Poor purchasing etiquette

corpusse · #1 08-08-2011, 09:56 PM

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.

Aquattro · #2 08-08-2011, 10:27 PM

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 · #3 08-08-2011, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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!

Pirates_Gold · #4 08-08-2011, 11:06 PM

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 · #5 08-08-2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #6 08-08-2011, 11:41 PM

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 · #7 08-08-2011, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #8 08-09-2011, 01:49 AM

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

"

truperc · #9 08-09-2011, 02:22 AM

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 · #10 08-09-2011, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

"

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