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My list of seller red flags

I’ve compiled a list of annoying things sellers do. If I see any of these red flags I will not buy from them. Ideally every seller should agree to not do any of these before they are allowed to sell online.

- Overpriced
- Don’t talk about any flaws
- Keep re-posting
- Use unrelated keywords in ad so ad comes up when you search for different brand
- Paranoid language like " Cash and Carry only", "No spammers", No Trades...
- Using all CAPS and !!! marks

- Used car salesman lingo like"only $xxx , a great deal, a steal , and the worse, RARE "
- Ad consists entirely of copy/pasted info. from manufacturer website
- Any textspeak
- Gimmicky pricing like $999 or $995 or the worse, random price like $927
- Saying price is "Firm"..

- Reducing price by insignificant amount to bump ad
- Tooting own horn, i.e describing how awesome their product is.. Comes across as desperate to me..
- Seller saying they will lose money or taking a big loss .. Not my problem..

- Selling several items in one ad and updating the ad to say "SOLD" on certain items.
12inch45rpm
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
I hate it when the seller posts a stock photo of the item...and no photo of the actual item.  That is just ridiculous.
valinar
473 posts
 
No offense to the OP but for a person with only two transactions on Audiogon he posts as though his wisdom is the fruit of many.
bassdude
495 posts
 
Maybe a repeat of someone else’s comments, but... I’ve found... that it makes no difference how the ad is worded... you really must establish a working / trusting relationship with the seller or buyer via phone discussions. If you do so, the risk is greatly reduced that you will be scammed. As someone said above - "common sense" is the key... as well as... their feedback / reviews, on here and other forums.
Post removed 
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,403 posts
 
So many rules! Overpriced is often subjective. No trades has got to be a personal preference. Some might like it. Price is firm is sort of a silly objection. You don’t like the asking price? Move on. And who says you can’t make an offer on a “firm price” listed item? Don’t talk about flaws? Maybe there are none. Gimmicky price to one could just be someone having a bit of fun. However, what dollar increments are acceptable? $20? $50? 
Basically, trust your instincts - if you get a bad feeling move on. I have bought and sold on audiogon but if I’ve ever had any reservation about a person I am considering doing business with, I just don’t. 
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