Sellers that don't respond

Many people have not learned their table manners, and anonymity only increases this practice. Or, they were socialized in a culture where a different set of negotiating norms was accepted. For example, there are some people who believe that a deal can always be re-negotiated even though the cash and product are in transit. In your circumstance, give them a negative, "Never respond" on their feedback. That is the only deterrence available here. Actually, I like a guy who begins with bad communication because it tips me off at the beginning as to how he will most probably behave as the deal progresses past acceptances. Over the years I've learned that its a gift when you can peg these guys early. So, look on the bright side: just one more bad deal you avoided.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who feels this way!
Thanks for your responses.
Dave

I've had this happen plenty of times. I think sometimes they find a better offer, sometimes they're just being rude. I actually think one time a dealer got a better offer. Talk about poor service - We had worked out a price after several days and several phone calls. They actually faxed me a credit card receipt to sign. When I faxed it back signed, just a few hours later, they told me, "Sorry, our mistake. That unit was sold over a week ago." Either they put it up on auction (where I first saw it) on Audiogon AFTER it was sold, or they got a better offer and pulled the plug on our deal. I know it sounds cynical, but I think they got a better offer, and I think that happens with private sellers all the time. People don't respond cause the unit is sold, or they stop contacting you after you've agreed cause they got more from someone else. It's just the breaks of buying used. Fortunately the effort involved in doing this really pays off in the end.

Nice Point. Taken another way, how bout buyers that close a deal over the phone, or via e-mail, and you never hear from them again. For me, I've had offers over asking price when I told the unit was sold and declined. Probably a lot of guys like this here on this great site. To some of us reputation is everything. By the way, this has happened twice, not huge, but enough. A deal is a deal, period!

I have had similar experiences. As had been previously mentioned, we are interacting with people that we do not know and they may or may not have the same ideas of acceptable behavior. I am suprised that we do not have more posts regarding bad deal/poor communication issues. I have yet to have a terrible transaction. I have received the goods as they have been described and I have sent the goods as they have been described. I like to think that we are an honest lot. I can accept some poor communication as long as the final transaction is smooth.
Drew