FS Forum Rant

Mazeroth

I've held this in for a long time and figured I may as well just let loose. I constantly see postings where people chime in to say how great of a deal something is and wow, how someone should "jump on this". In all fairness, if we see something being sold at a price that isn't fair, shouldn't we help our brothers and sisters out and inform them that it isn't a great deal? I mean, really?

Let's pretend the FS forum is a used car dealership and you are shopping for a car with a few friends (fellow CP members). You see a very nice car at what you believe is a good price. Your friends are extremely knowledgeable with used cars and they are all in agreement that it is a good car at a great price and give you their thumbs up.

Same scenario, only you're looking at a different car that you think is a good price. Your friends, who are all by your side, know this is not a good deal. However, since it's "rude" they keep their mouths shut not to offend the used car salesman. This is the mentality of the CP classified forum, and it makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Real friends would let you know that it wasn't a good deal and wouldn't care about upsetting the salesman.

Over the last few weeks I've seen numerous threads with items for sale that are well above what the seller should be asking, especially to a fellow "brother of the CP". Last week I saw an ad with numerous people saying how good of a deal something was when I knew there's a much better deal to be had online from a very reputable company that comes with a warranty and free shipping. I think it's our obligation to jump in on threads and let each other know when something can be had for a better price.

Bring the weak!

kawizx9r

I'll add something to that rant, and I've been here an extremely short amount of time. Some of these prices that are in fact a good deal or even a steal should be limited to actual contributing members of this forum. Sure times can get tough and we want to sell something but you get a few 'just joined to buy something for cheap' on here and they do end up getting what they want for less than they would elsewhere :rolleyes:

snow

I think it's against the rules to do so in addition to being in really bad taste. Personally my take on it is the buyer should be responsible to check for him or herself to see if they are getting a good deal. If you want to start telling others that there getting screwed go ahead ill pass.



REGARDS SNOW

dane_peterson

See your point, but...

In all likelihood, most buyers know what they can get a particular item for new. Otherwise they wouldn't be looking for it used. If it's priced too high, it's not going to sell. Same thing with a used car.

I've been inclined on several occasions to purchase something here simply because others said it was a great deal. I don't think anyone here would provide that response if they don't believe it to be true. That being said though, I wouldn't buy until I did a little research to confirm its value.

So in essence, we help those who are giving CP members a deal by adding the "nudge". Listings whose prices are too high quickly get lost on the 2nd page. At which point, as a seller, I'd reconsider my pricing.

nooshinjohn

It is also our responsibility to not trash up a members thread by stating this information, so if you feel the need to do so send a private message and leave it at that...

George Grand

Years ago, on a forum I still frequent, an individual who had been there awhile and made somewhat of a name for himself offered 3 amps for sale. Couple integrated and a power amp. Whatever. Prices asked were through the roof, and each amp either had something wrong with it or sure looked like it. Things "worked fine, but you have to ..." **** like that. Bent heavy-duty heat sink fins on the power amp. They don't bend easy under normal use. Bend real easy if you drop the amps.

I sat back wondering, and then posted what I figured EVERYBODY ELSE was wondering. I posted "You got any amps that don't look like they got thrown down a flight of stairs?"
Damn what a shitstorm that started, but it was marvelous.

Shicks18

All good points, but why don't we just follow the darn rules!!

Quoting the rules:
"If you are not at all interested in buying an item that someone is selling, DO NOT post a reply. All violators of this rule will be banned from this section of the site."

I have seen SOOOO much thread crapping, which is extremely annoying. Without stepping on toes here, it would be nice to open up a post in the FS section and not see 25 replies from 25 different posters with their own thoughts and opinions about the sale.

This kind of action has turned me off from the FS section all together. I know, its my loss, but whatever.

Just in case anyone is too lazy to re-read the rules:

Rules of Reply

1. DO NOT post a reply unless you are interested in purchasing the item
2. The seller has the right to ask any price he wants. If you don't like it, don't post a reply and the thread will die by itself, or make a "best offer" through a private message.
3. If you are interested, you may ask any question that is unclear from the original post
4. ALL price "negotiation" (shipping costs, trades, best offers, deals, WHATEVER) MUST be handle through private messages
5. If you are NOT interested in buying the product, DON'T reply to the post or you will be banned from the Flea Market (just making sure you got that part)

Conradicles

shicks18 wrote: »

all good points, but why don't we just follow the darn rules!!

Quoting the rules:
"if you are not at all interested in buying an item that someone is selling, do not post a reply. All violators of this rule will be banned from this section of the site."

i have seen soooo much thread crapping, which is extremely annoying. Without stepping on toes here, it would be nice to open up a post in the fs section and not see 25 replies from 25 different posters with their own thoughts and opinions about the sale.

This kind of action has turned me off from the fs section all together. I know, its my loss, but whatever.

Just in case anyone is too lazy to re-read the rules:

Rules of reply

1. Do not post a reply unless you are interested in purchasing the item
2. The seller has the right to ask any price he wants. If you don't like it, don't post a reply and the thread will die by itself, or make a "best offer" through a private message.
3. If you are interested, you may ask any question that is unclear from the original post
4. All price "negotiation" (shipping costs, trades, best offers, deals, whatever) must be handle through private messages
5. If you are not interested in buying the product, don't reply to the post or you will be banned from the flea market (just making sure you got that part)

+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

JohnLocke88

Solution to these problems are easy. Set up the FM section like this (at least the For Sale section).


Posts last two weeks, after that they are purged; only OP can post new posts (potential buyers can PM questions... seller can answer in a new post on the thread.)

Maximum number of threads outstanding... five, six, whatever is determined.

End of thread crapping, end of BS "get this cause it's a good deal..."

All problems solved.

comfortablycurt

I think it's just fine the way it is myself.

If something is a super good deal, great, let people know how crazy of a deal it is. If it's overpriced, just keep it to yourself or PM the seller to let them know. If someone expresses interest in it and you feel that it's too much, send the potential buyer a PM and tell them so.

What it comes down to, is it's the responsibility of the potential buyer to research the market value of the product. If they pay too much for it, that's their own fault. They should have researched it more.




Now, how about the rule that says it's against the rules to question the rules?;):p

F1nut

Things work pretty well here, nothing is perfect or the way "you" want it, but don't look for any changes 'cause it isn't happening.

This kind of action has turned me off from the FS section all together. I know, its my loss, but whatever.

:rolleyes:

danger boy

If you mention to someone that the "deal" isn't all that great.. you really should do it in a private message to that person who is interested.. there is no reason to dis someones sale.

Mazeroth wrote: »

I've held this in for a long time and figured I may as well just let loose. I constantly see postings where people chime in to say how great of a deal something is and wow, how someone should "jump on this". In all fairness, if we see something being sold at a price that isn't fair, shouldn't we help our brothers and sisters out and inform them that it isn't a great deal? I mean, really?

Let's pretend the FS forum is a used car dealership and you are shopping for a car with a few friends (fellow CP members). You see a very nice car at what you believe is a good price. Your friends are extremely knowledgeable with used cars and they are all in agreement that it is a good car at a great price and give you their thumbs up.

Same scenario, only you're looking at a different car that you think is a good price. Your friends, who are all by your side, know this is not a good deal. However, since it's "rude" they keep their mouths shut not to offend the used car salesman. This is the mentality of the CP classified forum, and it makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Real friends would let you know that it wasn't a good deal and wouldn't care about upsetting the salesman.

Over the last few weeks I've seen numerous threads with items for sale that are well above what the seller should be asking, especially to a fellow "brother of the CP". Last week I saw an ad with numerous people saying how good of a deal something was when I knew there's a much better deal to be had online from a very reputable company that comes with a warranty and free shipping. I think it's our obligation to jump in on threads and let each other know when something can be had for a better price.

Bring the weak!

Gaara

danger boy wrote: »

If you mention to someone that the "deal" isn't all that great.. you really should do it in a private message to that person who is interested.. there is no reason to dis someones sale.

Just to add to this, depending on the situation you may want to PM the seller to. Some people are hoping to make a profit but others may just be unaware that the price was to high.

I have had it happen a few times, buy a item that sells for $500 new on CP for $300 used. Go to sell it a couple months later for $250 and no bites. Turns out the product is on clearance for $250 new. That situation just happened w/ one of my sales, someone was kind enough to let me know.

reeltrouble1

we used to do it, especially to some dumb **** who just showed up to sell stuff/take advantage, of course that was back when it was a true club, not some collection of internet misfits and well before the panty wiping chanting whiner's showed up sobbing to Al, I still do it occadioanlly when I want to.....so go shove it if you do not like it, but I see it as looking out for a newbie who does not know better and will do it when I feel like it, sometimes I just do it to give you all something to talk about besides FLAC.

Maz your right on.

RT1

Pauly

It has seemed to work well for all these years for me. Who cares if you get a few thumbs up on the seller or the gear or maybe a little history on it.

Bottom line.

Buy at YOUR OWN discretion.


My .02

Pauly

heiney9

It's a fine line. It seems those that have been here awhile and actually participate and care about CP know what the FM is all about. Frankly, I wouldn;t buy anything from a member I didn;t know thru their participation or know personally and as stated, they get it and know it's about giving back. The few things I do sell usually go to ebay simply because I'm looking to recoupe some of my money and can;t offer it for a "Polkie" price.

But I also tend to do a lot more buying than selling. I just sold a piece thru PM that another well respected Polkie had e-mailed me about when I purchased said unit and wanted dibs if I ever was to sell it. I sold for exactly what I paid.

If you are unknown and asking a ridiculous price, it usually sits there and doesn't sell. Maz, I think what you are asking could be handled thru a PM if it really gets your goat.

H9

madmax

Mazeroth wrote: »

I've held this in for a long time and figured I may as well just let loose. I constantly see postings where people chime in to say how great of a deal something is and wow, how someone should "jump on this". In all fairness, if we see something being sold at a price that isn't fair, shouldn't we help our brothers and sisters out and inform them that it isn't a great deal? I mean, really?!

I think not. I will endorse something but will not say I've seen it cheaper, crappy product or such things. I would however warn someone if the seller is a known theif.
madmax

shack

F1nut wrote:

Things work pretty well here, nothing is perfect or the way "you" want it, but don't look for any changes 'cause it isn't happening.

As always with ANY online transaction...buyer beware.

However...CP FM works very well just as it is.

Toolfan66

The FM is just fine the way it is.

Even on ebay and the Gon you could pay less one week and pay more the next. it all depends on what you want when you want it and what someone is asking for it, and whats up for grabs at that time.

I have seen the GFP-750 go for less then $500 and as much as $860. if someone wants it they will pay for the asking price.

JMO of course,

Larry.

sucks2beme

It's the FM. Buyers and sellers do their thing. Who cares. As long as both
parties agree and perform as agreed to, I don't care. But if one party
doesn't do their part, then it's our business. End of story. Sell too low,
buy too high? Sorry, I reserve the right to point and laugh.
If the FM upsets anyone, don't ever go to that site call EBAY.
About 50% of the crap there goes for too much.

cfrizz

Who are any of us to tell someone else what is too high a price for something. While I might not be willing to spend that much, someone else might.

I have nothing against a good deal, but even if I spent more for a piece of gear on here from someone I knew, it would still probably be less then what I would pay on Audiogon. And I would be getting it from someone I know I can trust. That alone would be worth the higher price.

It it up to the buyer to decide what they are willing to pay, and to do their own research before offering to buy.

hearingimpared

I think the FM works fine just the way it is.

everpress

I think everyone's pricing is too high, all the time.
Knock those prices down. I mean, really. Do you want to sell it or not?
Forget what you think is fair; let's talk about what I think is fair.
I mean, who cares how good of condition you've got it. Who cares how much money you feel it's worth. Let's talk about how much money I think it's worth... And I can tell you right now, it's too much.
When you get it all (and I mean ALL) down to a dollar with free shipping, then I'll haggle with you.

:rolleyes:

TroyD

I think the FM works pretty well as is.....I still think we do a pretty good job of keeping it on an even keel.

BDT

PSOVLSK

I have no problem with a "good deal" bump. It benefits both the seller and any potential buyer. I would add that a this type of post could best be used as a "bump" and probably isn't necessary 10 minutes after something is posted.

I also agree with Gaara about possibly pming the seller is the price is too high. If done tactfully, it would probably be appreciated by most of us.

Anyway, I love the FM. My son won't be able to go to college because I've spent his college fund there, but hey, you have to take advantage of a great deal:D

dorokusai

I usually PM everyone that expresses interest in the FM sales and try to sell them ****.

TouchOfEvil

dorokusai wrote: »

I usually PM everyone that expresses interest in the FM sales and try to sell them ****.

I bought a amp off you and i wasn't offered any ****? What the hell!!!!!!!!:D

snow

TouchOfEvil wrote: »

I bought a amp off you and i wasn't offered any ****? What the hell!!!!!!!!:D

He knew you werent into **** **** that involved assless chaps



REGARDS SNOW

Ricardo

What I find very cool is that new "automatic bump" program the mods created; every for sale thread gets it. I think it triggers itself when the thread falls in the second page. They named the program danz1906, or something like that...

kawizx9r

Ricardo wrote: »

What I find very cool is that new "automatic bump" program the mods created; every for sale thread gets it. I think it triggers itself when the thread falls in the second page. They named the program danz1906, or something like that...

LOL!

Always wondered if anyone else would've pointed that out or had taken notice.

F1nut

What I find very cool is that new "automatic bump" program the mods created; every for sale thread gets it. I think it triggers itself when the thread falls in the second page. They named the program danz1906, or something like that...

He's here all week, every week.....