Doug Henning disappearing act

I have two similar experiences within four weeks of each other. Each time the buyers expressed lots of enthusiasm and urgency to get the deal done right away.

The first time, I agreed to the buyer's terms and price within one minute of the offer. Poof! Doug Henning.

The second time, I countered with an offer $10 higher than the buyer's offer, and I did so within five minutes of receiving the buyer's e-mail. Poof! David Copperfield.

I hadn't experienced this magical phenomenon on Audiogon until the last month, and I have beaucoup transactions here over 2+ years...99% of them stellar.

It's a mysterious time on the 'Gon.

David Blaine, where are you?

I think a lot of people make offers trying to understand what someone would be willing to sell it for only. I don't think they're offers as much as they're questions; "Would you be willing to sell this to me for $xxx??" Then they go and compare to other units they're considering. I had this happen to me too. Now I ask up front. Are you planning on buying this or just using my info to comparision shop. If so, how likely are you to buy my item. Based on their answer, I tell them what MY committment is (i.e., first come first serve or, yes, I'll hold it.)

I have had plenty of sellers not anwer me as well. I am not talking about making stupid offers either. I would like to suggest that you try contacting them through Audiogon. In the day of spam filters I try every way available to get ahold of them.

I should have clarified. The offers I have received were from members with excellent feedback history, and they were full price offers, all except one. He asked if I would include the PayPal fee at that price. I responded 'Yes' within 30 seconds of receiving his e-mail. That was five days ago, and haven't heard from him since. Why even ask the question if you're not a committed buyer?

Some Audiogon username suggestions for the uncertain, curious or non-committal:

Houdini
Blackstone
Poof
Flash
Smoke-N-Mirrors
Cups-N-Balls

No disrespect intended to member "Fiddler"...