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Is this the norm?

I've been trading on Audiogon for 2 years and have had great experiences as both a buyer and a seller. Then I posted an ad for a learning remote control. I received two email within 20 minutes both buyers commiting to buy the unit on the spot. I emailed the first respondent and said the unit was his. I heard nothing back so a few days later I emailed him again. Nothing. After a week and a half I emailed him again expressing confusion because he had seemed to really want the item. I finally heard back from him saying he thought it was a different model, the model # was clearly in the title of my ad, and he didn't want it. Fair enough. I contacted the second potential buyer, explained the deal had fallen through, and offered the item. The buyer quickly said yes, I agreed to pay shipping and he said he'd have payment in the mail by Monday. I waited until the following Monday and emailed him inquiring about the payment. He responded by saying he had forgotten all about it, thanked me for reminding him, and said because of all of the other transactions he had conducted over the past week he couldn't buy the item now. This is the frist time something like this has happened to me once, let alone twice for the same item. So I must ask, is this normal and have all of my other pleasant, professional transactions been abberations?
128x128jond
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Jond; To answer your question, no your recent experience is not the norm for Audiogon IMO. I've had around 30 transactions and not a bad one in the bunch-- knock wood. As Tim noted, you didn't actually have a completed transaction, so your loss(es) were only your time and patience, ie a couple of low-octane types came out of the woodwork and jerked you around. Consider your many positive experiences more the "norm". But I too have had to deal with these kinds of experiences occasionally, and it is discouraging. But please maintain your own sense of integrity and trust.

I do not consider a transaction complete until both money and merchandise exchange is complete, both parties are satisfied, and feedback has been left. Good Luck with future deals, and Cheers. Craig
garfish
1,840 posts
 
.........Jond (to add), I just looked up your feedback-- it's excellent, and you're the kind of person we would all like to do business with. You have a record to be proud of, so don't let a couple of low-lifes discourage you. Cheers Again. Craig.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I agree with Craig, Daniel, Tim, etc. They were probably hoping to "flip" the item at a profit on ebay and when they got no buyers, they bailed. So far, I have been very satisfied with all of my transactions here.
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
I have no idea why you got screwed! Seems like bad luck. I'm rarely jerked around here or on Ebay, but it has happend on both. Sounds like you're lucky it's for a modest amount of $.

I've been rudely reminded in business recently that there are a ton of lying sacks... . I'm really having a tought time telling the good guys from the bad guys without those white and black hats anymore.

You know... if we can just bring them back. Yup. That's it. Bring back the hats!

Bill E.
jond's avatar
jond OP
5,911 posts
 
Thanks for all the support guys. My outlook stays positive, it was just a bit disconcerting to have this happen twice on one item after dealing with so many cool people. But as you have said there is no actual loss, I'll just consider it a learning experience.
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