Commercial vs. Recreational

[Scooter]

It appears that there are some on Pelican that are more of what I would consider a commercial seller/buyer rather than a recreational seller/buyer in the classified section. The difference being one who buys/sells for their own personal use rather than to re-sell for a gain (or loss in some cases). You can tell who are the commercial buyers/sellers just by searching under certain names and look at what threads they participate in, or see those names that appear to buy everything or sell quite a bit (usually the same type of item, e.g., wheels, seats, etc).

My understanding is that the classified section is for those recreational buyers/sellers who may be trading up or just trying something new (i.e., for there own use). If I am wrong, then I apologize for wasting your time thus far. If I am correct, then I welcome your input on this subject.

Some questions to start the dialog:

1) Do you understand the situation?
2) Do you believe the two should be differentiated?
3) Do you think commercial buyers/sellers should be allowed on this board?
4) Do you think we should buy or sell to these commercial buyers/sellers?
5) Do you have any additional thoughts on this subject that have not been addressed?

This is in no way a judgment call on the individual buyer/seller, but rather a procedural or practice question, so no offense should be taken.

[krichard]

I'd leave that up to Wayne's discretion since it's his board. I'm pretty sure he has a handle on running things around here.

[dtw]

Originally posted by krichard
I'd leave that up to Wayne's discretion since it's his board. I'm pretty sure he has a handle on running things around here.

Werd.

The blatant retailers poaching on Wayne's board and bandwidth get deleted and banned, but quick.

[Scooter]

I agree that it is up to Wayne to determine proper posts, but it is up to us to determine whom we sell to or buy from. I am just looking for input from others to see how they feel about commercial sellers on Pelican.

By the way, I never implied that Wayne did not have a "handle on running things". I believe Wayne to be doing a great job and providing a great service.

[techweenie]

I'm probably in a gray area on this point.

I buy stuff that usually finds its way on to cars I sell. And other parts end up on my personal car(s).

What I don't do is what I've seen at least one other do -- hijack a thread started by a guy wanting to buy something for his own car. That's when it really starts to hurt the community here.

We really owe it to Wayne to keep within the spirit of this BBS.

[ubiquity0]

Originally posted by techweenie


What I don't do is what I've seen at least one other do -- hijack a thread started by a guy wanting to buy something for his own car. That's when it really starts to hurt the community here.

I'm always a little bemused seeing that. It seems pretty rude- something that would never happen in a real life face-to-face transaction.

[Scooter]

I agree with your hijacking comment. I would never buy from or sell to anyone who hijacked a thread.

Buying used parts to fix up a car that you eventually sell is somewhat of a grey area, but you're not really buying a part to re-sell somowhere else to make a profit or buying the same part everytime it come up for sale. I am all for you buying parts to fix up any Porsche...how can I argue with the preservation of a Porsche?

There is one part in particular that I have seen come up many times for sale. I have also seen one name in particular who seems to buy up those parts. There is no way this individual could be using all the parts he buys for his own car.

[AZ1977911]

I purchased from someone that could be considered commercial. I was exceedingly happy with what/when I received. That someone was also very helpfull with technical questions, regarding the item purchased.

Just a data point...

[ubiquity0]

Whats the one part that comes up all the time? Thermal reactors? Used dilivar headstuds? 930 slantnose cocaine door pockets?

[anh911]

Seems that if the buyers and sellers are happy with the items and prices (as long as they aren't poaching on wayne's biz) what difference does it make? Neither the buyer or seller are obligated to do a transaction just because they reply to a post. Just like TV - you don't like the program - TURN IT OFF. I'm sure Wayne is quite capable of editing/banning posts as needed.

The one exception to this that does bug me is HOW some guys do it. If you have 50 parts to sell please please please don't list each individually.

[Scooter]

Originally posted by anh911
Seems that if the buyers and sellers are happy with the items and prices (as long as they aren't poaching on wayne's biz) what difference does it make? Neither the buyer or seller are obligated to do a transaction just because they reply to a post. Just like TV - you don't like the program - TURN IT OFF. I'm sure Wayne is quite capable of editing/banning posts as needed.

I agree, but I must reiterate that Wayne is doing a great job, I am not questioning his ability to edit/ban posts. I am merely posing the question to the buyer/seller regarding how they feel about commerical buyers/sellers. If there is in fact a problem, the correction will be in the form of self-regulation. In other words, don't buy or sell from that indivdual if you don't want to.

I appreciate your feedback anh911. You obviously don't have a problem with commercial buyers buying up all the goods.

I must say again that this is not a judgment question. These buyers/sellers should be great to deal with, if not, then nobody would deal with them. I am just interested in your thoughts on this subject.

[krichard]

I can't help but think there is an agenda here somewhere.

[nestorjw]

I myself have a lot of parts for sale, because a friend gives them to me. He owns a shop and wants rid of the used parts. Some of the parts I have are from my car, and everything I buy is for my car. Some of the parts I sell are from other cars. I don't see it as a problem because I am not selling anything to compete w/ Pelican nor would I want to. I buy all my new parts from them. I think that all of the people have been happy w/ their transactions w/ me. I also participate as much as I can on the BBS, because that is why I am here. I tend to read or ask questions more than help, but that is because I am relatively new to the whole Porsche thing. So I guess I wouldnt really consider myself commercial or recreational, or maybe both is correct.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Scooter]

Originally posted by krichard
I can't help but think there is an agenda here somewhere.

I don't know what this statement is implying, or if it is addressed to me, but I can tell you that I have nothing to gain or lose. I just thought it was an interesting question.

[ZAMIRZ]

You know what bothers me the most. The members in the Classified forum that you don't see on any of the other forums (namely the technical or regional boards), IMHO they do not deserve to even be a part of this site.

Oh yeah, and another thing, if you're selling something. Decide on a price you think is fair and then put an OBO or firm after it. Don't be an a$$hat and post 6 replies to your original thread dumping $5.00 off the price each time.

[YTNUKLR]

I'm sort of in a gray area, too. I buy parts that I plan on using for myself at good prices (used parts--buy all new from pelican) and oftentimes I find I've gotten ahead of myself and sell off the used stuff I've bought for a profit, usually not very much though.

[Rot 911]

I've bought some items from commercial sellers so I can say it sure is convenient to have them here and not go looking for them, on the other hand it sucks when I post the ocassional item for sale and find it on page 2 in just a couple of hours due to all the commercial posting. Course I just bump it back up!

[anh911]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think what Scooter84 is concerned about is that all the good deals are bought up by the commercial guys and horded, sold back to another user for more bucks. Well I don't want to contradict myself but I agree with him, it is a gray area. On one hand the 2nd buyer benefits cuz its still cheaper than new, on the other you pay more than you could have. Example, I have an WTB ad for alusil cylinders. i know a couple of sets were sold last month for next to nothing but I didn't know I wanted them then. A used dealer replied to my ad and I chose to wait and see if a private individual responds. (I'm not in a big hurry) if after a few weeks no one does at least I don't have to spend hours on the phone trying to find a set. I guess I have to stick with my original opinion - let the market decide.

[Scooter]

I agree with you Anh911, both about my concern and that the market should decide. To take it one step further, I guess I am curious about the answer to the following scenario: If one is selling an item and two individuals are interested, would you (the market) sell to the perceived recreational buyer before selling to the perceived commercial buyer?

[nestorjw]

I would much rather sell to someone who is going to use the part, not someone who will re-sell. I dont buy anything for re-selling. I just sell what I have.