[gamerguy]

Recently I have had an unbelievable number of buyers backing out of deals the day before, some even on the day itself. This is after we have agreed on a price and dealing day/time, and I have prepared the sales item properly. I can understand if the buyer backs out on the same day that he places the bid. But if he backs out a couple days later, I have to re-contact all the previous bidders, and this introduces a lot of hassle on my part. Worse still, the previous bidders might have changed their minds by that time.

So just how far should I tolerate this kind of behaviour? Is the buyer allowed to back out of a deal after a price and dealing time has been agreed upon? I understand that the forums is not like eBay, in that sales agreements are not legally binding. Given that this is the case, do you have tips as to how to avoid these kinds of experiences?

Come and share your experiences and tips

[Z_Dash]

I'm getting rather used to such stuff.
Kinda feels like adpoting "first come first serve" basis instead of reserving for highest bidder.

The moral values of people is declining with time passes. Money talks.

[gamerguy]

first come first serve might not work either, since some people just bid for fun, then ONLY when they win, ask all the million questions, agree to deal, and then back out in the end. Maybe they feel that if they're the highest bidder, it means that they have overpaid since no one wants to pay higher than them.

Thing is, before a person places his bids, he should clarify all possible doubts/questions, decide that that's the price that he will pay even if "something better" comes along, then place the bid. Otherwise it's not a bid, it's just playing with the seller's precious time.

Those are just some of my idealistic views though. I'm well aware that the real world doesn't work according to my ideals, guess I have to suck it up and think of a way to protect myself in the future. I'm guessing that seasoned sellers like you, Z_Dash, must have encountered 10x more of such incidents than me

[araluen]

Quite simple to solve this. Either arrange to deal at the buyers residence or office or get the buyer to come to your residence or office after you have gotten the buyers landline phone number or work email to substantiate this.
I have never ever advertised anything for sale and have bought many things from great sellers. Unforunately on a several occassions the seller does not show at MRT locations - so easy to splve now - if the seller is serious to sell he will come to my place after I have given him my details to assure him or her and I dont mind paying another $15- $20. Otherwise I will not waste my time getting stood up again at MRT locations.

[gamerguy]

Originally Posted by araluen

Quite simple to solve this. Either arrange to deal at the buyers residence or office or get the buyer to come to your residence or office after you have gotten the buyers landline phone number or work email to substantiate this.
I have never ever advertised anything for sale and have bought many things from great sellers. Unforunately on a several occassions the seller does not show at MRT locations - so easy to splve now - if the seller is serious to sell he will come to my place after I have given him my details to assure him or her and I dont mind paying another $15- $20. Otherwise I will not waste my time getting stood up again at MRT locations.

I'm not sure about you, but not everyone drives so it might be inconvenient for them to turn up at the buyer/seller's house. In addition, most people would not reveal their exact address for privacy reasons. I for one, wouldn't. You never know what manner of people lurks out there.

Also, in the rare case that the buyer actually divulges his address and home phone, if he still intends to back out in the end and not pay, what are you going to do when you reach his house? Knock down his door and shove your goods in his face? Sure you can announce his address to the whole world and shame him, but I don't think anyone's going to give a rat's ass about that guy unless he's a celebrity.

One last point. Sellers are generally more "desperate" to sell their goods, more than buyers are willing to buy their desired items. Reason: if sellers hold on for too long, the value depreciates. If buyers hold on, they don't lose anything, and may even stand to gain if a better deal comes along, or when the price depreciates naturally.

In short, sellers are usually at the short end of the stick when it comes to trading and dealing. Just like how businesses have to adopt the mindset "the customer is always first".

[araluen]

I have had no problem in sellers delivering my bought goods. Albeit I am only 2 minutes walk from an inner city MRT . If they dont want to deal at my place at the agreed price plus a tip then they dont get my money and I buy from someone else.

[mok]

One of the main reasons why buyers back out or change their mind is because they found a better offer. Hence if the seller's price is competitive and really low, who in their right mind would renege on the deal?

[Z_Dash]

Originally Posted by mok

One of the main reasons why buyers back out or change their mind is because they found a better offer. Hence if the seller's price is competitive and really low, who in their right mind would renege on the deal?

Bro....how competitive you expect everyone to price their stuff?
Morever many back out deals not necessary its the same item more competitive pricing.....but different items.

I'm sure if you put out a complete system of C2D for sale at $100......no one will back out.....but problem is are you willing to price at such a loss?

[mok]

Everyone has a choice, be it buyer or seller.

One member here even specified that if any deal that is canceled within 24hrs of the meet, he would give a negative rating to the other party. That way, it is clear to all.

As to how competitive or low the seller wants to price his items, really depend on how desperate he wants to sell and his threshold of pain, right? I know of people here who even gives them away for free, instead of going through the hassle of fielding all the bargaining and headache.

[Z_Dash]

Originally Posted by mok

Everyone has a choice, be it buyer or seller.

One member here even specified that if any deal that is canceled within 24hrs of the meet, he would give a negative rating to the other party. That way, it is clear to all.

As to how competitive or low the seller wants to price his items, really depend on how desperate he wants to sell and his threshold of pain, right? I know of people here who even gives them away for free, instead of going through the hassle of fielding all the bargaining and headache.

Bro...for small items like DVDrw drive or maybe cables.....i understand it can be give free.
But i doubt anyone in right mind would give away 8600gt, crucial tracer rams, e6300 processor?

Yes.......but try dealing in ebay and fly kite? Although its different sales......but similar trade values applies.

[mok]

Reneging on confirmed deals is not exclusive to buyers only. I'm sure you had a recent encounter with a seller who backed out of a deal too right?

Yes, trading here is not the same as trading @ ebay, and once again, you have the choice; you can trade here or at ebay. I guess that's the purpose of the "Garage Sales Dispute Resolution Corner" should you encounter such people of low integrity.

[Sunstreaker]

Ebay cannot fly kite?

fly kite then what? - Ebay Police Officers came after you...

[Z_Dash]

Originally Posted by Sunstreaker

Ebay cannot fly kite?

fly kite then what? - Ebay Police Officers came after you...

Hmm......sounds like rebutting for the sake of replying.

[jelloman]

Originally Posted by Sunstreaker

Ebay cannot fly kite?

fly kite then what? - Ebay Police Officers came after you...

lol I want to be an Ebay police officer...

I think the basic rule of thumb is

BOTH PARTIES: Get the contact number of the other party and confirm it (via SMS or phone call) BEFORE you deal.
Check feedback AND if you can do a search on the phone #, who knows it is someone with a new nick or trying to hide something?

SELLER: set a timeline especially in bidding situation (I had a situation where I had bid $xxx for a XXX and about 5 weeks later the seller PM'ed me....by then had gotten something else and forgotten about that) and wouldn't hurt to get a 2nd-in-line bidder in case first bidder flakes out.

BUYER: Read description carefully and post offers with contact number. Don't overcommit (i.e. bid for 3 iphone's when you can only afford 1) UNLESS you back out of the other deals first - it is fair for everyone

[maxgrem]

Mostly had good experiences with buyers and sellers here on VRZ. Just one guy who thought he could renegotiate price after 'winning' the bidding... d*ckhead.
As a seller i always arrange to meet somewhere at minimum inconvenience to me.. just in case.
As a buyer, i am prepared to travel for the good deal...
Its part of buying and selling here, just look after yourself.

The deal which looks too good to be true probably really is.....