|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Where is the honor?
I've been trying to buy stuff from the parts classified. So, my first shot was to try and buy a 964 black rear deck with the rear three-point seat belts. The seller and I haggle over price and discuss shipping. "No problem" sez the guy, and then...
Nothing. Don't hear a word. E-mail, PM, then his FS post comes up "sold". Dude, WTF? "Oh, shipping it was too much hassle." Well, why the Fuchs did you waste my time with the negotiations? Why not just list your ad as "for pickup only"? I wouldn't have even bothered to look at the ad again! I know why - he looked at what kind of a pain it would be to package the part. And it would have been a pain. It actually would have taken some effort. Recently, I tried to buy some Fuchs wheels. I had to verify that my wheel guy was comfortable undoing some curb rash on them. In the couple of hours it took me to take care of this (I was at work, so I had better things to do than buy Porsche parts), the guy sold them out from under me (after a price was agreed and payment type was figured out). Then the guy that he sold them to tried to immediately flip them - to me! I think it's a schitty way to act to other Porsche guys, frankly. Not that it really matters all that much, but it would be nice if folks who show some small amount of honor. |
||
12-07-2012, 08:41 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
There are some real lazy and unreliable people in the parts classifieds.
I'm not there much at all except for some random browsing. I see your point. That sucks.
__________________
2007 Cayman 1986 Carrera coupe (sold) 1979 911 SC targa (sold) |
||
|
12-07-2012, 11:07 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
It happens. I was in negotiations with a very nice fellow on old Lotus parts.
Everything was good, I thought. I was happy to pay his ask. Wrote back several times and nothing...........like it never happened. And yes, some things are a PITA to ship and now very expensive. |
||
|
12-08-2012, 04:55 AM
|
|
|
The newest of the noobs!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: AZ
Posts: 813
|
^+1
We live out in the country, with a 60 mile round trip to the post office. Acquiring boxes big enough, or dollar amounts big enough to justify my time, well, one can lose interest in selling that way. Sorry, but us in the country have to have back-up plans on selling, and you were 'it'! For those sellers probably. Or, they found someone with the bigger dollars?
__________________
1989 944 Turbo 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Built! 1985 Saurer 6dm overland Swiss military truck/camper |
||
|
12-08-2012, 06:22 AM
|
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Quote:
This isn't an auction site. If folks want the toppest dollar, they should eBay their cr@p. Set a price. Take the first guy in line. Honor the price you set, and the order of the replies. It's not rocket science. |
||
|
12-08-2012, 09:07 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
Posts: 4,240
|
Quote:
On the other hand, if a seller tells you that the part is yours until you refuse, or he will hold it for 24 hours while you look into a matter like the curb damage, he should honor that. As for the guy who tried to flip the same part to you -- definitely not cool. -- Matt
__________________
http://www.unobtanium-inc.com 356 Registry 17369 Early 911S Registry 912 Registry, PCA |
||
|
12-08-2012, 09:34 AM
|
|
|
|
Registered User
|
There is no honor in sales, I thought I had my dream car via this section of the forum. I listened to the sellers turd about his other cars, which frankly I have no interest in, he told me to "come and get it when the snows gone"
I waited 3 months and then the prick sold it to a dealer without even asking me for a counter offer. |
||
|
12-08-2012, 09:34 AM
|
|
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,544
|
Not everyone knows the etiquette of buying and selling. Most people who sell stuff have no idea how to do it. With most deals it's just a shot in the dark. People should 'honor' the deal when things are worked out, but many don't, as they don't see selling something is 'honorable' to begin with.
Craigslist is full of this nonsense. Usually I keep it really simple when I want to purchase something online whether it be here or Craigslist. I email and say, "I would like to purchase the ******* you have, where do I send the money?" and this works 90% of the time. I mean there are always those deals. I wouldn't take it personal - selling something takes time, energy, and patience. And a lot of people have none of those. |
||
|
12-08-2012, 09:41 AM
|
|
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,544
|
Quote:
|
||
|
12-08-2012, 09:44 AM
|
|
|
Registered
|
I've been a buyer and seller of parts here and, for the most part, the experiences have been very positive. There have been times where items I've thought I made a deal on have been sold out from under me, and in most of these circumstances, I suspect it was because of money. I try not to get too upset about it, as there are always more Porsche parts to buy. I also find it hard to fault a seller who may have underpriced an item, and when realizing the error, takes the opportunity to obtain more of a "market" price, as many of the regulars here (myself included) know a good deal when we see one and even if we don't have an immediate need, can buy a part knowing that we might make a few dollars if it isn't needed down the road (Eric's Fuchs purchase example above being but one of many). That's also why, if I see a part that I know I need for a project that I am working on, I contact the seller and clearly indicate that I will take it. I'm also mindful when I make an inquiry on an item for sale, as I recognize that there is a difference between "I'll take it" and "I'm interested" or "I'll take it if it fits, if shipping isn't too much, etc." As a seller, I'm not sure most other buyers understand this distinction though. While there are some buyers and sellers here I won't sell to or purchase from because of my past experience with them, the number is pretty small.
__________________
George E. www.autoinno.com www.AIRMotorSports.com |
||
|
12-08-2012, 10:13 AM
|
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Quote:
If the terms of the offer are "Here is this widget for $100, including shipping," then the guy should honor the price set. Not wait until he has four different (higher) offers, then take the best price - or increase the asking price due to amount of interest. That's shady, at best. In fact, if I say "I'll take that widget as soon as I check to see if it's the right part number", and if the seller says "OK", I expect that he means "OK"! If I get back to him and say that it wasn't the right part number (or whatever), then I would apologize and thank him for the opportunity. It's just a polite way of dealing with people. I don't think that it's too much to ask for folks to at least honor their explicit agreements, much less any implicit rules we all live by every day. If you're going to sell to the guy that offers top dollar or that fills your PayPal the soonest? Say that up front. Don't want to package and ship? No problem - just say so. Don't want to ship to Canada or overseas? State that right in your ad. |
||
|
12-08-2012, 10:57 AM
|
|
|
gearhead
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Loverland, CO
Posts: 23,518
|
Since this is largely a vent thread, I will share my biggest classifieds pet peeve. It is the buyer's attitude that if the post "dibs" or "pm sent" that they have first right of refusal.
Sorry,buying and selling is a negotiation. This is why my ads always say no dibs, I will respond to emails (if people can't read and send a pm it is not my problem) in the order received and the first guy to pay gets it. I do keep my word if I agree to hold something for whatever reason. I will quickly provide a shipping quote. But I do agree that the classifieds are loaded with sharks looking for chum. I had a member talk to me about a Nardi I had with this whole story about how it was the final piece he needed for his restoration. Etc etc. I let it go for less than asking price because I thought I made a connection with a member and figured some things are more important than money. I got worked. Dude was a flipper and had it up for sale at 40% more than he paid in less than a week. He also had several other wheels and horn buttons. Guess that was his market niche. I should have checked his post history more closely. Now I research all buyers when I do a deal. Flippers are scum, especially the ones who lie to you to make a deal. /rant |
||
|
12-09-2012, 01:59 PM
|
|
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Quote:
I have parts, parts folks might want. Lets say a pair of 16x9 Fuchs wheels in reasonable condition. I list an ad saying "Hey, I have a pair of 16x9 Fuchs (insert part number here, plus photos of said wheels). The price is $1100 firm for the pair including shipping to the CONUS. No sales outside the U.S., shipping to HI and AK in addition to sale price." My PM and e-mail inbox fill up quick with folks wanting to buy. In this instance, I would go down the list in the order received and get info for shipping/PayPal. Currently I know that 16x9s are rare beasts and that's about half of what a decent set of 16x9s sells for these days. But I offered them for a price, and I should honor that, AND take the first guy in line. If the first guy waffles, then I tell him that I got 15 guys in line, and to make the call one way or another, or I move to the next guy on the list. Honest, straightforward. The next scenario is me buying. I want to buy that dashboard, and it looks pretty good. I PM the guy and say, "Hey, I like the dash - I'll take it if my interior guy is comfortable recovering it. Can I get back to you in less than an hour?" If the guy says "sure thing", then I expect him to hold the part for about an hour. If my guy won't do the work, then I get back and say I'm sorry for the delay, and no I can't buy the part. I do not expect the guy to sell it to someone who says "I'll take it" with no reservations. I trust him to live up to his word, just as I would ask him to trust me to live up to mine. Seriously, Matt - I do not mind guys who are right up front with their conditions - it makes life easier for everyone. And I won't dick someone around - if I need to gather more info, I'll *ask* for time, but I do mean to buy something when I PM someone. I leave the flipping and scoring deals for others. I consider this less a rant than a wistful wish for folks to be honest and upfront with their dealings. To prevent bad feelings on anyone's part. Last edited by SilberUrS6; 12-09-2012 at 07:42 PM.. |
||
|
12-09-2012, 07:39 PM
|
|
|
Now accepting US $ at par
|
Quote:
On the other hand, if instead of "sure thing" I say, "yes, I'll hold it for you until you get back to me", and I sell it to someone else in the meantime, I have acted improperly. I wouldn't have interpreted "sure thing" as meaning "I will hold it for you," sorry. I think it's just as consistent an interpretation to think the seller meant "sure thing, get back to me when you make up your mind." I think clarity in communication is vital here. If you want something held for you, ask to have it held, and ask for confirmation that it's being held. So many times people say they'll take something on a condition, then never get back to you. Not saying you'd ever do that as you seem a stand-up guy, but this is what happens on CL and in classifieds all the time. Ideal communication in your example: Buyer: Hey, I like the dash - I'll take it if my interior guy is comfortable recovering it. Will you hold it for me for an hour? Seller: Sure thing. Cheers, d.
__________________
1985 911 Carrera Coupe 2015 Volkswagen GTI 6-spd some motorcycles |
||
|
12-10-2012, 10:34 AM
|
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Quote:
In a very pedantic sense, you are correct, but that's not the point. If we're both part of a larger community, then acting in a way that benefits the larger community is desireable. Especially considering the fact that this opportunity is provided for us FOR FREE. I might expect mercenary behavior on CL and eBay. But not in these forums. CL and eBay exist apart from CL, and if folks want to act as though they are all that exists, CL and eBay are there to provide service. It benefits everyone to go a little beyond using the absolute hard definitions of words so as to remove as much ambiguity as possible. I agree that it's good for EVERYONE to be explicit, both in their use and interpretations of words used in the ads. But it doesn't hurt anyone to consider that there's another human at the other end of the post/e-mail. By all means, if folks want to auction or use the free-for-all that is CL, they should do those things. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that folks who use PP (again, FOR FREE) to show a little bit more consideration. |
||
|
12-10-2012, 11:56 AM
|
|
|
Now accepting US $ at par
|
Quote:
 I understand that this is a bit of a "rant thread" and that's cool. However, I think that the lesson you should take away from your recent bad experiences is if you want something held for you while you make other inquiries, you should explicitly ask the seller to do that. The Fuchs wheel sale, on the other hand... that's just poor form by the seller. The correct action in the circumstances is to quote such an outrageous price for shipping that the buyer either (a) backs out of the transaction, or (b) pays the inflated shipping price, resulting in an extra profit for the seller over and above the asking price. (Yes, that last part was tongue-in-cheek) Cheers w.
__________________
1985 911 Carrera Coupe 2015 Volkswagen GTI 6-spd some motorcycles |
||
|
12-11-2012, 08:50 AM
|
|
|
gearhead
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Loverland, CO
Posts: 23,518
|
Eric,
I pretty much agree with everything that you've said here. At the root of it all, I think what we have unfortunately seen as this place has gotten bigger and early cars have spiked in value is that members place the all might dollar over being part of a community of enthusiasts looking to help each other out in mutually beneficial ways. But don't lose faith. It is not everyone. It is no secret that I make gearbox parts for a living. A couple of years ago, a super rare 901 gear ratio came up for sale at $150. That's like $500 under market. I grabbed it because I wanted to copy it. 6 months later when I was done with it, I put it back out there for the same $150 that I paid for it. It isn't always about the money. I wouldn't feel right using this place and it's classified forum to maximize my profits. When I buy or sell it is out of my personal parts collection. And on the rare occasion I buy something for the business, I generally do not resell it at a profit because in my opinion, a member who needs that part deserves it more than my corporate bank account does.
__________________
1974 914 Bumble Bee 2009 Outback XT 2008 Cayman S shop test Mule 1996 WRX V-limited 450/1000 |
||
|
12-11-2012, 10:29 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Panama City Beach
Posts: 2,292
|
Rant
First let me correct the details that started this unfortunate and misleading COS.
I saw a WTB post where someone wanted some 16 X 7 and 16 X8. I responded as I have some 7s ....at the same time , literally, I saw a post for cheap 16 X8s and sent a "I'll take them pm" no hestitation. Afterwards I saw the potential buyer for my 7s was also after the 8s. I called the 8 seller ( he had given me info to pay that included his #) and told him to give them to Eric...His words were " I have had these posted for an hour and have 6 people interested. The first one who pays gets them. This IS TOO much stress ! From the conversation I knew Eric was playing tiddlely-winks about repairs and they would not have been there by the time he got around to responding so I moved on them. I then told Eric I would have them shipped to him (instead of me) if he buys my 7s ...Added the two prices together (my 7s and the 8s) in the purposed "flip" (...right at the same price I bought them at) and he started hesitating and putting conditons on me about how about I pay this and that...........I decided life is too short to deal with undecided hand-ringers and finally blew him off. So while he did not identify me herein, I got ill looking at the BS stated in the post. Sorry but those who hesitate on this or any other site are lost. I tried to do the right thing but he wanted to distrust everyone , and cross every T.......If youre going to ***** at least state the facts as they are !
__________________
TOT |
||
|
12-11-2012, 03:14 PM
|
|
|
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Wet Side
Posts: 5,675
|
Quote:
Nice work. You bought the things out from under me in order to screw me. It didn't work. Now you own not only the pair of 7s you were trying to sell, but a totally dinged and scratched pair 8s. I really hope you can flip them and make money - after all, that's the whole reason you pulled this crap in the first place. Strangely, the whole dicking around was my wheel guy. His "I'll call you right back" turned into three hours. Eventually he DID call back, and say he could do it and for a reasonable price. And I immediately got back to the original seller. Who, of course, informed me that the wheels were sold. At that point, I was at the "oh, well - I guess that's just life" point, but then you tried to flip them, and that's when I figured out how this deal was going to go. And on top of that, you wanted me to "trust you" and just PayPal the whole amount. LMAO, dude. I was born at night, but I wasn't born *last* night. Good luck with your sale, and good luck with sales in the future Mr. "My reputation on the forums is all I have." LOL, just LOL. |
||
|
12-11-2012, 03:25 PM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: So Cal
Posts: 147
|
Private equity can 'flip' a company, but a Pelican can't flip wheels? Flippers provide needed liquidity in a particular market. In this particular case, there will now be a pair of 7s and 8s available until further notice if I read correctly. Someone will be very happy at not having to search for weeks to find what they want. And what do they care how they seller got them as long as they were legally obtained?
Everyone has different wants and needs; one man's hobby is another man's profession--jewelry (incl. watches), cars, car parts, art, real estate and for those who know rich people with the last name 'Bain' (among others), entire companies. Anyways, not trying to stir the pot here, just wanted to provide my two cents. |
||
|
12-12-2012, 12:25 PM
|
|
1973 
Euro 911SC
69 911E (Sold)
1969 911 Project
1972 911T with Flares (Sold)
1970 911E (Sold)
1972 911T
1972 911S Targa - Restored to original
1972 911E Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6 (sold)
356 Cab (sold)
1973 911 E Coupe - For Sale
1979 911 SC
1976 911
Suzuki GSX-R1100
911 Carrera
Ducati 900SS/SP
Honda Hawk GT
Volkswagen GTI
Yamaha R1
Ducati 848
