Why I hate the Classified's here...

[Charles M]

So let me say that after a couple decades, I feel like Ive been a pretty reasonable member.

That said, I have virtually ended putting anything of real value in Classified section.

It seems like every time I toss something in there (and it's generally very nearly new / top line product) I get the same cast of characters (different people but same personalities) responding.

"I'll take it, even if someone else wanted it, I want it more!"

Then there is the raft of questions about the product (which is TOTALLY FINE).

Then within a day or so, after confirming they want it (and I notify a few other people it's sold)... "Hey, is "x" the best price you can do?"

Then within a day or so, after the thread has gone cold "Hey, Would you A) Hold on for a week while I [Insert substitute phrase for cold feet] or B) take half now and half in [insert time period generally more than a couple weeks].

Then in the case I say yes, "Hey would you consider just the frame [or wheels or cockpit or... toss in pedals or... Hey I live across the country but would you professionally pack and ship and insure this and pay for that out of the now twice reduced layaway price?"]

Then... "Man I'm really sorry but I'm going to have to pass this up because abcdefg..."


It's gone like this the last 3-4 times, and in every case I'm selling something at a starting price under half of retail (and again in genuine showroom condition for the most part).


The last couple of things went like this for a couple weeks and after I end in frustration, still holding the product, I wind up tossing it on Ebay with a buy it now price where I started here and BAM... It's gone in a day.


My point here is that I WANT Paceline folks to have my kit... What ever it may be. I know it's in perfect condition, I know it's popular stuff, I want it to go to good folks... I just can't stand the agony of having people simply beat things to death, ask for concessions out the a55 and then pull the plug.

It wasnt always this way... Over the years I've probably sold 15 bikes and countless other things with no issue. But the last few years...

[earlfoss]

I hear you on all of that. Selling here has become the last stop before Ebay for me now. Been a member since 2011, and the vibe has definitely changed. I have zero plans to move anything of value here in the foreseeable future. The hassle I went through to sell a frameset was borderline not worth it.

[joosttx]

I feel your pain....

[R3awak3n]

and the thing that hurts me the most is when they are long time members/members with a lot of posts.

I have had better transactions with members with no posts lately than with a few members with a significant amount of posts.

Then again, with the can you hold it for me, I always do and don't ask for a deposit. A few weeks ago I did that for 2 members, 1 came through as promised, the other didn't, even went ahead and said "you should have taken a deposit and this would have not happened". Will not be selling anything to that guy, that is for damn sure.

That said, I say, about 95% of my transactions on the classifieds here have been great so I will continue to buy or sell.

edit - and the low balls have also been insane. "if I buy 2 things can you do 50% off?", this is already on top of good prices and a few price reductions. f out of here

[FlashUNC]

Anything I'm selling here, I basically ignore any of the PMs I get unless its a name I recognize as a regular.

Makes the process a lot smoother.

[pdmtong]

People are strange...anyone answer a WTB and the person doesn't have the courtesy to reply at all? really? ho hard is it to say thanks but no?

[mtechnica]

I’ve never had any serious problems with anyone on here.

[MattTuck]

I have some used rapha bibs. Chamois is still pretty good. $165 OBO.

[KJMUNC]

yeah, and I never consider it sold until I have full payment in my account. People change their mind, fess up to the wife, email after a few pops....whatever the reason, but it happens.

[Lanternrouge]

It seems like selling any type of bike stuff is a frustrating experience. If I could figure out how to adjust my height, I'd probably be buying a lot of Charles' cast-a ways since he goes through some of the coolest bikes out there.

I think the forum here is still much better than eBay, though it has a much smaller audience. I have at least one friend who has lots of stuff just sitting in his garage due to the P.I.T.A. factor involved in selling.

[AngryScientist]

i find that very troubling, and i'm sorry to hear that there are members here who would act in such a discourteous manner.

that said - i can not fathom why people are so reluctant to use the feedback thread to post factual feedback and alert other members to this type of thoughtless behavior. in this manner, as a seller you can make more informed decisions about who you may want to do business with.

further - the best way to combat having to put up with nonsense like that is a very clear, very thorough for sale ad. list the terms of sale very clearly, list the shipping zip code and asking shipping cost. list whether the price is firm or negotiable. if you go into a sale with very clear terms, you can avoid all the nonsense you mention.

if i were selling something of real value i would

1) not hold an item for more than 12 hours. if you're close enough to the internet to PM me and tell me you want it - you're close enough to paypal me, right now

2)not take any partial payments. i'm not a bank or the local rent-a-center

3) entertain unreasonable offers. if you're offer is not up to my expectations, you get a short "no thanks" replay and we're done

just some thoughts.

please use the feedback thread folks.

[veggieburger]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

Anything I'm selling here, I basically ignore any of the PMs I get unless its a name I recognize as a regular.

Makes the process a lot smoother.

Yeah, this is what I do too. Too many no-shows, unfortunately.

[54ny77]

This.

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

Anything I'm selling here, I basically ignore any of the PMs I get unless its a name I recognize as a regular.

Makes the process a lot smoother.

[tuxbailey]

I don't think I will ever use "SALE PENDING" from now on. It is either FS or SOLD when money is received. Granted, I never have any high end stuff to sell but still...

[sparky33]

Well said Angry.