Am I being fair?


Recently I posted a add on Audiogon for a VAC amplifier, in the add I stated "preference given to local buyer", the amp is heavy and it's stressful sending gear across the US, even when it's insured. What happened, the first day of posting the add, I had many reposes, and a local gentleman was #10 of the people who were interested in the amp, he stopped by my house and bought it right away. When I informed some of the other e-mailers to the add, the amp was sold, some were upset, saying I should sell to the first person who contacted me. I never made any commitments to selling the amp to any of the e-mailers. Couple of the people are threatening to give me a negative feedback. Should we sell to the first person who responds to the add? Just wanted a opinion from other member if they have come across this situation also, thanks.
paulg805
Don't have too much time to offer an opinion but I think you were fair advising within your ad your preference for a local buyer. And I believe that any feedback, positive or negative, can only be given based on how a deal transpired. As you had no deal or transaction with these other buyers negative feedback would not be within the rules. Watch your rating and advise Audiogon if negatives appear.
Well, I doubt your problem was a necessary result of your local-preference policy. I get the impression that you executed it less than tactfully, (e.g. How did they know what position in line they were for it? And why are there a FEW of them threatening?) There shouldn't be negative feedback, but hopefully you'll adjust your execution next time. Selling can be a little tricky.
Ohlala: If you read Paul's post and take him at face value, how did he execute less than tactfully? He may have said in his response to the e-mails that the buyer was not the first to respond, but that he was local. By stating in the ad a preference for a local buyer, he covers that. As a seller, I have no obligation to sell to the first guy that responds; if I have a bad feeling about a response (no feedback, negative feedback, wacky questions, etc) I'll wait for someone I feel comfortable with. There's an expression in the business I work in that I kind of like; it goes "it's not yours to buy, it's his (or hers) to sell.
Paul,
You did nothing wrong and if the communication is as you say it is, (1) they'd have NO reason to post a negative and (2) IMO - according to audiogons guidelines, there is nothing that would support a negative post.
Ask them if they are familiar with the term, "pound sand!"?