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Don't Think I'll Buy This...

I'm in the market for a 2nd amp and 2nd pair of speakers. Check my feedback, I'm a legitimate buyer and will make a reasonable deal. I've had these experiences which seem odd for someone wanting to sell:

1) "I'll post photos in a few days". Usually they never show up. I bet ads with photos get stuff sold lots quicker than without.

2) "it's still avail, 2nd owner, you want it or not, don't have box, i got other people" I don't rate proper punctuation, grammar, etc.? They think such a dismissive attitude makes me want to work with them?

3) "Good condition amp." This sometimes is the only body of ad and often doesn't contain the "new" price. Why make your prospective buyer do bunches of legwork to find out things like power output, etc. I, like most people, want more...some meat. Try to talk me into it; it's worked before by grabbing my interest. We all love to read about audio so give us something to pour over a bit.

4) "If you're reading this ad you already know what this is." Hmmm, not really. I've bought items that I originally knew nothing about but was drawn in by an ad. Am considering such a speaker right now. However, I got a gruff response to an inquiry and immediately wrote the guy off. I certainly can wait until another pops up.

I've dealt with non-English speaking sellers and buyers who were actively involved and made the deal a pleasure, so I think these kinds of attitudes are just personality types but, boy, I sure don't think I'll buy anything from them.
tomryan
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I always put the word "pics" in my ad heading. Why? Because I enjoy looking at pics from other sellers so I figure others feel likewise. I get a kick when my pictures show up in the "cool pics" section.
On the other hand, I agree qith Entrope as I've picked up some real bargains on items with terrible ads because I was the only bidder (ebay).
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
Before you get too critical of improper English or poor writing and communication, remember that many contributing members of AGON do not have English as their first language. Lets see, what if we asked everyone to write their adds in French or German or ...
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
Zargon, I can pretty well spot ads written by members who speak English as a second language. And the "ship from" in the ad will usually confirm my observation.

I have no problem, but respect, for someone placing an ad which is not in their native tongue.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
Nice thread, Tom!

My favorite ads are, "Component XYZ, 'nuff said!" No, I beg to differ. Please say something more than that.

I will caution that the assertion that one who is sloppy with the writing of their ad will be suspect in the care of the gear as well. While I also get the same feelings in reading an ad, some of the biggest slobs I know write fantastically good ads here - with pictures and all.

However, most suprising is that the cleanest, most careful, fastidious person I know, and truly both the most generous and gentlemanly, writes absolutely dreadfully poor ads. He freely admits he doesn't feel comfortable constructing an ad, or even selling gear. What's more, he is so worried about not giving someone a great deal that he prices and grades the stuff he sells so low that were I not a friend of his who knows his gear well, I'd wonder about the condition of what he was selling. Thank goodness the pictures show the pristine condition of his equipment, but I still think the photos convey everything. Teaches me not to judge the book by the cover...
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,259 posts
 
It seems as if some people here want it handed to them on a silver platter. While an ad should be informative, it's not a sales brochure. If you buy something just because it has a great ad, then P.T. was right. Why stop at pictures, how about streaming video with bikini clad models. Don't confuse form over substance.
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