bob3dsf
New member
Ok, just a couple thoughts that hit me after skimming around the forum and saw some bum deals in the classifieds (seller ratings section). Maybe this would be useful to someone, maybe not.... Not that I'm trying to have some huge philosophical discussion, but some of the rip off stories have some recurring themes that lead to issues, seems like...
shipping insurance.
There was some implication in one of the threads that the seller should be the one to flip for insurance beyond the basic amount included. Maybe I misinterpreted but in general, NO, the buyer is the one to pony up the additional $$ for full insurance. That needs to be discussed and agreed upon prior to making payment, of course, but the buyer is the one who wants his purchase protected. Simple as that. What I have done before with selling stuff on internet forums, sometimes, is offer to pay a portion of the upgraded insurance. It really depends on if I'm trying to get something sold that's been sitting... by way of sweetening the deal. But, that also figures into my asking price... and I strive to be realistic on $$$. If it's a spendy shipment then I'll wait to quote a shipping price until I know the zip code (and I'll state such in my ad). If it's small-ish, I sometime ballpark the shipping if I'm including it in the asking price and I'll state that it's a ballpark. If I eat a few dollars due to underestimating then oh well, but I'll state that if the shipping is a good bit higher I'll say so and ask for that difference. Some people have "retail-itis" and try to ask for idiotic $$. If I used something once, and the condition bears that out, I'll try for a higher amount but I'm still cognizant that it is "used" and a buyer isn't likely going to get any warranty benefits (usually), etc.
Payment.
I agree with a few comments I read in replies/discussion. DON'T use paypal gift. You'll open yourself up to get screwed. Just figure what the fees will be based on your asking price. It's really easy. Then, come up with a price accordingly. Sellers try to skirt the fees by asking for gifts. I know we're all friends around here, mostly, but in reality, if I didn't go to HS and/or room with you in college and know where you live then we're using the "goods and services" option. To me, someone who insists on paying by gift is a red flag. It's not about insulting by implying someone is shady (we see that many are anyhow), it's protecting both parties. I think that, often, a correspondence that is a little "off" can indicate potential issues. I know that I always try to be prompt in emails and messages, and if something happens to cause an interruption, I try to give a heads up as soon as I can and give an honest explanation, because... $hit happens sometimes.... Anyhoo, just a couple thoughts about how I try to be up front and fair when I use the classifieds.
Cheers.
shipping insurance.
There was some implication in one of the threads that the seller should be the one to flip for insurance beyond the basic amount included. Maybe I misinterpreted but in general, NO, the buyer is the one to pony up the additional $$ for full insurance. That needs to be discussed and agreed upon prior to making payment, of course, but the buyer is the one who wants his purchase protected. Simple as that. What I have done before with selling stuff on internet forums, sometimes, is offer to pay a portion of the upgraded insurance. It really depends on if I'm trying to get something sold that's been sitting... by way of sweetening the deal. But, that also figures into my asking price... and I strive to be realistic on $$$. If it's a spendy shipment then I'll wait to quote a shipping price until I know the zip code (and I'll state such in my ad). If it's small-ish, I sometime ballpark the shipping if I'm including it in the asking price and I'll state that it's a ballpark. If I eat a few dollars due to underestimating then oh well, but I'll state that if the shipping is a good bit higher I'll say so and ask for that difference. Some people have "retail-itis" and try to ask for idiotic $$. If I used something once, and the condition bears that out, I'll try for a higher amount but I'm still cognizant that it is "used" and a buyer isn't likely going to get any warranty benefits (usually), etc.
Payment.
I agree with a few comments I read in replies/discussion. DON'T use paypal gift. You'll open yourself up to get screwed. Just figure what the fees will be based on your asking price. It's really easy. Then, come up with a price accordingly. Sellers try to skirt the fees by asking for gifts. I know we're all friends around here, mostly, but in reality, if I didn't go to HS and/or room with you in college and know where you live then we're using the "goods and services" option. To me, someone who insists on paying by gift is a red flag. It's not about insulting by implying someone is shady (we see that many are anyhow), it's protecting both parties. I think that, often, a correspondence that is a little "off" can indicate potential issues. I know that I always try to be prompt in emails and messages, and if something happens to cause an interruption, I try to give a heads up as soon as I can and give an honest explanation, because... $hit happens sometimes.... Anyhoo, just a couple thoughts about how I try to be up front and fair when I use the classifieds.
Cheers.
