity from time to time.

Another sad story.. so 10 years ago I lent this guy my fish trap. For the sake of keeping his identity private I shall call him, "Levi". He told me countless times that he'd return my fish trap. To this day I am still without a fish trap..

Hey Kien, I have lots of fishes for sale if you are interested. Which one are you looking for?

[kien]

Serves you right considering the insane prices you charge for frags Kien. We were all thinking it folks... don't hate!

|
|
V

There are also douchebags, but what are ya gonna do? Just be careful out there...

Word...

[The Grizz]

THIS IS AN IDEA FOR THE MODS, just throwing it out there.

What about a feedback rating system like on EBay. Just a simple pos / neg with the ability to see who rated the member. If there is a neg a short explanation by the member doing the rating & a spot for the member being rated to comment, min character field, one entry per neg rating that's it that's all. Add this to the member profile page.

Just a thought that came to mind so I decided to chuck it out there.

[Zoaelite]

Another sad story.. so 10 years ago I lent this guy my fish trap. For the sake of keeping his identity private I shall call him, "Levi". He told me countless times that he'd return my fish trap. To this day I am still without a fish trap..

I feel it a better move on my behalf to have the ability to "Black Mail" you for said fish trap, it should make for a hefty ransom one day.

Said fish trap is also becoming vintage in the back of my automobile, I think you should thank me for keeping it safe and collectible. Not many reefers would perform such a arduous task for such a shady character :razz:.

[Zoaelite]

I just entered an "Event" into my fancy HTC Mobile telephone titled "Return Kiens Fish trap", it should be to your house in the next couple years.

Have you gone through your life time supply of baking soda yet?

[kien]

I just entered an "Event" into my fancy HTC Mobile telephone titled "Return Kiens Fish trap", it should be to your house in the next couple years.

Ironically the fish trap doesn't fit into my tank(s) anymore so I really have no use for it LOL.

[lastlight]

Have you gone through your life time supply of baking soda yet?

He's been selling it to the neighborhood kids in baggies.

[kien]

Have you gone through your life time supply of baking soda yet?

uh, no.. I'm still working on that.. I am thinking about snorting the rest just to clear some pantry space. Or worse, baking! GASP!!

[kien]

You do bring up a good point that has been alluded to previously. Not everyone is out to get ya and there are plenty of reefers who will go above and beyond. I have a pantry full of baking soda to prove it.

[Norstar]

I take it you haven't read some of my rants! I'm ready to name names!!! :biggrin:

[Norstar]

I take it you haven't read some of my rants! I'm ready to name names!!! :biggrin: On the other hand, most transactions have been very pleasant experiences

(Oops, double posted)

[gobytron]

There is a certain demographic of hobbyist that you can see coming a mile away.
you could run through a checklist of little things they do to renege on a previously agreed deal...

Its more funny than anything, especially when you see them coming from a mile away...

[Parker]

I have four tanks in my garage that I was going to give away, but after selling a couple of other things in the past i just can't be bothered. Because they are free I'm sure people would ask for everything else for free.. lol

On the other hand, when I've purchased items most of the transactions went pretty smooth.

[ALang]

Or that you sold a fish tank to some guy dirt cheap, sight unseen, have it delivered by your buddy to his FRONT DOOR from Sherwood Park to Okotoks, then have your buddy phones and tells you that the buyer complained extensively about the "dirty" condition of the tank!

Well, I really like to challenge anyone who have the experience of purchasing a USED tank that is pristine in condition!!

When you break apart the plumbing to the sump, all the accumulated growth of years of algae in the pipes, and the return chambers, and tiny bits of sand in the tanks is par for the course.

You won't EVER get that cleaned to the point of brand new again! besides, I don't know how he thinks that I was suppose to take the plumbing apart to rinse and scrub it in my house, when the thing is a 90 gal.

Anyway, then he went on to drag it onto this board for a while. It is a good thing that a few of my Canreefer friends have seen that tank prior to me selling it, or my reputation would have been needlessly trashed!

[Proteus]

I did once buy a tank to which as soon as I filled it it collapsed. After tearing down I found a old crack filled w dirt. The crack was hidden buy the trim. I called the person in which they said. Sorry bout ur luck. I thought why u pokin the bear. 900 bucks down the drain. I guess I should have inspected it better but at the same time. I believe they new about it.

[Coleus]

I did once buy a tank to which as soon as I filled it it collapsed. After tearing down I found a old crack filled w dirt. The crack was hidden buy the trim. I called the person in which they said. Sorry bout ur luck. I thought why u pokin the bear. 900 bucks down the drain. I guess I should have inspected it better but at the same time. I believe they new about it.

I learned this lesson as well for trusting a person to drop off the tank for me without inspection because I thought canreef member are good ppl. So don't trust any one on this forum unless you dealt with them several times before.

[Slick Fork]

I did once buy a tank to which as soon as I filled it it collapsed. After tearing down I found a old crack filled w dirt. The crack was hidden buy the trim. I called the person in which they said. Sorry bout ur luck. I thought why u pokin the bear. 900 bucks down the drain. I guess I should have inspected it better but at the same time. I believe they new about it.

Ouch, I have bought two tanks without water in them but they were dirt cheap. I don't think I'd ever spend that kind of money without insisting that the tank be full of water when I arrived. Sort of like test-driving a car, not a good idea to buy it just from the picture posted on Kijiji.

An experience like yours though is a great example of how a buyer/seller rating system would benefit forum members. I do understand the reluctance to provide a place for us to publicly trash each other though.

[blaster]

Funny i always expected offers after agreements had been made,not that it made me happy.Hoping though when i set up a new tank in the future some of my generousity is returned.Not holding my breath though.

[jorjef]

An experience like yours though is a great example of how a buyer/seller rating system would benefit forum members. I do understand the reluctance to provide a place for us to publicly trash each other though.

This would be very tough to referee and I don't think you would find anyone willing to do it, would become a giant SH*t show. The only way it "might " work is if it was set up like Grizz says in an Ebay form with a bit of a twist.

People list items for sale in a designated forum and if the sale is complete the buyer will be able to select one option only, that would be a "postive transaction". The seller would have all completed transaction attached to their profile and all potential buyers could view the history and see how many "positive tranactions" a seller has. It would still list the transactions that weren't positive but there would be no trash talk. So you would look and say okay total of ten transacations 7 people left "postive transaction" checks and three never. You would assume three people weren't happy. It would unsure that a seller lists his item as accurately as possible and I think most people being decent humans they would leave positive if they were the buyer..

[Aquattro]

Hoping though when i set up a new tank in the future some of my generousity is returned.Not holding my breath though.

Well, to the benefit of the great members we have here, I was in this position once and I had many people contribute free frags, to the point I filled my tank. In fact, my current tank, out of almost 100 corals, 80 of them were free. All my donations to others, in the form of frags or gear, has come back to me many times over.

[The Grizz]

I have four tanks in my garage that I was going to give away, but after selling a couple of other things in the past i just can't be bothered. Because they are free I'm sure people would ask for everything else for free.

I could help you with tank removal from you garage hassle free without wanting anything else. :biggrin:

[blaster]

Thats a positive story for sure brad.

[Ken]

Hi, many years ago a fellow member offer to sell off some sps because he was moving to the mainland, these sps were huge specimen probably about 10 or 12 pieces in great healthy condition. I asked him how much does he want for them all, he said it really doesnot matter, he just wanted a good home for them, taken that this guy really took care of his livestock he knew what he was doing. He asked me for $75 for everything.....I said you got to be kidding these sps are worth alot one colony a lone is worth that, he said he knew the going price for them and they are worth a lot more. I said no way am I'm going to give you $75 for all that, I said considering that you took great care of them and I'm always looking for a great deal just like the next guy, its only fair that I paid him $300 for them. He was quite happy and I still think I got a great deal. When I buy things, I like to pay people for what they ask.......if I don't like the price I don't waste their time or mine, and expect people to do the same for me. Regards Ken

[Aquattro]

I think the root of the problem is a lot of people are simply insane. Seriously!

I remember selling some new, in boxes bar stools on usedvictoria, a woman sends me an email asking if I'll bring one of them to her house and assemble it so she can see if it looks good with her decor. Really? I replied that I would if she was providing dinner. No response. I don't think some of these people can help it, they were born with a crazy gene...

[lastlight]

My wife is always selling kids toys on kijiji. Anyways this guy shows up and he had agreed to pay $40 for something. He apologizes but he only brought $30 and he *did* have to drive all the way from the NW to the SE. So she reluctantly agrees just to move the crap (sorry kids) and he then asks if she has anything ELSE for cheap!

I was not there otherwise buddy would have been making the long drive home empty-handed!

People are pretty unreliable sometimes and I don't currently have time to sell frags when something breaks off or needs to be removed. When I have a frag tank setup at least I'll have space to house the frags until I find them a home. Currently I've just been tossing them away as it's far less hassle.

[mark]

My wife is always selling kids toys on kijiji. Anyways this guy shows up and he had agreed to pay $40 for something. He apologizes but he only brought $30 and he *did* have to drive all the way from the NW to the SE. So she reluctantly agrees just to move the crap (sorry kids) and he then asks if she has anything ELSE for cheap!

I was not there otherwise buddy would have been making the long drive home empty-handed!


bet you he had the $40.

[PoonTang]

I think the root of the problem is a lot of people are simply insane. Seriously!

I remember selling some new, in boxes bar stools on usedvictoria, a woman sends me an email asking if I'll bring one of them to her house and assemble it so she can see if it looks good with her decor. Really? I replied that I would if she was providing dinner. No response. I don't think some of these people can help it, they were born with a crazy gene...

Or the stupid gene.....

[lastlight]

bet you he had the $40.

He did he wanted to buy more stuff haha.

[freezetyle]

I hate that. It goes both ways though. I was buy a deadmau5 ticket off of some girl and while I was on my way over to pick it up I got a phone call saying she just got other e-mails from people who said they would pay more. That is one reason why I wish I grew up in an earlier generation. People used to stand by their word.

[Aquaria]

Last year I went to buy my current 20g and stand for 200 which I thought was good since it had plumbing sump tank and a beautiful homemade stand. in my excitement since I had to go 6 months with no fish(poor me!!) I picked it all up without looking it over and got it in the car to go home. Ad said it was all in perfect condition and he had it running for over a year After I got it home I noticed all the silicon was cracked an needed to be resealed after it ran for a month I emptied it to move it and it cracked thankgod it was empty so in all I spent 200 on a fancy stand and 10g sump. Back before I moved I was tearing my tank down and I had a huge piece of gsp and a 13 head Duncan well buddy agrees to it and comes over and starts to complain that people give gsp away and that 70 bucks was way to much for a 13 head Duncan Then proceeds to offer me 30 bucks for both pieces (I got 130 from another reefer) so buddy then offers to take my dottyback for free since he drove out there and I needed to shut the tank down anyway. Needless to say he left empty handed.

[Myka]

Most of my experiences have been really good. There have been no-shows of course, but they all seem to live in Saskatoon. Never had a no-show in BC. :lol:

I was selling a tank and stand a few years ago. I think it was $250. Guy says he's coming to get it "right now". Two hours later I give up on him (I don't have his number) and leave the house. An hour after that I get a call from him (he had my number from the ad) and he's ****ed off that I'm not home! :eek: I tell him I can be there in 15 minutes. So I get back home, and there he is all ****ed off telling me he's going to be late something. He hands me the money, I count $200. I tell him there is only $200, the tank is $250. He says that he thinks it is over-priced and he's going to give me $200 for it and he didn't bring any more than that anyway. I told him to go F his hat (literally). So he left. The next day he calls me and offers $200. I told him due to over-whelming response to the ad I have raised the price to $600. He didn't call back.

Someone came over to buy a $10 frag. I am getting ready to bag it up and then he says oh jeez he only has $5 in his wallet. So I snapped the frag in half and said here ya go! He didn't know what to say, but he took it for the $5. I laughed pretty hard. I would have been nicer, but this guy had already *edit* me before.

[wolf_bluejay]

I read a lot of post about ppl getting upset about being "low-balled". I'm wondering if there is a different definition than the one I know. "Making a low offer"!
I do low-ball on larger items. And can you really get upset when you post a 10 year old 20 gal tank for $100 and someone "low-balls" you? I have and probably will do again and again in my life, it's called haggling.
The "I've only got $x money with me" is an age old line. I don't think is wrong when it is done as part of the haggling. Agreeing on a price and then pulling it after the fact is just not cool.

As my wife is "de-junking" the house again -- my big one is people who go hunting for free stuff to re-sell and make a buck. If I'm giving something away for free, it's because I don't care about the little bit it is worth and would rather see more people enjoying the hobby.

For both me and the wife, the trick we find works is this -- TRADE the item for something common in the hobby (almost worthless) for what you were giving away free. I did trade a 3 year old 90 gal for a SPS frag a few years ago :biggrin:
I honestly was giving it away, but the frag shows he at least has an interest. My wife usually asks a stupid low price for things she is giving away as it avoids the "FREE" label, and then just lets them have it for free when they show.

Around Kamloops there seems to be quite a few that spend all day hunting for free stuff people are giving away -- to re-sell and make a few bucks. I sell/give away any older salt water gear to be nice and promote reef tanks, not so some putz that doesn't even know what it is other than he can sell it on ebay.

[shrimpchips]

Quite a few forums have, and successfully use a buy/sell/trade feedback system with little abuse. On my local forum we use the iTrader system which allows users to leave feedback regarding deals they've made with people on the board. The overwhelming number of them are positive - and where a negative rating is left, the mods all get notifications so we know if there's a situation that might arise. All in all though the system works well, and people are nice and leave good feedbacks regarding their dealings with other people which helps you get a feel for what you might be in for:
http://gtaaquaria.com/forum/itrader.php?u=2724

Just like in general life, there are a few arseholes out there, but most people are good in this hobby. From all my dealings locally, I've only had a few poor experiences (the examples could go on and on, but usually people trying to stiff you).

All in all, like was mentioned previously, I like to approach most things as pay it forward, and hope that people get what they deserve :)

[MKLKT]

I read a lot of post about ppl getting upset about being "low-balled". I'm wondering if there is a different definition than the one I know. "Making a low offer"!
I do low-ball on larger items. And can you really get upset when you post a 10 year old 20 gal tank for $100 and someone "low-balls" you? I have and probably will do again and again in my life, it's called haggling.
The "I've only got $x money with me" is an age old line. I don't think is wrong when it is done as part of the haggling. Agreeing on a price and then pulling it after the fact is just not cool.

As my wife is "de-junking" the house again -- my big one is people who go hunting for free stuff to re-sell and make a buck. If I'm giving something away for free, it's because I don't care about the little bit it is worth and would rather see more people enjoying the hobby.

For both me and the wife, the trick we find works is this -- TRADE the item for something common in the hobby (almost worthless) for what you were giving away free. I did trade a 3 year old 90 gal for a SPS frag a few years ago :biggrin:
I honestly was giving it away, but the frag shows he at least has an interest. My wife usually asks a stupid low price for things she is giving away as it avoids the "FREE" label, and then just lets them have it for free when they show.

Around Kamloops there seems to be quite a few that spend all day hunting for free stuff people are giving away -- to re-sell and make a few bucks. I sell/give away any older salt water gear to be nice and promote reef tanks, not so some putz that doesn't even know what it is other than he can sell it on ebay.

Most of what these people are talking about is AFTER you've agreed to a purchase and the individuals purposedly do not bring enough cash to pay the initial agreed upon price. The forum is your point of contact, that is where you should get all the info and if you're gonna try to whittle someone down tell them if the condition isn't perfect you might not be interested in paying full. Trying to give someone 25-30% less or even more after they've gone out of the way to meet you is stupid.

That being said I've only had excellent experiences with canreefers, they've always been generous but I'd like to think I'm pleasant enough to deal with too. :)

[The Grizz]

Quite a few forums have, and successfully use a buy/sell/trade feedback system with little abuse. On my local forum we use the iTrader system which allows users to leave feedback regarding deals they've made with people on the board. The overwhelming number of them are positive - and where a negative rating is left, the mods all get notifications so we know if there's a situation that might arise. All in all though the system works well, and people are nice and leave good feedbacks regarding their dealings with other people which helps you get a feel for what you might be in for:
http://gtaaquaria.com/forum/itrader.php?u=2724

Just like in general life, there are a few arseholes out there, but most people are good in this hobby. From all my dealings locally, I've only had a few poor experiences (the examples could go on and on, but usually people trying to stiff you).

All in all, like was mentioned previously, I like to approach most things as pay it forward, and hope that people get what they deserve :)

This is exactly what I was talking about, I think it would work as well.

On a side note SHRIMPCHIPS, anyone on GTA AQUARIA have any nice zoa's that they are selling and would ship :biggrin:

[Parker]

IMO There's a difference between haggling and wasting people time.

I have an item listed for sale on-line ( not here and not aquarium related ) That's a week old and in MINT condition, cost $500.00 Brand New, I'm asking $300.00 for it, a prettt good deal. I was offered $100.00 for it a couple of days ago.

[fencer]

I think if a person responds to your ad and low balls the price you have to choices
1. Not to respond
2. Counteroffer
The reason why people low ball is because of the term obo put in ads

BUT

If you strike a deal and they try to low ball you at the door. They get an invitation to walk right back out. I have no further interest in every selling anything to that party again. Sadly there are some Canreefers who do this.

[H22_TURBO]

I hate when you have a wtb post about something and someone pm's you saying they will sell you one. then when you pm them back 2-3 times they never get back to you and you see them online everyday.

[Myka]

I pretty much never "make an offer" unless I am buying several items from one person, like say 6 heaters for $20 each...would you take $100 for all of them? I think haggling is embarassing. When I place an item for sale I always post it for what I think is less than market value, and I expect people to pay full price for it unless they are buying several other items.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christy, I can say "Jewed" because I have Jew in me. I am immune. :D

[christyf5]

Myka, please don't continue to use that term. As far as I'm concerned it is a racial slur (even though its not "racial" it has that connotation and I don't know what else to call it, for me its equivalent to "the N word"). I don't care what religion you are, what color you are etc. Please refrain from continuing to use it.

Thanks.

[jorjef]

What connotation does "Not today bitches" stir up for me..Humm?




Myka, please don't continue to use that term. As far as I'm concerned it is a racial slur (even though its not "racial" it has that connotation and I don't know what else to call it, for me its equivalent to "the N word"). I don't care what religion you are, what color you are etc. Please refrain from continuing to use it.

Thanks.

[gobytron]

Christy, I can say "Jewed" because I have Jew in me. I am immune. :D

What was his name?

[parkinsn]

What was his name?

:lol:

[christyf5]

What connotation does "Not today bitches" stir up for me..Humm?

Is that a formal complaint? without a formal complaint we usually assume everything is ok. Would you like me to remove it?

In my defence, anyone can be a bitch but not everyone is Jewish

[Aquattro]

I think standard societal rules apply as far as race, religion, color or creed. Bitches are on their own. Let's not use religious slurs here, ok?

[jorjef]

Is that a formal complaint? without a formal complaint we usually assume everything is ok. Would you like me to remove it?

In my defence, anyone can be a bitch but not everyone is Jewish


Nothing formal, not even a complaint, It's your avatar keep it if you like. It was an observation. The word/term "bitches" refers to a negative as in "my bitch" or "my bitches" IE pimp and prostitute. I suppose if I had a family member as a street worker it would cut a little deeper. If the girl with the wand was saying "not today bitch" it would refer to a singular person not a group.. is it a stretch? maybe. The "J" word is an old school term, "bitches" is more modern obviously but no better, even if it is a liitle girl with a wand is saying it, the same way Myka's heritage doesn't give her free reign to what she said. Anyways just answering your questions and explaining my comment. Don't really want to get into a battle of words...

[ALang]

Oh boy, here we go...

[parkinsn]

Oh boy, here we go...

Kien is likely throwing the popcorn in the microwave as we speak and to busy to post it at the moment.

[jorjef]

Kien is likely throwing the popcorn in the microwave as we speak and to busy to post it at the moment.

LMAO

[The Grizz]

I have a big bucket all ready to go

:popcorn:

[Aquattro]

No other purchasing thoughts? Ok then. Closed.