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What does your common sense tell you?

Hi,

I just want to check with fellow audiogoners regarding the sales practice or sales etiquette here.

When you are a seller: Someone sent you an email saying he is interested. You kindly reply, "thanks for your interest. If you would like it, please let me know how you want to pay." A few hours later, other person contacted you saying he would like to buy. You kindly reply, "there is other person showing interested. If he backs away, I will contact you. Thanks for interest. Blah, blah, blah". Now you wait for the first guy to reply. After a while, you email to the first guy, "now, some other person is waiting for your decision. Please let me know of your decision as soon as possible by tomorrow morning."

OK, here is the question. The first guy never replied by the time you designated. Then, would you allow yourself to start contacting the next guy because you waited long enough? What if you close the deal with the second guy and the first guy comes in after two days and says, "I want to pay by MO and send it to you tomorrow."?

I don't want to piss anyone off here, let alone be sued on "Dispute" section. Please let me know how you would behave in one of these situation.

Thank you.
Ken
khokugo
pmotz
375 posts
 
This is a tough one! I had a similar situation as a buyer and asked the forum here how to handle, the majority opinion was the seller makes the decision. As a seller I would be inclined to honor the first person to respond if they were serious. A serious buyer could have a question on the item and needs an answer prior to making the decision to buy. I would give them the benefit of the doubt and answer the question and give them a short time to answer back if they wanted the item. Others here would say the heck with that, I'll take the first buyer willing to commit to buying the item. I think this is a position taken by those that have been burned by tire kickers. Can't blame them for that. My suggestion is, if you see something you want make a committment on the first contact with the seller.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,286 posts
 
You're right on. Call the second guy and, hopefully, close the deal. The first guy: Interested? If he was really interested you wouldn't be contacting him, he'd be contacting you. Interest is a feeling, not an obligation or commitment Means nothing. You may piss the first guy off, but that's his problem. You have been fair and square. peace, warren
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Interested means nothing, if there is no offer of money then move on to the first person that makes an offer that you can live with. When I want something...I make an offer. Don't waste your time with tire kickers.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Ken, I completely agree with the previous posts. You have been very fair and by starting this thread have proven to be honorable.

If you've informed the first buyer you'd like an answer within a reasonable amount of time because someone else is definitely going to buy it, you've given them fair warning in my book. When I contact a seller regarding an ad, I also inform them dpwn the line if I don't intend to buy it just so they don't hold an item for me unecessarily.

I know you don't want to upset anyone even if they're in the wrong, but they have to understand your needs as well.
khokugo OP
122 posts
 
Thank you so far for very insightful advices. I am now relieved to contact the second guy.

Next and last, maybe a rather moral question, but I am serious.
Suppose the buyer #1 has backed away. Further suppose there are buyers #2 and #3 waiting on line for your item. Assume they are all saying "want to buy it" and "will paypal quick". The number corresponds the position (sequence of contacting you). You check the feedback of #2 to find out he has a relatively poor track record (or, even a non-registered member). You check #3 and find that he has an excellent track record.

Let me remind you that there is a "record" on AudiogoN system which tells who contacted you first (or second or third, or...) regarding specific item you intend to sell. You can check that on "My Page".

In the case above, would you contact #3 because he has excellent track record and because you assume there is no way for others to know who contacted you earlier, or #2 because he is the next in line?

Again, I am dead serious about this. There may be a rule somewhere, which I have been too lazy to check. If this is already settled there, I apologize. Thanks! Ken
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