i buy n sell sometimes . some not needed buick parts to get rid of or an occasional carb i redo or have . overall , with one exception that did get corrected with a little detective work and a couple phone calls , real satisfied both ways as is . pretty much fair deals and friendly chatter . probably got PM'd a couple times but not life or death . the only other board i've sold on is BPG , ROP and classicolds.com - same pretty much . thanks mod's n jim . owe ya a beer . just 2 cents . thats it .
Mark, I am not seeing that in the Performance years or the Supercar (Yenko) board.. (only posts by seller) Both their classified sections look pretty much like ours, and they seem to have similar issues. We must be talking about different boards, can you post some URL's for me? JW
Wow! I must start this post by saying that I have not read all six pages of posts on this issue. I read the first page and skipped to the last page to see where the topic was going and if there was a resolution to a problem I didn't even know existed. You see, I have been a "member" for many years and I have purchased many items in the parts for sale section, but I have not been reading the responses to posts I wasn't interested in. So here is my two cents worth after reading the amount I just mentioned and looking at a couple of recent listings: This is a mostly a communication problem. The communication problem is mostly created by the sellers and it is exasperated by many needing to make up their minds to buy, or not. The other problem is the site has grown over the years and isn't as tightly knit group as it used to be. Sellers are not posting complete descriptions of parts that they wish to sell, including location and methods available for shipping and payment methods accepted. They also need to post pictures if those are going to be supplied. Buyers should not have to ask for additional information, or if they do, the part should still be for sale while that information is coming from the seller. If someone else decides they don't need additional information, and they say they will take the part, they get it. Buyers need to step up to the plate and say I will take it at the listed price and be responsible for absorbing the shipping cost. This needs to be done publicly as a response to the posting, the rest of the transaction needs to take place via PM. The buyer can calculate shipping just as easily as the seller, so they should figure out the shipping and then commit to buy. Getting in line for someone else who might be interested in a part should be a no-no. Either buy it or pass on the part, simple. It would be nice if there was a way to rate buyers and sellers, but I don't have any suggestions for that type of process. In most cases I don't think it should be necessary. If it is necessary, then the moderators should go ahead with the $50 fee and use it to monitor misbehaving individuals and block them from using the sales forums, or completely from the site. I think you will notice what I am suggesting parallels Ebay's policies and procedures, but without the profit margin. I think the advantage of buying and selling on this board is the lack of fees. The disadvantage to a seller is; the part might have brought more $$$ if listed elsewhere, but that is a small price to pay for not having to deal with Ebay. I restate I have not read all six pages on this topic, so please don't flame me for lack of time to read, just move on to the next topic and enjoy a post Thanksgiving plate of leftovers. :grin:
I bought a car from Brucer and everything went fine. I had to fly from Flint to Phoenix take a shuttle just to look at the Car. I was just like the Pictures and he took my offer by PM. No will you takes. The car was everything I expected. He sent me a few more PMs and everything worked great. I trusted Him and He Trusted Me. That's what we need more of here, Trust. It seems to be fading with all of the things for sale. In Line Squatters that have time to think it over, ie, what is this gonna be worth in 5 Years. The only problem with me purchasing Bruces car, How the hell am I getting this Beautiful Car Home? But every time I stopped somewhere a few to a crowd of people would gather asking questions. Which I enjoyed really. Except for the Guy who wanted to tell me about every car he has owned in his life. Hey Man, I need to get back on the Road! Then while I'm driving back the 2166 Mi. to get home I kept asking myself. Ponch, What the Hell are you doing. You're 64 not 24. This is tiring. But it was nice when you have a nice car to drive home. And secure in the idea that I have a Very nice New Car. Great to deal with you Bruce. And thank your Wife for the Great Sandwich. PONCH
Mark, v8buick works real good. Why the big push to be like the others? Why do we have to be like the others? Seams that I recall V8buick getting high ratings because of the way business is done here. Maybe Jim can chime in with who that was but I think it might of been Hemmings or something along those lines. I just had a look around those sites there sure seems to be in general in the non sale threads to be A LOT of bickering and fighting that we thankfully don't see here...... Maybe its time we added a section for flippers. I can't see changing what has worked so well for so long for a small hand full. I got the name for the new FOR SALE SECTION, lets call it Mcdonalds and it could be a drive thru window:TU: I think that some people just can't handle having to wait there turn or missing out. For some people its allllll about the hunt. First come, first serve!
is there an easy way to set up the site to filter "sale" ad's by minimum member time , or posts etc . thats one of the first things i look at is the number of posts - just a few posts with incomplete seller info and selling something - red flag .
I'm going to repeat myself here, but to me this system is about as good as it gets and doesn't need changing. Someone mentioned part of the problem is the sellers failure to properly describe their item. This is why a buyer needs to get in line and have the opportunity to get more info on the item. I have been on here for 8 years or so and have bought and sold and I like the way the system works. I got stiffed once for over $100.00 but I didn't cry the blues or try to blame the system, it was just one of those things. I'm hoping things won't change because I doubt it will be for the better. IMHO Bob H.
i dont think this system is broke...i think itstime to put it to rest. let Jim do what he wants, he is the head honcho...we are starting to go in circles...no matter what changes, i aint goin nowhere unless im asked to... i'll get ya some links Jim..im on my phone so its hard to work it...im not that good with my phone yet
Jim,there is no fraud if you use paypal,with paypal you are protected i sell on several message boards that have no replies to for sale listings i have never had any of those problems you speak of that seems to be your problem. no there doesnt have to be a rule in place to allow the first buyer time to do anything that is the heart of the problem. what exactly does the first buyer need time for?to ask the wife?go count his nickels? if you dont have the cash to buy,step to the side
Cars for sale shouldn't have any lines or rules. It's a totally different ball game than parts the buyer is looking at traveling, arranging for shipping, possibly taking days off work etc. Etc. Not to mention the car is likely for sale locally. There is a lot more to it than200 bucks for a carb and 40 to ship.
I personally like the current system even though it does need some clarifications. Thanks for the great site Jim.
I've also been here pretty much since the board started & don't see any positive reason to change anything.Don't let a very very few bad transactions spoil what's been working for YEARS! As far as cars for sale,sure it hurts to lose to some dickwad seller that bumps you for a quick sale to someone else,it's happened to me. But you aren't out anything,other than some frustration and can still go hunting for another car. I'm guessing it's less than 3-4 percent of sales that have any major snafus,not enough to justify any changes other than maybe reprimanding rule breakers. Most of the rulebreaking sellers don't contribute anything to the board anyway other than selling their parts & disappearing.p Chasing off sellers like GSFred would be devastating to the Buick community.:eek2: Put it to bed,leave it alone & go work on & drive your cars!p
FWIW I say leave the current system alone. The bit of rule clarification Jim stated way earlier in this thread should cover things unless you are just dense or greedy. If you have an issue with the current arrangements and their potential delays then i say move along and take your chances on EBAY. Otherwise Jim's rules (and a bit of common sense) have served us well this far. I do believe a few people will need smacked in the nose with a (virtual) newspaper by the moderation staff but things will work out.
I didn't read this entire thread but I would like to voice my opinion. IMO, there should be NO changes made to the for sale/wanted sections. I am a member of a Chevrolet truck forum that uses the "Paid users only" system and it SUCKS. It is impossible to buy and sell because none of the little guys are willing to pay for the privilege to buy or sell. This is a hobby, if you start charging fees the little guys are just going to start sending parts to the scrap yard instead of posting them. Sure there have been problems but in the end it usually works out. Also, the people that have gotten burned usually do less than smart things, like mailing money orders to strangers.
I have just spent 1 hour going through this entire thread. All due to one recent bad transaction. ou: Valid points Chris. As most, if not all of us have sold vehicles via more traditional methods, ie: newspaper ads, Kijiji, ebay, or Craigslist, first up to bat with cash will complete the sale. Perhaps this is where some confusion sets in with sellers. I remember selling cars via newspaper ads. Phone would ring, caller(s) is/are interested, sets up viewing time, and never shows up. :rant: Time and time again this would happen, frustrating to say the least. I've also bought a few by actually showing up, with cash in hand, and "reminding" the seller of the above. :Brow: Seller doesn't get what they really want, but a sale is made. :beers2: I fully understand and respect why the current V8 classified system is in place. It can create problems for those who are used to older selling methods when they don't understand why. In fact, there have been occasions when I have missed out, simply due to my time demanding job, and the fact my phone is the "not so smart" variety. :laugh: Yes, the "inline for a friend" is annoying, especially when the poster of said comment either cannot contact the friend, or just disappears. Stating the friends name, be it screen name, or given one is a good idea, particularly if that individual is well know among the regulars. Infrequent board visitors could criticize this as favoritism. I really like your rules for buyers, as they're clear cut, with no room for misinterpretation. In fact, I acquired a Pembina, ND shipping address, just in case you have something I need. :grin::TU: Well that and other items I can get shipped to me for far less cost. Indeed, this seems to be the case here. Unfortunately, it's always the spectacular fail that captures most of the attention. Not pointing any fingers here, just making a statement. Don't agree with the mandatory deposit, just to set a place at the table. uzzled: As pointed out, to much fraud potential, as you might see "sellers" line up just to scam those deposits from unsuspecting buyers. As for punting the tire kickers and wannabes.....:TU::TU::beers2::beers2: There is always room for tweaking and tuning however. Never bought from GSFred, since he seldom has anything I require. Losing him though would be detrimental to many others. He always seems to have nice parts. My ideas for improving cars for sale: 1 - Minimum number of photos required, say perhaps 10. These must show all four sides, the interior, engine, trunk, etc., etc. Add more for known issues, such as rust, existing body/frame damage. Strongly suggest a short one or two minute video with hood up and engine running, 360 walk around, open and close doors. No commentary required, but leave that optional. With today's cheap, yet high tech cameras, this ought to be a given. Adding a short drive video shot by a passenger, could help your sale too. 2 - Clear rules for posting your interest. First and foremost, potential buyers MUST have their cash flow in order. That means no "will you wait until I call my bank for approval" or "Need to speak with wife/husband/life partner/parents/dog/cat/parakeet" before I can move on this. Those who fail to follow this rule get punted, at least for a few months. 3 - No "inline for a friend here". If your friend wants the car, have them join up as previously suggested. If they're computer illiterate, too bad, so sad. If they absolutely MUST have the car, buy it for them and work out the details between yourselves. That which will definitely test your friendship. Concerning parts for sale: 1 - Require a shipping container size with every ad. As Marxjunk says, 99% of the time his items are packaged, and ready to go out the door. How about adding the actual shipping container size to your ad?? Therefore we virtually eliminate the question "How much to ship to XXXXX?" Require sellers to post their ZIP/Postal Code with every ad. Then require potential buyers to calculate shipping costs on their own with their preferred carrier. Is this too much to ask?? I do realize that some sellers either prefer or have limited access to some shipping providers, if so, please state this in your ad. 2 - Require a minimum number of photos, say 4-6. Many members are very good about this. Kudos to you.:TU: 3 - Mark's idea for clearly communicating timelines in each ad could be suggested, but don't mandate this. Perhaps he can respond with how it works for him. :beer 4 - I would allow inline for a friend ONLY if that person who posts this steps up and finishes the deal should their friend not want the item, or cannot be contacted, or otherwise does not complete the deal. Failure to adhere to this gets the person posting for the friend a private reprimand for first offense. I would not want to seriously harm those who have genuine interest in obtaining items for trusted friends as many have done this, usually with satisfactory results for all parties.
Thanks for the thoughts Tom, they are very constructive..:TU: and inline with a few tweeks I am considering. There will be no wholesale change in the classifieds, but we will do some clarifying and tweeking. I like the idea about shipping container size and weight in the ad, or a flat rate shipping price, that would streamline parts sales a lot. There certainly will be a picture requirement for cars for sale. And this has actually been brewing for quite some time here, that last deal was just the straw... JW
