It was the best of times it was the worst of times... A bit of a rant here.

In the last three weeks I have responded to two classieifieds listing here on the site. In the first, an item was listed for sale. It had a price, a very brief description of the item and a part number from the manufacturer. I responded that I was interested if still available but wanted a clarification on the item as the part number listed did not show up and I wanted to make sure it would fit my bike and also, what version he was selling. I got a response than yes still available and he would check to see if it would fit. I responded asking for a picture so I knew what version I was getting. Also asked if he took Paypal. Nothing for a few days so I pinged him again asking if it was still for sale. Response back was "yes, it should fit" and wife has camera, will send pics this weekend. Ok, I gave an e-mail to send the pics to and said I would be back in town Sunday night. On Tuesday, still no response so PM again. Today I get a response that the item was "picked up locally". Ok, I know we didn't have a handshake deal but if the seller would have provided the info up-front or when asked, we sure could have. Although pissed off on how it went down, glad I never did business with him.

On the flip side of the coin, saw some pipes for sale yesterday and inquired with an offer. Got an immediate response saying I was first to respond so I had first shot at them but that he needed to cover his shipping costs. He asked for my zip so he could get a shipping estimate and said he would meet me in the middle somewhere cost wise. Shortly thereafter I get a PM with a very reasonable amount for shipping and a paypal address if I was interested. Funds exchanged last night and this morning I get a PM saying he shipped them this morning and giving a tracking number. A real honor doing business with this member.

Ok rant over.

Peace out.

 

Unfortunately, not everyone is an honest person on the 'net. Usually if someone doesn't respond in a reasonable amount of time, I just move on. also, if someone is selling something especially on HDF...is it really difficult to initially include photos of the item for sale? I think not. It's amazing how many times I've seen 'can you post pics of what you're selling" asked in responses to sale ads.

 

I guess ya just have to remember, most sellers here aren't professional sellers, so they're going to miss a few steps. Also, most probably work a day, evening or night job so they aren't just sitting by their computer waiting to answer questions. The stores have people hired to do that.

 

Maybe the first seller didn't want to deal with shipping, or paypal, or both.

 

Convenience sometimes wins.

 

Not everyone lives at their computer and checks their messages at HDForums every 5 minutes. Also, until money exchanges, you have no right to the product and the seller has no obligation to you.

I don't get your rant. If you have something for sale and a member of a forum is interested, but, understandably, needs more info and someone locally decides to purchase it after the forum messages you what are you going to do? Tell the local guy "Sorry, I have to send pictures and more info to this guy out of state to see if he may buy it so I can get less money after paypal fees, have to package the item and bring it to the post office" or are you going to sell the item locally and tell the forum guy "Sorry, sold locally" Mind you money never changed hands between you and said forum member.

I know which way I would go.

 

Maybe you expected too much from the first seller.

 

I won't buy anything from anyone who is not a "regular" on the forum. Lotsa cheets join just to post in the classified's.

 

Brief description "including manufacturer and part number" sounds like a good enough description to determine fitment and version.

Money changing hands doesn't make any difference. You and the first seller never came to an agreement. No different than if you went to a store, saw an item and walked away to think about it. It's fair for anyone else to walk in and buy it.

BTW: You still don't know if it really was the version you want. What if it was a different version? Would you have bought it anyway?
Would you expect the seller to be on here posting about how he passed up an offer, checked fitment, took and sent pictures but then you backed out on the deal?

You know that it "should" fit but what if you bought it and it didn't fit (possibly due to other accessories)?

 

My thoughts. I do not care who a seller sells to but PLEASE do not waste my time, I only have so much of it and I would prefer to use it as I like.