Classifieds etiquette?

[Celt]

I'm not a big buyer or seller on Forum classifieds so I'm curious about what is considered acceptable classified etiquette.

For instance, my understanding is that typically the first person to say "I'll take it" is essentially entering into a verbal contract, and if you claim "I'll take it" and you don't purchase it, that it is poor behavior and frowned upon. And as a seller its equally poor to bypass someone for a better offer.

Over the years I've seen some examples in the classifieds that made me question both sellers and buyers. What prompted my question was a classified ad I posted in yesterday about an item that was up for trade. I showed interest, although I did not commit and then I saw the ad was closed with the thread marked as sold even though the item was listed for trade. I'm not pissed off about it as I was undecided about the item, but my question is more about buying and selling ethics more than anything. And really what is considered socially acceptable.

I know for me personally, I have listed items for sale in the past where I received multiple offers. The first offer will always have the first opportunity, even if the second offer is higher. And as a buyer if I see someone post a reply to a classified ad I would not send a PM to try and outflank that person who posted the first response. I would simply post in the ad that if the first poster wasn't interested to let me know.

I'd like to know what you guys think that are frequent buyers and sellers as it would effect how I use the classifieds. With the thread in the classifieds I was talking about, if I felt like I was seriously interested but I was worried about somebody else snagging the deal then I might have been more inclined too aggressively say "I'll take it" as compared to asking some more questions before committing. Again, I wasn't in the market for the item in question, but in the future if I see something that I am more interested in I would like to know how I should handle it so as to not lose out on something I really want.

 

[kev74]

I have also seen things I didn't agree with going on while buying and selling (mostly selling), however most of the transactions I've completed (especially here) have been positive. I view the negatives as the price to pay for using the platform. Same as using Craigslist.

I view an "I'll take it" as a contract and expect a buyer to complete the sale after that. I would feel like a scumbag if I backed out after saying I'd take it. I've bought things that I started second guessing myself on because I didn't want to be that guy. I've had a buyer at the old place back out of buying a rifle because his wife said no ( ). Another guy couldn't figure out how to send a PayPal for over a week. I can't imagine ever doing that.

It seems like sometimes people think asking a question or making a comment gives them some kind of place on line. I think whoever offers up the cash gets first dibs. That being said, the seller can sell to whoever they want to, although taking offers out of turn or reneging on a lower offer for a higher offer seems a bit less than honorable.

 

[thegatman]

I have sold some items and bought some items. I have had no problems. I do wonder why my ads for selling never jump to the new post section. Oh well.

 

[kev74]

I have sold some items and bought some items. I have had no problems. I do wonder why my ads for selling never jump to the new post section. Oh well.

They look new for other people. You saw it when you posted, so its not new to you any more.

 

[BDinPutnam]

I have bought a number of times, never sold. Always positive experiences.

@kev74 pretty much said everything I would have said.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Posting "I'll take it" is different than "I'm interested" IMO. I'll take it is a binding agreement as much as a random post on a random thread can be binding. As far as PMs go that's all up in the air. If you don't post I'll take it on the thread then why not take the highest bid? Nothing wrong with telling people that there is another person looking at it and if that deal falls through you're next. That's almost like ebay and exactly like craigs list. But at the end of the day unless you're on a legit buying and selling site with enforcement of rules, the seller or buyer can do whatever they want. Even if it's less than honorable.

 

[tirwin1]

I think it can be a gray area ethically when someone comes in willing to buy an item above what the seller is asking even if someone else has already said they would take it. As a buyer I would be a little angry but I can understand the seller wanting to get more for the item. Ultimately I believe the first person to definitively state they will purchase it should get preference.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Imo

Posting “i will take it” commits the buyer to buy. BUT DOES NOT COMMIT THE SELLER TO SELL TO THAT BUYER....until the seller contacts the buyer and agrees.

I say this as just cause the buyer says he will take it does not mean that the seller does not already have it sold already.

Anything other that “i will take it” by the buyer means nothing. I actually hate when buyers say pm sent etc etc. as it makes ither potential buyers move on. Almost always....pm sent is just some question. It is not needed. I usually delete those posts. This keeps my ad alive.

To the OP. As far as the ad you are talking about, your discourse was just that. Discourse. You neve commited. So you sent him a pm with “interest”. Ao what.

If you want it. Post “i will take it”. Then payment should be sent.

If you are thinking about it. Think privately.

 

[masterswimmer]

In a perfect utopian world the first person to shout 'I'll Take It' gets it, IMO.

The problem is this ain't Shangri La and definitely not utopia. The reality is, buying from a marketplace forum online where you do not get to touch and feel the merchandise, inspect the quality of the item (other than pix) means people will experience buyers remorse even before a transaction is consummated.

I have bought and sold many items over more than a decade online. No firearm related items, only saltwater reefkeeping merch. The people are the same regarding online sales. I've had more 'I'll Take Its' than I've had completed sales. Shit happens. I don't hold a grudge, I don't take offense, I do take note. Those who cry wolf with their enthusiasm and announcement that they want the item and don't follow through don't typically get another chance to screw the pooch. Certain considerations will apply if they're respectable and considerate when they back out though.

Bottom line, if you're the seller, your rules.
If you're the buyer, money talks bullshit walks.

 

[Celt]

Imo

Posting “i will take it” commits the buyer to buy. BUT DOES NOT COMMIT THE SELLER TO SELL TO THAT BUYER....until the seller contacts the buyer and agrees.

I say this as just cause the buyer says he will take it does not mean that the seller does not already have it sold already.

Anything other that “i will take it” by the buyer means nothing. I actually hate when buyers say pm sent etc etc. as it makes ither potential buyers move on. Almost always....pm sent is just some question. It is not needed. I usually delete those posts. This keeps my ad alive.

To the OP. As far as the ad you are talking about, your discourse was just that. Discourse. You neve commited. So you sent him a pm with “interest”. Ao what.

If you want it. Post “i will take it”. Then payment should be sent.

If you are thinking about it. Think privately.

I agree with everything your saying, and im not bothered by it as i never committed. It really just made me question the proper protocol for when/if i see somerhing im dead set on getting.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I'm recently guilty of this.....sort of. I jumped on something I liked and decided "I want it". I credit the seller for bringing up an important piece of info (like its current form makes it illegal) before I got a chance to transfer funds. That info made my decision a little different so I backed away. Again, great that he was honest but sorry, it changed my mind.

I've had pretty decent experiences buying on here and I've made more than a couple purchases.

 

[CaseHardened]

"I'm interested" means I need more info.

"I'm thinking about it" - same.

"I will buy it" means just that. Unless the buyer is slow with the $$$, or is attempting an illegal purchase, the Seller is a total dick not to sell it.

Tho … Decades ago I offered an item to a man for $600. He said yes.

I quickly discovered it was worth 10K, easy.

I sold it for $600; told the missus it was the principle.

I WAS AN ASS.

 

[HEX]

While I'd agree that an "I'll take it" is a commitment, and that an honorable seller should abide by it based on who said it first, a post in a thread does not necessarily mean it's the first one the seller got. Another user may have sent an earliar PM before (or not at all) posting in the thread. Also, another thing to consider is that many people cross post items across different places on the internet, local offers with friends, etc.
A few times over my forum staffing 'career' I've had to mediate such misassumptions/misunderstandings.

 

[Twogunwilly]

Just went through this yesterday, I'm the first I'll take it and now 2nd in line.

 

[togmaster]

Just went through this yesterday, I'm the first I'll take it and now 2nd in line.

No soup for you!

 

[Celt]

While I'd agree that an "I'll take it" is a commitment, and that an honorable seller should abide by it based on who said it first, a post in a thread does not necessarily mean it's the first one the seller got. Another user may have sent an earliar PM before (or not at all) posting in the thread. Also, another thing to consider is that many people cross post items across different places on the internet, local offers with friends, etc.
A few times over my forum staffing 'career' I've had to mediate such misassumptions/misunderstandings.

In a case like you explained, if a seller is cross posting then I think it should be listed as such in the classified ad.

Just as it's good etiquette to be a responsible buyer, it's important to be a responsible seller and provide the full story.

 

[Exonautic]

"I'm interested" means I need more info.

"I'm thinking about it" - same.

"I will buy it" means just that. Unless the buyer is slow with the $$$, or is attempting an illegal purchase, the Seller is a total dick not to sell it.

Tho … Decades ago I offered an item to a man for $600. He said yes.

I quickly discovered it was worth 10K, easy.

I sold it for $600; told the missus it was the principle.

I WAS AN ASS.

there's a line where honor meets stupid. That line was about $7000 in your rear view mirror.

 

[SteyrAug]

I have a problem with sellers inaccurate descriptions of items on this site.

Here recently I bought a Winchester M 70 Target rifle that had been rebarreled to 280 Remington.

After some discussion, I bought it.

When it arrived, one thing was obvious that the seller had neglected to note. The buttstock had been chopped off 2" and the original buttplate was gone.

Then it got worse ---- the seller lauded the accuracy, claiming the rifle had a 900 round count. In fact, once all the heavy copper fouling was removed and the bore scoped ---- well it was fried. Severe erosion up from the chamber. More like a 3000 round barrel !

I confronted the buyer on these issues, expecting he would contribute to "make it right". To condense his excuses and comments ---"you bought it, not my problem." His attitude was that since I didn't ask specific questions, he was under no obligation to fill me in.

So what's the lesson here ? 1. Demand a 3 day inspection with return and refund priveledge. 2. Buy from people you know. 3. Be very cautious about assuming just because someone is on a gun related website, they are a straight shooter.

Lest anyone think I am whining, here are a group of borescope pics from breech up the barrel. BUYER BEWARE !

 

[NYGuns]

Sorry to hear. We do have a rating system, make sure to use it.

 

[SteyrAug]

Found it thanks !

 

[Kirk_STNY]

When I sell something, PM is the only way I will accept buyer commitment. And it will be noted as such in the ad.

 

[thegatman]

I have had no trouble buying and selling on this forum. Sometimes it takes time for money orders to arrive and packages sent. Most of you forum guys are honest and forthright. If I get burned, I let people know.

 

[Exonautic]

I have had no trouble buying and selling on this forum. Sometimes it takes time for money orders to arrive and packages sent. Most of you forum guys are honest and forthright. If I get burned, I let people know.

Always feel better buying from forum people, mainly because they have a public reputation that they'd typically like to keep intact.

 

[cgrutt]

IDK most of you guys are like family always try to give first I'll take it priority but shit happens. I almost lost relationship with my BIL over this because I sold vehicle to esteemed member after my BIL was non committal for months. Shit happens. If somebody says I'll take it but cant complete transaction no biggie move on. I've done that myself before and something came up just tell seller and make it right. Thing that gets me are all the unrelated posts in classifieds I'm glad the site offers mod rights in classifieds lol.

 

[meketrefe]

Etiquete and good manmers are only known to those who have them. The best thing is to put in clear terms how the process works. If the buyer and seller follow the terms it should be smooth. If one doesnt, well...
Feel free to add I reserve the right to refuse any offer for any reason.
Just be clear in the post.
Keep in mine the internet + forums + social media is the largest whorehouse ever devised in human history.