The Good The Bad and the Ugly

[Daniel]

so I've been contemplating posting this but I think it needs to be aired as I'm sure there's other forumites that might have had a similar experience but are afraid to talk about or make it public. Let's start with the good first....

The Good
I have come te realize that the Condition rating means nothing and is just a number. one should think it means something but it doesn't. 5/10 for instance means the device is either old has some dings etc.
Minimum post count should be the minimum requirement when posting in the For Sale Section. Every forum I know uses this why can't we?
Seller/Buyer Rating just a star rating or like they do on other forums at least you'll have some idea of the seller/buyer.
always ALWAYS ask for recent photos (request a pic with a newspaper with the date or something) a mod might have been fine 2 weeks ago...
If at all possible do a face to face sale... or if you really know the member personally that can work or if someone can vouch for them

I recently purchased a device from a seemingly upstanding member of this forum. the device was rated 5/10, but I figured OK has a few dings but still working condition. After a few questions the deal was concluded. Now again my own fault I should have asked more precise to the point questions but needless to say I assumed being an upstanding member of the forum honesty will prevail.... oh how wrong I was...

The Bad
upon receiving the mod opening it up I already saw a screw missing (no mention of this in the ad) I had meetings the whole day so mentioned that to the seller who replied oh he didn't notice that (the mod being his daily driver). Fine ok might be an oversight. get back home pop a battery in nothing screen dead... eventually after fiddling with the LCD screen it came on only to find you have to lift the screen to register any changes put the screen in place (which was held in place by some shoddy two sided tape) and nothing doesn't show anything. Also upon further investigation 80% of the screws are stripped.... OK so contact seller and enquired and was met with a very snotty response did I not see it was 5/10 and there are many other items for sale with a higher rating that is much worse and besides I should have asked more questions... sorry WHAT??!!!

The Ugly
I did try and call the seller and left a rather angry voicemail but nowhere was I personal or threatening in any way. my words were "call me back so we can sort this kak out...."

Seller agreed to return the money but was not willing to pay the shipping. So I am out double shipping and without a semi working mod...
And then proceeded to lambaste me over my voicemail and calls me a doos and he will no longer be entertaining the refund. Next moment account deleted and he has blocked my number.

I am leaving this as a reminder to all that does not matter who the member always make extra sure.

PS I have not lodged a formal complaint what's the point.. skoolgelde like they say in Afr

 

[Silver]

Sorry to hear about this @Daniel

Pity it couldn’t be worked out

As we have said many times in the Classifieds Rules and other threads, you deal on them at your own risk. Face to face dealings or dealing with someone you know is always best.
We try to make sure members post all the correct info but cannot guarantee that always happens, neither can we guarantee the accuracy of that info.

You have not named the member concerned but the idea of the Classifieds Reviews forum is to share your experiences of dealings with other members. Hopefully that can help others.

 

[vicTor]

sorry to hear, I've lost trust in buying mods here, atty's no problem but mods, you're taking a big chance

 

[Daniel]

Sorry to hear about this @Daniel

Pity it couldn’t be worked out

As we have said many times in the Classifieds Rules and other threads, you deal on them at your own risk. Face to face dealings or dealing with someone you know is always best.
We try to make sure members post all the correct info but cannot guarantee that always happens, neither can we guarantee the accuracy of that info.

You have not named the member concerned but the idea of the Classifieds Reviews forum is to share your experiences of dealings with other members. Hopefully that can help others.

I didnt mention the member as they are no longer a member lol account was deleted...

I understand the admins can't take responsibility but surely there should be some form of measures in place at least a min post count? this same section hasnt had a review on a member in a loooong while so some form of rating system like on other forums? Not trying to reinvent the wheel here just trying to give some suggestions.

 

[Asterix]

Shoo!! A bit of an eye-opener. Minimum post count wouldn’t have helped in this situation, and I doubt I would have had any reservations purchasing from this (past)member.

 

[CaliGuy]

I think the min post count is a good idea of it isn’t in place already. Personally I don’t like buying used from any member that is new and their first post is a for sale post, to me they are just using the forum community to get rid of their 2nd hand gear.

In Daniels case the member who sold the item has been on the forum for some time, they made several posts which suggested something more serious was wrong with the items for sale before it went into the classifieds. So for this now ex-member to turn around and blame Daniel for damaging the item is an unacceptable way to deal with the issue knowing the sold item was nothing like the description given.

Based on this I would say it’s a great idea to check out some of the sellers Topics and Post to see if there is anything to be concerned about, next piece of advise is ask for lots of pictures especially if the sold items is in another city and will be sent by courier.

I didn’t know about this Classifieds Sales Review thread, I do however take the time to Star Rate any memeber that I have dealings with including me rating buyers. Besides a honest seller I feel you should be a honest trouble free buyer too.

To date I have not had any major regrets on items purchased off the forum, I don’t buy much as I’m finicky about what I expect good or excellent condition to be. I do believe in the condition rating system as it is something most forums use. Still no gautentee that all is in order therefor it is up to the buyer to make sure they are happy with the condition. The seller should therefore also be honest and transparent which is were the problems come in, if you feel something is wrong rather pull out of the sale.

Hopefully this sort of incident that @Daniel had to deal with doesn’t happen again or often. I have no time for someone that wants to be a crook!

 

[CJB85]

I have no idea if this would work (as the lower price on the items may void the value in the service), but I am part of a FB group called GolfHub. This group started out a advice sharing and trading in used golf gear. The group grew to over 20 000 members and some dodgy stuff popped up, so the group admins introduced a safe-buy option where cash and gear would be sent to the admins and then forwarded to both parties if all was well. This was mainly done to weed out counterfeit clubs and guys dodging payment. As I said, these were often transactions of over R5000, so I dont know if this would be a viable option here?

 

[Grand Guru]

I’m sure we can find a way to reduce the risks. I support @CaliGuy on the idea of requesting more photos. I actually think it should be included in the rules. A minimum of 6 photos covering the item for sale from every angle will most likely give the buyer a better idea on what to expect.
When I sell a second hand item I’m more anxious than the buyer in case the latter is disappointed with what he gets and I always request feedback from them. I wonder how people manage to have peace of mind knowing they’ve put their name in the mud for a few hundred bucks.

 

[CJB85]

I’m sure we can find a way to reduce the risks. I support @CaliGuy on the idea of requesting more photos. I actually think it should be included in the rules. A minimum of 6 photos covering the item for sale from every angle will most likely give the buyer a better idea on what to expect.
When I sell a second hand item I’m more anxious than the buyer in case the latter is disappointed with what he gets and I always request feedback from them. I wonder how people manage to have peace of mind knowing they’ve put their name in the mud for a few hundred bucks.

I like this idea too, have some image requirements for different items... something like:

MODS
- Image of each side
- Clear image of screen (functioning) and all working buttons
- Image of 510 connection
- In the case of squonks, an image with panels removed and an image of the condition of the squonk bottle.

ATTYS
- Image as assembled
- Images of the deck and individual disassembled parts
- Image of packaging and spares

ETC ETC ETC...

 

[RainstormZA]

And this is why good people can't sell because of dodgy sellers leaving a bad name for the honest ones.

 

[Dela Rey Steyn]

Shot in the (not so) Dark here, but i'm guessing the seller you are referring to was Spyro. I had dealings with him just prior to him leaving the forum, but mine was on the opposite end of the spectrum, gear was in condition described (immaculate), sent package swiftly and communicated all the way through the sale with me until I received parcel and was happy. Was one of the best sellers to deal with on the forum for me so far. Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[CaliGuy]

@Dela Rey Steyn thats what makes the whole situation leave one with a sour taste. At the end of the day I would like to think that as a buyer one has the right to request a refund if your not happy and that is where the wheels came off and the fairness went out the window.

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

now I know why a certain, quoting your words @Daniel "seemingly upstanding member" suddenly disappeared from the forum .
Sorry to know about your troubles.

 

[Faiyaz Cheulkar]

Shot in the (not so) Dark here, but i'm guessing the seller you are referring to was Spyro. I had dealings with him just prior to him leaving the forum, but mine was on the opposite end of the spectrum, gear was in condition described (immaculate), sent package swiftly and communicated all the way through the sale with me until I received parcel and was happy. Was one of the best sellers to deal with on the forum for me so far. Sorry you had a bad experience.

yep, me too I am vaping on a mod right now that I purchased from him more than a year ago. Sad that such he choose to run away rather than solve this misunderstanding.

 

[Daniel]

yep, me too I am vaping on a mod right now that I purchased from him more than a year ago. Sad that such he choose to run away rather than solve this misunderstanding.

I don't know the reasoning behind him leaving nor do i really care , but it's sure coincidence that he chose to leave right after i did tell him I will be making this public .... and no i did not threaten him I told him I will be making this public and the choice was his to do what is right .... well .....
Who knows the factors behind it all , I'm sure he's a nice kid , but could've handled the whole situation a bit better.

I for one am done buying anything off the forum ... I'll buy/sell from friends and that's it .....

 

[Daniel]

Shot in the (not so) Dark here, but i'm guessing the seller you are referring to was Spyro. I had dealings with him just prior to him leaving the forum, but mine was on the opposite end of the spectrum, gear was in condition described (immaculate), sent package swiftly and communicated all the way through the sale with me until I received parcel and was happy. Was one of the best sellers to deal with on the forum for me so far. Sorry you had a bad experience.

Again I'm sure he's a good kid , just could've handled the situation better ..... anyway water under the bridge hope we all at least learned something from it .....

 

[CMMACKEM]

There needs to be a type of trade or classifieds user rating on this forum, that is linked to the users profile and visible for other users to see.

I have recommended it before and Carbonite use it so, it should be possible on here?

 

[X-Calibre786]

I have made a few purchases through the Classifieds section of this forum and in general I've been really happy.

My most recent purchase has been quite disappointing though. I purchased 2 RTAs and they were listed as 8/10 condition and the ad stated that all accessories are included.

The first RTA did not include the spare glass, and the second one had the incorrect spare glass.

The ad also specifically stated that the items would be cleaned before shipping. Both tanks were shipped with juice still in them and the juice leaked out and messed up the packaging.

Needless to say, I will not be purchasing from this member again.

 

[Wesley]

I have made a few purchases through the Classifieds section of this forum and in general I've been really happy.

My most recent purchase has been quite disappointing though. I purchased 2 RTAs and they were listed as 8/10 condition and the ad stated that all accessories are included.

The first RTA did not include the spare glass, and the second one had the incorrect spare glass.

The ad also specifically stated that the items would be cleaned before shipping. Both tanks were shipped with juice still in them and the juice leaked out and messed up the packaging.

Needless to say, I will not be purchasing from this member again.

Name and shame them, so that other users are not burnt as well. These people will carry on doing it if they are not called out.

 

[Dreadside]

I use Carbonite, a forum where you buy/sell tech and they have a rating system that works well Positive, Neutral and Negative this is actually a good system where the buyer or seller can see who you are dealing with. Now I have no idea if this is a easy thing to add to the forum but could be some thing to look at.

 

[X-Calibre786]

Name and shame them, so that other users are not burnt as well. These people will carry on doing it if they are not called out.

[USERGROUP=3]@Admins[/USERGROUP] please provide guidance as to whether it is permitted to name and shame

 

[Grand Guru]

You can rate a member and input your comments too. The system is already in place.

 

[Silver]

g0g please provide guidance as to whether it is permitted to name and shame

Hi @X-Calibre786

Sorry to hear about your experience.

The whole point of the Classifieds Post Sales Reviews subforum (in which this thread is) is to review your sale - be it good or bad.

Naming the member is up to you - it might help others to take more caution when dealing with that person - or it may help that person to realise and improve in future.

It's always easy to write something positive. But its harder to be critical. If you are going to be critical, my advice is be informative for the benefit of this whole concept but don't get too personal.

You can make a new thread for the transaction you did and post your experiences there if you would like.

 

[vicTor]

the person spoken about in the OP actually left the forum in fear of being named

 

[ARYANTO]

People , I need to throw in my 2c , I regularly buy from the classifieds, since I joined the forum 99.9% of sellers are good guys with good intentions , not once have I received dirty , broken or damaged goods , atties and mods. I might be lucky but I really think the majority sellers is
people with integrity . The 0.1% fortunately never crossed my path , I got a Blotto today , it looks like the tank was never used , immaculate and not even a smell of old juice , I am happy , and the sellers always post/courier the item within 24 hours ,some even sms'ed me later to hear if I'm happy [thank you , you all know who you are ] ,otherwise meet-ups are a fun way to meet other members and swop ideas and info if you don't feel comfortable buying from members , but - I absolutely agree that new members must have a vetting system before posting ad's .