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Marketplace Etiquette: Including a price


Jonathan Kay

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IIRC, it was an unambiguous rule on the old BC, but I can't find any such rule on the new site (code of conduct, etc).

I guess we need a clear statement from the MT.  In the meantime, I would have thought that quoting a price was an essential feature of an ad, as without it an interested party has to ask the seller, and the seller (presumably) then divulges it.

To me, the principle is enshrined in what one of my previous employers called "completed staff work".  In other words, provide sufficient information (in a letter, document, email etc) so that there's no need for the recipient to have to go to the trouble of requesting it.

Simple example:

A (in email):  Oh, Jim, could you call Mr Robinson at XYZ Ltd please?"
Jim (in reply email): "Ok. Have you got his number?
A (in a further email): "It's 01234 567890".

Now, why didn't A include that info in the first place?

 

JV

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I was selling some stuff recently that came up by chance in a conversation with someone. I checked ebay for average prices and priced up the ‘bundle’.

Me: looked on ebay and everything using average prices comes to about £100. How does £65 sound.

Buyer: I’m only interested in x,y & z. How much for those?

Me: The core value is in x & y, £45.

Buyer: Oh - too much for me!

Me: Make me an offer?

Buyer: Whats your minimum price?

I’ve not bothered responding as the buyer either doesn't get negotiating or is very devious!

I think my point is, I’m always wary of people who don’t / won’t state a price - they obviously know the value / acceptable price but wont show their hand. I either state a silly price or walk away.

Ian

 

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As stated elsewhere, old blatchat was clear for selling stuff and the rules were not migrated across. 

In the absence of visible rules it is difficult to enforce.

Everyone understands the model universally used by car sales companies, so I don't get the issue that has brought this to the fore albeit needs sorting.

 

 

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  • Area Representative

I've had an unfortunate experience recently on blatchat where a fellow member agreed to purchase something from me and then went radio silence, despite polite pms from me asking what was happening (and an initially lengthy chat when I offered friendly advice etc). Quite disappointed by this behaviour especially on blatchat which is usually very reliable.

I always start by offering Caterham parts on this forum only as it seems the right thing to do, however this recent experience did make me question why I bother! Fortunately another person from Blatchat came along purchasing the item and the transaction was of the usual high standards, so will continue to advertise on here first for now...

Anyone else had any recent dodgy dealings on here?

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Suggest embracing an extension of 'caveat emptor' in so far that all potential buyers should be wary of anyone not quoting a price.  Putting something up for sale indicates that the seller actually wants to sell the item, but if no-one responds they will (possibly) adapt their strategy to one that is more likely to succeed.

Every community comprises a spectrum of opinions, attitudes and behaviours so we can't expect everyone to act in a gentlemanly way - both as seller and buyer - but as in all communities, especially relatively small and confined groups such as this, word will get around and anyone acting in a not-so-responsible manner will gain a reputation for such.

Thankfully whenever selling/buying anything on here over the years I've never experienced anything other than honesty and openness, but maybe I've just been lucky.

I don't see any need to set a rule that every item listed must show a price, if any don't they should be treated with circumspection and the item(s) left to rot on the shelf...

Neil

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  • Area Representative

Personally, I think it would be useful if every item being sold had a listed/guide price - from the outset everyone is clear on what is expected and of course there is always room to haggle... just my two-penneth! *whistle*

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I'm surprised the MT haven't pulled the add or insisted a price be added - bit slack on their part.

Transparency is the key with adds,

If you want to place silly buggers, auction something, or have potential buyers 'make me and offer' - then there's another site for that

I've always been transparent and never had a problem either buying or selling with members  *thumb_up*

 

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Shouldn't be that big a deal to add a price,if unsure you can always ask and someone will give you a good idea of value. Does expecting a price extend to just putting up a post telling everyone they have something for sale on fleabay, surely as a club it would be more in the spirit to offer it here 1st.

As previous posts I have had only great dealings with members, buying and selling,

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I find ads with price on application most annoying. 

I do also and I won't bother to offer on them as I always suspect the seller is going to be unrealistic.  I won't however post on their for sale thread in an attempt to derail it.  It appears that there are no rules stating that adverts must have a price.  There are however rules about posting to cause other people annoyance. 

The people posting on that thread to argue with the seller are much more in the wrong than the person they are complaining about.

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I'm posting this out of pure annoyance now!  33K satisfied!.  

Is that so unrealistic! Oakmere have also guaranteed that value in March, when the 620 order would arrive.  They've also said I can keep the car over the winter months and use as I please.  

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The OP obviously caused 'other people annoyance' I would say.........  [Rolleyes]  

I can see how someone would be annoyed by interferers posting on their for sale thread.  I can't see any reasonable person getting annoyed at someone else selling their car in an inefficient manner.  Rolled  eyes are definitely appropriate at the 2nd situation.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Member
As currently discussed: is the guidance available anywhere? Is it a rule or only advice?
 
Thanks, everybody. I've just reread all of the responses.
 
Summary:
  1. There isn't currently such a rule, and there isn't any guidance.
  2. Some Members think it is essential and adds efficiency.
  3. There has been some impolite noncommunication around specific offers.

My conclusions:

  1. It's mostly the seller who loses out by not including a price.
  2. Communications should be polite, and messages should be answered. We have a Code of Conduct.
  3. There's no need for a rule.
  4. Some guidance would be helpful.

Jonathan

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  • Area Representative

"I'm surprised the MT haven't pulled the add or insisted a price be added - bit slack on their part."

There is no moderation unless someone reports a post. Although I am a member of the MT, I am not a moderator.

Just imagine the complaints if there was active rather than reactive intervention.

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