suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have listed several items for sale. i have had several inquiries that indicated that the person was more than a little interested and some that say they want to buy it. After politely answering all inquires, some via public and some via private messaging (all positive replies) then NOTHING. I don't get it. When someone says " I want to buy your item" and then not even a courtesy "I changed my mind" message it leaves me perplexed and a bit irritated. If you don't want to follow through, then that's fine, but at least have the courtesy to say that. I won't hold it against you. I change my mind too. And then the ones that say " Oh I could get it cheaper as a refurbished or used or from China or whatever- fine get it that way then but don't sabotage my sale. If you think my price is too high- that's fine- you are entitled to your opinion but why express your opinion if you have no intention of buying? Maybe my product is better in the long run. I have never run into this before and have had good results from Ebay and have an excellent personal rating as well. For those of you that say "then sell it on Ebay" - I will. Just saying....

GW Loc: Idaho

Have you checked your personal messages ?

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Yes often. Thanks.

Kuzano

It's relatively common on classifieds on any forum site. UHH represents the lowest common denominator in this area, as near as I can tell, but not much worse than forum classifieds in general.

That's why I avoid forum classifieds and absolutely avoid craigslist for the reasons you mentioned and to avoid getting mugged or killed on Craigslist.

Ebay started online auctions in 1996 and has a mature and secure system, presuming you take normal cautions, use the feedback system, and other observant behavior. Have not had any particularly bad experience there in twenty years of buying and selling. In fact I teach it at the local community college.

Absent are the communications like the one's frustrating you, primarily because more effort is involved in the transactions and it is more formal, throughout the transaction.

Trying to sell on supposedly market interest classifieds is a mental trap. Marketing is marketing no matter where you do it. The exposure is SO LIMITED for what you are selling on this forum, regardless of the supposed interest in camera gear.

eBay is a mass market, where if you are fair on price, you are competing on a much larger scale, and it does have it's categorical venues.

Selling one item of a particular nature, on a classified that has at most 300-400 people watching at any given time will always prove to be frustrating.

Regardless of the supposed 35,000 hedgehog followers inhabiting this site, I have never seen more than 500 people on site AT ANY TIME! I wonder where all these hoggers went. Does the 35,000 mean everyone who has ever looked and registered on the site and left.

So, summing this up, you may want to try to sell your stuff where it will sell, based on the huge numbers of views you get.

I've had about 1,000 buys and sales on eBay over the years. I rarely use anything other than eBay to sell. Dedicated sites are just not as fruitful as one might think.

Good luck on future sales, somewhere with more interest and a less casual group of people. People who are looking to buy, not just being friendly and think showing some interest will boost your spirits.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Not sure it's a rant - I think it's the truth. An ethical seller should be entitled to an ethical buyer.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

What you say makes sense. This is my first experience with any Internet forum. I will use Ebay for sales as I have before- thanks.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

lot of possibles in dealing these kind. they turn out to be window shoppers. but i have done it in stores, but not with another person.

go through that ole i want it but do i need it , with my self.

just be super careful meeting eye to eye. always use paypal on ebay.

good luck :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Thanks.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I agree- thanks

GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA

I haven't used UHH classifieds, but I have bought through APUG and PentaxForums with good results. I think that sellers realize the group pressure that would be brought to bear on them if they misbehaved.

Just recently I bought through APUG a Pentax Super Program SLR with a 50mm f1.4 for a very low price. The camera has a few rubs on the base plate but otherwise is excellent; the lens is immaculate.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Until now I have only sold used camera gear on Ebay so my experience(s) at UHH came as a surprise. Glad to hear your experiences were good on other forums.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

I sold three pieces on UHH, but had much better luck selling on Amazon. I found a lot of "buyers," with two exceptions, on UHH played the same game with me as they did with you. Most wanted it for next to free.