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[Closed] What is going on with some classified sales?

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It seems a minority have either had issues with the 'royal mail' or are trying to make money from innocent people.....

I do realise this a very small minority, but, please MODS, can some sort of ratings thing be put in place??

(ps, I sell little & buy little, but would be well annoyed if I got scammed)

Thankyou


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:06 am
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Name the person. Yes, really name the person.

Let the person explains whatever is accused of him on the forum but if you are wrong then also be prepared to apologise etc.

The best thing to do is to pay for recorded signed for postage so able to track the parcel. No excuse for the seller to come up with porkies.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:04 am
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the people who use the forum purely for selling?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:07 am
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The best thing to do is to pay for recorded signed for postage so able to track the parcel. No excuse for the seller to come up with porkies.

Or even just get "proof of postage" slip when you drop it off at the post office - it's free. (They still do that, don't they?)


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:00 am
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Ban "Paypal Gift" requests!
If you're selling something then expect to be charged for the transaction taking place - after all they are processing all the payments on your behalf!
That way the seller HAS to use recorded delivery if they want protection and also the buyer can't fake not receiving it either.
Ends scamming.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:03 am
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I would like to think a decent seller would insist on some sort of recorded & insured delivery, after all [u]it is the selers responsibility[/u] to ensure the goods reach the seller in good condition.
Cheers.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:16 am
 SST
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you mean reach the buyer?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:36 am
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That reminds me, has RealMan refunded that money yet?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:37 am
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if they dont have a recognisable login with at least some kind of back history and reputation worth protecting (i.e. post on either of the main forums) then I wont sell to or buy from them.

Of course the RealMan incident is evidence of an exception to that rule, but it's served me well enough for 10 years....


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:38 am
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I always send 1st class recorded. Only buy from those with a history on here unless they can provide proof of who they are. Otherwise I walk from a sale.

Had no issues on here buying or selling. Had 1 issue on SDH when buyer claimed it was as described dispite sending him a detailed description of said item and a gazzillion pics. Refunded him and he never sent the item back 🙄

B


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:39 am
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that lloks goood ! thank you !

Hello non-human.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 7:53 am
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Its not rocket science.

don't use paypal gift unless you know the person.

Don't buy from or sell to people without a history on the forum

Leave the result of the transaction as a post on their thread.

allways run a search on their threads for bad feedback

Allways send recorded and insured.

( I will breach the rules for under £20 / somone I know and trust)


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:07 am
 hora
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Its not rocket science.

Amen. You are buying from someone that you've never met.

TJ's right on the rest. Its what I always do.

I'm now going to go outside and shoot myself.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:08 am
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sorry hora.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:24 am
 IHN
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Thanks TJ 🙂


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:33 am
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Anecdotal:
I've bought several (4-5) items from here, all misdescribed rubbish with bits missing that the sellers knew about.

I've bought car bits for years and years from all over the world and never had a problem, maybe I'm unlucky, I hope so, fellow MTB riders in real life seem decent, perhaps some feedback would help.

James


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:50 am
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I have bought quite a few things from ebay recently that have been shit, it's just a complete nuisance and I for one could do without the hassle.

I agreed to buy a headset from someone on here, when I said that i wanted to pay via paypal not paypal gift and that I wanted a detailed description of the headset and it's condition in the invoice, they then said they would send me photo's.

After I said that I would judge the condition of the headset by evaluating it, they said that I wasn't judging them and that they headset wasn't for sale 😯

If you're sending items via firstclass or second for that matter, remember that they only cover upto £46, so are not suitable for larger items.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:52 am
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if they dont have a recognisable login with at least some kind of back history and reputation worth protecting (i.e. post on either of the main forums) then I wont sell to or buy from them.

Isn't this the point where we'll start to see lots of fresh faces appear?
Surely the only solution is to use your common sense, no?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:55 am
 cp
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As TJ really, a few seconds looking at someone's history (i.e. there is some and that it's not all classifieds), and I wont buy anything without pictures. I send stuff recorded so I don't run the risk of people claiming they've not received it. Then just make sure insurance covers the cost of the bits.

This has probably jinxed it now, but touch wood everything I've bought and sold has been fine.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 8:59 am
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RealMan [i]had[/i] decent forum history. Just saying, like...

Caveat emptor


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:08 am
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I have sold and bought plenty through the classifieds. I use paypal gift without any problem and no one has complained about any of my stuff that I have sold but then I always have a picture of the item too. Make the picture of the actual item a rule, it works over on Bikeradar without any problems.
I don't send anything recorded under £10,up to £50 recorded and above that special delivery and all despatched within 4 days. If everything went recorded I would imagine a lot of the small items would never be put up for sale in the first place as I couldn't be bothered and many others too to go to the post office, queue and pay for recorded for something that only worth a few quid. If the buyer wants to pay extra for small value items to recorded then that's their cost.
If someone wants to use paypal gift it is up to them. If they are not happy then send payment plus fees for normal paypal and have the insurance which is a pain to claim on through my ebay experience. They can send money by transfer through their bank account if they don't want to use paypal at all. Buying from someone who doesn't post regular or provide pictures is asking for trouble.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:09 am
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Caveat emptor

How does that work when faced with misleading or simply incorrect descriptions? As in the, let me think, in the..... RealMan sale..... For example.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:12 am
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Classified sales need to be governed - either by the website itself or your own common sense.

Things Singletrack could do?
- to sell in the classifieds you have to have been a member of the forum AND posted regularly in it for x number of weeks/months. Only problem there is you might get someone join and post nothing but rubbish for their probation period before they jump on the classifieds and start selling.

Things we could do?
- only buy from someone who has a decent history. Its easily accessible via users' profiles. Obviously this doesn't always work but a long standing member is much less likely to go out and purposefully rip a fellow forum member off.
- get decent pictures of the actual item you're buying and a description.
- if need be, request that the item is sent insured and recorded or whatever it is so you can track it, see who signed for it and if it disappears, the sender can claim for it.
- just generally exercise some common sense.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:13 am
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I tend to expect people to take a bit of a rose tinted view of stuff they sell on here.

They're not necesarily deliberately misleading (although that has happened I know) but they give themsleves the benefit of the doubt far more than they ought to.

I always insist on sending out pics of stuff I sell and putting loads on the ads too.

If an item is clearly photographed and honestly described it gives the best outcome for buyer and seller, ime.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:13 am
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Sometimes on here I've seen something on the classifieds, had a look at the sellers history, then went back to buy it and it's sold- can be very frustrating!! Buyer beware tho as stated but sometimes I want a bargain and want it now!!
Lol.
Think if I was buying something reasonably expensive, oh I don't know, like a set of brakes for instance- I'd want to see good pictures of the actual item though!!


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:19 am
 IHN
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Caveat emptor

How does that work when faced with misleading or simply incorrect descriptions? As in the, let me think, in the..... RealMan sale..... For example.

Stercus accidit


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:23 am
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I have sooo been mugged off

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/have-i-just-been-ripped-off


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:25 am
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not so sure STW have to take up the reigns here.

I have sold/ purchased a lot off here and haven’t been stung once. wwaswas is an example of this. Good frame, as described, sent out promptly.

I got to my desk and the renthal stem I got a few days ago has just turned up, as described.

People have to protect themselves. As pointed out above, you are buying off people you have never met, but that means that has to be an element of trust.

It would be simple for people to comment on the end of a thread to say the kit turned up and its A ok.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:27 am
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Stercus accidit

😆


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:27 am
 IHN
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I thank you 🙂


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:28 am
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Whether on eBay or STW I always post things Recorded Delivery. Its an extra 77p (that the buyer will usually pay) and can save a whole load of grief.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:37 am
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don simon - Member
How does that work when faced with misleading or simply incorrect descriptions? As in the, let me think, in the..... RealMan sale..... For example.
Don't accept the ad at face value, query the description, ask for more photos (quality close-ups), agree to meet and inspect the goods first...

I've asked for all of the above, or been asked to provide this additional info myself, which any decent seller will be prepared to do.

Even still...stercus accidit 😀


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 10:13 am
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stercus accidit

If tags still worked, I could see this becoming very popular...


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 10:35 am
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I have both bought and sold on here without any problem.

I have mostly used Paypal gift and bank transfers & I trust Royal Mail so I don't worry about sending things recorded, etc.

This goes for eBay too & the only problem I have had was some scrote in a tower block in London (who couldn't spell) claiming a CD Walkman hadn't arrived.

Read their history.

Know your products.

Get photos.

If it looks too good to be true...


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:32 pm
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many years of successful buying and selling on here and only once did anything go missing. It was a jacket which I was selling, around £30 I recall - I trusted the buyer when he advised it never showed, as he had good forum history. I refunded in full, although he was keen that as it wasn't either of our 'faults' we send the money to charity, which we did. Good result.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:40 pm
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zokes - Member

That reminds me, has RealMan refunded that money yet?

No, RealMan point blank refuses to accept anything was wrong with his advert or handling of it. Complete cock-end IMO in almost every aspect of the sale.

I should have been more vigilant in asking for pics and making sure they were as advertised but have had nothing but good experiences of the classifieds in the 8/9 years I've used the forum (other than a known douche who ripped me off 6/7 years ago) so fell into the security trap.

What to do next? Back to basics when buying - pics every time, stand up for yourself as a buyer and don't pay more than you think its worth. Formal or informal, I think a feedback mechanism would be good.

The galling aspect is the sheer arrogance of the boy. He's young and naiive so either he'll learn, or if he carries on like this he'll get massively dumped on at some point.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:49 pm
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that's a real shame jimmy - both for you and realman 🙁


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:53 pm
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Trouble is, both Realman and the guy who ripped off another forum user on Talk Photo (another STW type forum) wouldn't have had poor feedback ratings. In the case of talk photo, they have a feedback system on the forum, and it didn't stop some poor bloke getting burned for £1000 on a lens, from a well established forum user with good seller feedback.

I think if anything a feedback system makes it worse, as people drop their guard for people with good feedback, when there is a problem, they blame the buyer, as nothing can be wrong with them...look at the feedback from other buyers. 🙁


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 12:56 pm
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Jimmy, I feel for you mate, what he did sucks. I've been burned on s/h sales before and it hurts much more than the loss of money. Keep cool and move on.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:01 pm
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Jimmy - I cant believe that.

Are you able to sell them on ebay, write off the loss and not take it personal like?

I've had nothing but positive experiences - buying and selling here. But I will be more careful after reading that £10-silence thread.

My gripe is with ebayers who sell obvious tat and when challenged say "Oh I never noticed" or "I bought it a month ago and never used it so didnt know it was fubar" and then refund the money in return for no neg feedback. Tossers!


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:09 pm
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Post 41 disappeared again 🙁


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:12 pm
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There was a big scandal on the [url= http://www.paneristi.com/ ]Paneristi forum[/url] a few years back...basically a guy went AWOL with many [i]many[/i] tens of thousands of pounds worth of watches and cash. He'd built up a cast iron reputation over the years; many long-standing forum members of good repute could, would & did vouch for him, having bought genuine watches from him without a hitch, shipped all over the word...


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 1:14 pm
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I will just add that my experiences with the classifieds on here have been nothing but good.

Over the last couple of weeks I have assembled a full disc brake front endfor a pal - fork, wheel, brake for under £100


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:30 pm
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Ditto classifieds. I'm not a heavy user but all experiences have been positive.

Maybe if someone is ripping off other forum users, is there not an argument for a permanent ban?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:33 pm
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I've never had a real problem. Worst was a set of Maguras with a chipped and leaky piston. The seller refunded the cost of a new caliper which I was more than happy with.

That said I'm pretty careful and tend to check people out. I'm not bothered if it's someone who only posts on the classifides though, I think if theve got a big selling history that's a plus point, personally.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:49 pm
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One question - what is the attraction of paypal gift?
I have used it to pay in the past and there is a fee just the same as paypal. As it appears to offer less protection, but still attracts a charge, why do people insist on it?


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:52 pm
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PayPal - If you have a balance or transfer the money from a bank account, it's free. Use a credit card and there's a charge. If you pay gift, you pay the charge, if you don't the payee pays it

I think...!


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:55 pm
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If the money comes out of your Paypal balance then there is no charge to either party. If paypal has to access your debit/credit card, then there is a charge to the sender.

...I think.

Edit: Woooah!


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 2:55 pm
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Surely it's up to you as the buyer to balance the risk?

expensive item + no photos + vague description + limited forum history + paypal gift + non-recorded delivery = extremely high risk

Low value item + photos + detailled description + good forum history + paypal + recorded delivery = extremely low risk

it's just up to you to ballance the grey in between.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 3:19 pm
 ton
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i always sell shyte and try and rip everyone off............. 😀


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 3:27 pm
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I've been ripped off by Ton selling overpriced tat several times so I agree with him 🙂


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 3:32 pm
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Nothing but good experiences. Have recently bought
a complete bike
seatpost
ergon grips
BB7 brake

Thanks all. Like most things there will be a small but vocal negative response when things go wrong, and a huge underbelly of positive experience.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 3:45 pm
 D0NK
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Ton pulls a ratner 😯

<edit> Is "the realman incident" going into STW folklore already? Seems a little harsh...you **** 1 sheep.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 3:49 pm
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I have sold and bought off the classifieds recently!

I have had no problems!

When I sell, its with pics and a very accurate description (I hope!) and need the same when buying. Won't buy off someone who doesn't contribute to the whole STW thing mind.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 4:13 pm
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I reckon I have spent around 1.5k in the classifieds over the last year and a half. Bought laptop, phone, frames x2, forks, wheels x6, brakes

I have not had a single serious issue, but I do my homework on history etc.

Leave the result of the transaction as a post on their thread.
Good point, must do this


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 4:40 pm
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I judge every trade on it's own and based on the specific circumstances, from experience feedback systems aren't really relevant and as pointed out can cause a false sense of security.


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 4:46 pm
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Won't buy off someone who doesn't contribute to the whole STW thing mind.
Leave the result of the transaction as a post on their thread.

If you follow the first point and we all start doing the second it should be all that is needed.

Also payment not via Paypal gift. Luckily, the only time someone tried it on with me I had paid by normal 'purchase' and got my money back in a couple of weeks


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 4:51 pm
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<edit> Is "the realman incident" going into STW folklore already? Seems a little harsh...you **** 1 sheep

Well, he knows what to do....


 
Posted : 18/01/2012 9:33 pm