Audiogon Seller Communication

Sounds like a big red flag. I'd cancel the transaction and get your funds returned ASAP.

+1

Thanks. Yes, and ordinarily I would have already. This seller has been on Audiogon since mid-2000 and has 13,914 positive reviews which is why I'm hesitating.  

I just had a long conversation with the seller and now understand the situation. I think we're good. 

I had an experience ~15 years ago with a cable builder who promised me five times over 6+ months my cable was "going out tomorrow". He always had an excuse for the delay. 

Finally, I filed a small claims lawsuit and he was served by the local sheriff. The following week I had the cable.

I had a similar experience with a long time cable manufacturer. When I inquired about making me a custom umbilical cord for my Pass XP-22 I got an instant response. I sent him the money to start the process, and then he went dark. He went way past his approximate shipping date. I sent him several emails with no response. Finally I contacted Paypal and they reimbursed my money.

About 2 weeks later the cord shows up at my door. He then sent me a friendly email asking me to resend him payment. I did and was ultimately happy with my purchase.

The company is Revelation Audio Labs. With that said...He is a one man show. He makes fantastic cables/power cords. I think he's older and not the greatest communicator. I also think he is an honest man, and does live up to his word....but he is horrible at returning emails. I pride myself on being a good communicator, so its hard for me to understand why some people just suck at it.

I mentioned the company because I do think they make excellent cables/cords. I do think he's honest, and wouldn't rip you off. However, he's kind of famous for not following up with inquiries from customers.

I would purchase from him again, but at least I would know that this goes with the territory.

He (Revelation Audio Labs) made a great umbilical cord for me, and he is indeed a true gentleman. Still, going dark is never a good thing.

Maybe Agon should institute a time limit for shipping. If seller misses it, buyer has option to cancel and get refund.

That 's not only on audiogon, it can happen anywhere as mentioned by others here. Even respectable audio companies. It happened to me. The real red flag to me, is as soon as you post your experience, the seller holds a long conversation with you. Regardless of the reasons for the original lack of communication, this is absolutely not cool. I would ask for a refund.

Most of the sellers are older, may have jobs, have illnesses,  family issues, vacations.  Goes with the territory.  The exchange of phone numbers goes far in facilitating communication. 

I think any seller should keep in mind that once a person buys something from you, from that point forward communication with that buyer should be a key point. If I ask a question about my order I expect a timely response, it doesn’t have to immediate but shouldn’t be 2 or 3 days or even longer before I hear something, or just be ignored entirely. If you just go dark on someone after they spend their hard earned money, don’t expect to be a seller for very long no matter where you sell those goods.

If you are a business that sells on here, you need to understand that once someone buys something from you that is just the beginning of what should be a good relationship, especially if you want that person to buy from you again, or better yet recommend you as a seller to other people so you can grow your business.

I don’t like giving sellers a negative review that could have an effect on their ability to make a living. As a last resort and after exhausting every other effort, I will let others know how my experience was as a warning of what to expect if they decide to purchase from said seller.

I have bought almost all of my equipment from PS Audio, not only do they sell very good audio equipment, their customer service is second to none. I had a problem with my BHK pre-amp a few months after the purchase, ended up having to send it back for repairs, had it back withing a week of sending it back to them. They bent over backwards to make sure I was taken care of. That is only one example, any time I have had a question they always provide the answer within 24 hours unless it is the weekend or a holiday. Exemplary service!

Bottom line, if someone has a bad experience with a buyer they will probably never do business with them again, or recommend them to others. Customer service after the sale should be a natural part of your business, and one that you should take a lot of pride in. Just my 2 cents, for whatever that is worth.  Sorry for the long winded post.

Having spent my career as a sales rep in a highly time sensitive industry, I would always advise anyone who is acting as a seller to follow this rule.

Under promise and over deliver.

If you think you will be able to deliver the product in 2 weeks, tell the buyer it will be 3 weeks. That way the buyer is happy if it takes you little longer and he will ecstatic if he gets it a week early.

@t4man work a dispute thru audiogon. Get them involved. Don’t get screwed over. 

"Tvad was a great buyer except he got me arrested. Happy to do business with him again." 

lol

I'm dealing with similar issues with a guy selling a pair of speakers (On the other site). A good deal, but too many red flags and VERY slow correspondence (in spite of 100% feedback). I'm reluctantly pulling the plug on the deal.

I just went through the same experience with RAL  I have never been treated like that before.  It was a surprise and I found it worrisome.   I ordered the cable on 1/8/24 and got it 4/24/24   I got multiple reassurances and false claims that the cable had been sent, even a unfulfilled USPS notification. Brad did finally send it and I got a second cable that was delivered promptly but it was set up COD.  It's the only route to do business with him.   Sorry you have to go through this.  It's his business practice.