Feedback is a failed attempt by websites to appear to be a safe place to buy/sell. Forget the feedback! The internet is in my opinion going to remain the "wild wild west" for a long time. Get a phone # and talk with your party. You can you usually sense, by asking questions if they should be trusted. I get so many replies from faulted transactions claiming that they are sorry for their error and that they will correct the problem and end up not being able to. Usually from those who don't what they are selling and don't know that parts are missing from their items. Claims of innocense and unknowing... I like the sellers (local) who refuse to let you into their homes for local pick-ups. They'll take your money but not in person. Did I tell you the one about the buyer who opened the box, dropped the unit and tried to get a claim UPS. Guess he didn't like the unit. UPS is very aware of how shipping damage happens....hey, good luck!
Feedback does not alway tell all
I meant to post this under 'Misc.' instead I put it under Music.
I'm sure a moderator will catch it, so here it is:
I'm starting this thread because recent exchanges here have demonstrated that I am not the only with these experiences. It might also serve as a warning to the initiated. I do not think that the problem as an easy fix, but I do feel it's important we are aware of it.
Heck, it's ultimately more of an annoyance than a danger. But most people here behave in a polite and honorable fashion, and have a sense of community very rare anywhere on the net, so anything we can do to encourage these positive attributes we must do.
The feedback system is very good, but it is no the tell-all. Feedback generally applies when a transaction completes, therefore the situations below would not be feedback-worthy. Besides, leaving negative feedback can always prompt a retaliatory tit-for-tat.
I've had sellers with 'good feedback' drop off the face of the earth, after we'd agreed (to asking price, mind you) and even to shipping costs. I've also had simple questions not answered (such as 'is it under warranty').
One time, I was interested in an item, exchanged emails, found out the fellow was local, discussed the gear I had. He then offered to drop by and demo it for me (he gave 'airs' of being a dealer or broker of some sort, based on AG info, and had many items listed).
I then informed him I had decided against the item, as I was going another route. I asked him what other lines of gear he specialized in. No answer, not another peep.
So, these fellows have excellent feedback here, but I will NEVER deal with them again. Period.
I now have a folder where I keep 'orphaned' emails from people I do not want to deal with. I look at that list when I'm interested in an item. If they are on there, well you know.
KP
I'm sure a moderator will catch it, so here it is:
I'm starting this thread because recent exchanges here have demonstrated that I am not the only with these experiences. It might also serve as a warning to the initiated. I do not think that the problem as an easy fix, but I do feel it's important we are aware of it.
Heck, it's ultimately more of an annoyance than a danger. But most people here behave in a polite and honorable fashion, and have a sense of community very rare anywhere on the net, so anything we can do to encourage these positive attributes we must do.
The feedback system is very good, but it is no the tell-all. Feedback generally applies when a transaction completes, therefore the situations below would not be feedback-worthy. Besides, leaving negative feedback can always prompt a retaliatory tit-for-tat.
I've had sellers with 'good feedback' drop off the face of the earth, after we'd agreed (to asking price, mind you) and even to shipping costs. I've also had simple questions not answered (such as 'is it under warranty').
One time, I was interested in an item, exchanged emails, found out the fellow was local, discussed the gear I had. He then offered to drop by and demo it for me (he gave 'airs' of being a dealer or broker of some sort, based on AG info, and had many items listed).
I then informed him I had decided against the item, as I was going another route. I asked him what other lines of gear he specialized in. No answer, not another peep.
So, these fellows have excellent feedback here, but I will NEVER deal with them again. Period.
I now have a folder where I keep 'orphaned' emails from people I do not want to deal with. I look at that list when I'm interested in an item. If they are on there, well you know.
KP