Quote:
Originally Posted by slow&rusty
Denis - There is some truth to Sugarwood's comment.
On BaT you have to wade through and filter a fair bit of "armchair quarterbacking" to be able to separate legitimate, technical and knowledgeable comments from those that add zero value where its just about picking a guy's car apart. Most of the guys who just sit there and nit pick, never have any intent on bidding, buying or probably have never built a car over several years and understand the time and financial commitment.
For example, there was a turbocharged all wheel drive Sirocco that was well built by a French Canadian, who's English was not great and many comments were inappropriate and in poor taste directed at his English or trying to tear apart his multi-year build.
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What you are talking about is subjective and the price of having an internet where people can freely communicate. Feelings get hurt sometimes, it's the cost of doing business. Happens here sometimes, even.
The benefits of being able to ask questions of the seller, (including additional photos and information), on the listing where everyone can see them and the seller cannot just ignore said questions and requests, is invaluable. As I stated before, several scam or dishonest sellers misrepresenting vehicles and/or withholding vital info have been outed during their listings on BaT and had their listings pulled, sometimes banned from the site. Where else does that happen? Good sellers also get reputations on BaT and become trusted.
If you prefer a truly anonymous buying or browsing experience where sellers can get away w a few lousy photos and not answer questions, there are plenty of alternatives. BaT is special. The quality of merchandise is massively superior to other online sites, it's a curated site, (though they have been relaxing that in the last couple years in favor of maximum revenue). They still turn down vehicles, though. They would not list my mint, low mileage 2007 Ducati Multistrada 1100S w full Termignonis last year...just said no thanks...doesn't fit our current repertoire.
It may not be the best place to list anything weird or home made, it is a critical crowd. I did sell a heavily modified car there, though, and it went well. Anyone who struggles w the English language would be at a severe disadvantage on that site as well...it's all about open, precise communication w potential bidders and answers to specific questions. Lastly, you have no idea who is intending on bidding or not and it's irrelevant if they are adding quality information or asking important questions. I comment a lot more than I bid but I also bid but never during the middle of the listing, only at the very end and only if the price is still attractive. Just won an auction last week.
