A discussion about buying and selling

[Shawn]

I have to ask this question, because I am always trying to understand the buyers mind. At least OTHER buyers minds.

When I want someones guitar, I email them, tell them or ask them if their guitar is available and if I can buy it. They either say yes or no. If its a yes, I buy it. If its a no, I either keep trying, or I move on.

I have absolutely no need to sell anything I have. Never have, never will. So when someone PM's me multiple times over several months wanting to buy my guitar, and then waggles when I say yes, it completely confuses me. To ME, that is the definition of a tire kicker. And there is absolutely zero use for that kind of buyer. Its a waste of my time when in reality, all I was doing was trying to be cool.

If I didnt want to buy someones guitar in the first place, I wouldnt even bother them, out of respect.

So I guess what I am saying is, if you dont want to buy someones guitar, why inquire if they will sell it to you? Whats the purpose? I will not name any names, but this has happened to me multiple times.

The classifieds here have become a place where you post something for sale, simply out of courtesy to the long relationship you have had with many of the people here. I NEVER expect to sell anything here, and to be honest, I see people who are longstanding members post things for sale elsewhere, because they know all they will get is "wow, thats great, can I buy it when I get a job"? or "Thats so cool, wanna trade me for my 4 Hondos"?

This isnt a money thing, its a respect thing. If you dont want to actually buy something , dont freakin ask if its for sale.

[HoWheels]

You should try selling on craigslist. There's a 100:1 ratio of tire-kickers to buyers

-a

[Shawn]

You should try selling on craigslist. There's a 100:1 ratio of tire-kickers to buyers

-a

So what youre saying is the tire kicking here is much more acceptable because its less?

Thats BS.

[HoWheels]

No, I'm saying it sucks, but what can you do about it?

Believe me, I agree with everything you're saying.

-a

[SEEGERMANY]

For Sale: Call For Price!

[YetAnotherOne]

While we're at it let's add to Shawn's list of annoying people those who PM others offering to trade their gear towards whatever you've just posted for sale while setting a value on their gear that's double (or more) the going rate and a value on your gear that's half (or less) the going rate. I get one or two of those every time I post something.

[jgcable]

Its the thrill of the chase in regards to buying and selling. Alot of times its the best part.

[hippietim]

Funny you should mention that Brad. I have a guitar I offered for sale at $2500. Admittedly it was on a bit on the high side for both the negotiation process and it's an extremely rare instrument. I just got an offer from some dumbass a few minutes ago for $1200 CDN - he says he's desperate to add it to his collection but he saves all his big dollar purchases for buying PRS and Parker guitars.

Why do people find it necessary to waste time on shit like this?

[hippietim]

Another thing I hate, people that offer up a deal themselves and then back out of it because they think they can get more elsewhere. Why'd you make the offer? Again, you are wasting my fucking time.

[hippietim]

Since this is Shawn's thread I figure I ought to say that I like dealing with Shawn. His prices are very fair and his stuff is exactly what he says it is. No bullshit at all. In fact, I've got another one on the way from him.

[hgsmith]

Well put Shawn, Money talks bulshit walks.

Harrison

[Jack Napalm]

I have to ask this question, because I am always trying to understand the buyers mind. At least OTHER buyers minds.

Since this is the feedback section maybe you should drop names?

[charvelguy]

This is nothing more than a sellers ideal in reverse. I mean, come on.. how many times has something been offered up for sale here, still shows it is available with no update to the ad, the buyer makes an offer only to be told.."Its on hold for someone locally or for another member"
or or even outright may send the money to the person as they have dealt with them before, and told the same.. or better yet.. it gets pulled for whatever reason. (presumably to not sell you an item because they harbor some prejudiced bullshit)
The gripe can go both sides and its part of the process.

You don't think if you posted an ad on eBay, or a classified in a local paper/bulletin board..you won't possibly get the same?

Its your item.. you can sell it to whoever you want.. this whole 'contract' crap on ebay is not seriously enforced. Altho.. someone who wanted to take it to a court level probably would succeed in enforcing the terms if they were abided by on the buyers behalf.
I can pay for an item and have a seller crap out on the deal and refund the money only to have them resell and relist for more $. It happens everyday, not alot to me personally...but on occasion. You can report it and they'll get lightly slapped on the hand.

It goes on both sides of the fence.

Another thing I hate, people that offer up a deal themselves and then back out of it because they think they can get more elsewhere. Why'd you make the offer? Again, you are wasting my fucking time.

[jgcable]

Personally, I find the JCF the hardest place to sell gear. I offer my stuff up here because of 2 reasons and 2 reasons only.

1. Its easier to post here than Ebay
2. You can't post trades on Ebay.
Besides that.. I could give 2 shits about "keeping the guitar in the JCF family" or bro deals. In the beginning, when we had feedback in the classifieds section, I must admit, it was fun negotiating and haggling and tire kicking.
Those days are long gone. If you don't list your gear on the JCF at ROCK BOTTOM DIRT prices way below Ebay or Craigslist the gear simply won't sell. Do I think thats cool. Nope.
Thats why you see so many tire kickers PM'ing you with crazy offers.
Also.. keep in mind that many of these "tire kickers" don't know as much about gear as some of us so the questions and offers might be just examples of uneducated responses. After all.. an educated consumer is our best customer.

[jgcable]

You know what I hate... I hate when somebody finds a listing on Ebay that was purchased with a Buy Now at a crazy cheap price and assumes thats what I should be selling it for.

For instance... I have a Dimarzio HS-3 in the classifieds. Its in excellent condition with all its leads and I am asking approx $10.00 less for it then what you could get it for on Ebay. Of course.. there is one listing for an HS-3 that went for almost $20.00 less than all the other listings. Its a fluke. A slip up or it just slipped through the cracks. According to the JCF bros... I should have to sell my HS-3 for what that 1 cheap one sold for on Ebay.
What about the Tech 21 Tri-OD. The last ones that sold on Ebay were upwards of $200.00 but for some reason the next one to sell on Ebay sold for $75.00 + shipping. The next one that sold went for even less. Why??
Because people shop closed auctions to see what they should be paying for an item. I thought it was a fluke too so when I listed mine on the JCF I priced it accordingly. Not a single bite or offer. I guess I have to discount my Tri-OD for less than the cheapest one that ever sold on Ebay went for.
I can't talk my item up because its not allowed. Since its discontinued, I doubt that many JCF'rs even know what it is.
This is the reality on the JCF. Why.. because the JCF is not Craigslist or Ebay. Its not supposed to be and not meant to be.
I list my stuff and if it doesn't sell, I send it off to Ebay where it ALWAYS sells. No sweat at all.