Dealing with a questionable buyer
Summary: vintagesilvertones is dealing with a buyer who is negotiating aggressively for a guitar and additional items, offering less than desired and repeatedly changing their terms. Other participants advise blocking the buyer, as they show signs of being unreliable and possibly problematic. vintagesilvertones expresses appreciation for the advice and decides to block the buyer to avoid further complications. The consensus is to trust one's instincts and avoid transactions that feel uneasy.
Over the weekend, I got an offer of $1,500 for an $1,824 guitar. I was willing to accept that offer. But, when the buyer made it, they asked me to include 2 other items (catalogs valued at approx $200) for free. So they're trying to basically get a $525 discount. Instead of accepting the offer and dealing with the person after the sale confirmation, I wrote them and said if they want all 3 items, I'd be willing to take $50 each for the other 2 since they're buying a more expensive item. But, the person responded by asking for another item to be included in the $1600 price. I told them we can add the fourth item to the deal for $1650 total. The buyer didn't respond until late Sunday night by making a $50 offer on one of the catalogs. I wrote them today saying I'm not willing to sell the individual item at that kind of discount without the bigger sale. They then made a $1400 offer on the guitar; which I responded back with $1500.
My concern is even if I do sell all these items which include a rare and potentially fragile guitar, the person might get them and try to return or damage the guitar. My gut says something doesn't feel right. I'm considering blocking the buyer. But, they do have a lot of positive feedback. And, I want to make the sale. But, it might be best to just decline their offers.
I know this is very subjective. Does anyone have any thoughts on dealing with this type of buyer?
authentic*vintage
路3 weeks agoblock the buyer and move on
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoThanks. yeah i just did that.
fm2000
路3 weeks agoAssuming your buyer was reasonable (and sane), I'd tell them to keep the offers separate. If they want a deal on the guitar and a deal on the catalogs, tell them to make an offer on each separately. Less chance of a misunderstanding or mix-up that way.
Since your buyer sounds like a bit of a loon, I'd just block them. If it were $20-30 worth of items I just wanted to finally get rid of I may or may not take a chance with them. With $1500+ on the line (a small fortune, at least to me), I wouldn't chance it.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoThanks. I really try hard to be reasonable and accommodating. But this just pushed me too far. Plus, I got burned on a guitar earlier this year. So am feeling a bit distrustful of sketchy buyers.
itsjustasprain
路3 weeks agoI would have welded him into my Blocked Buyer List (I sell in another account) after the second or third go-round. Negotiating is pointless when the other party keeps moving the goalposts. (Mixed metaphor but you get the point...)
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoYeah, that's when I came here for advice. It's been really helpful.
sin-n-dex
路3 weeks agoI describe your situation as "parasitic behaviour". That's where a buyer offers $10 for $20 item, and then comes back with "you're charging postage, so how about $8?" After you've already agreed on $10.
In my experience simply ignoring messages from these people makes them go away. He's probably not a scammer and isn't intending to blatently rip you off, but he is a parasite and ignoring him is the best way to get rid of him. (You can block him too, but in my experience they create second accounts. If you don't know his name and address you might not notice when he creates another account to buy, and by then they're a little ticked they've been blocked). He's not likely to buy it at full price anyway, so just ignore.
What feels off to you is that they're flaky and can't make up their mind about what exactly it is they want and keep changing the terms. They wanted a guitar for $1500 with some free stuff, then when you charged for the stuff, they wanted to pay $1400 for the guitar. When you didn't agree, they wanted the free stuff for a heavily discounted price because that's how much you were asking with the guitar. It's all very flaky and kind of unsettling. You will dread reading messages from this guy and if he buys from you, you will be putting up with him for a few more weeks. Ignore him now, he goes away, and moves on to someone else.
Stop responding is the best advice I can give you for a buyer with parasitic behaviour.
C.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoI think you're exactly right. It's just a bad situation and time to avoid/end it. thx
tobaccocardyahoo
路3 weeks agoWhat you do depends on who you are.
If I did not enable Make An Offer on the listing, I am inclined to decline the offer.
If I enabled Make An Offer, I set up the accept and decline prices when I list. I block anyone who messages me with a lowball offer, and do not respond.
If it is an offer to combine multiple lots, I am inclined to decline and block the buyer.
Some sellers engage in long negotiations which are as messy as your buyer's exchange with you. Some sellers get off on this, think it is exciting.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoYeah, they're just wasting my time. It's really annoying. Thank you.
chapeau-noir
路3 weeks agoI would not continue to deal with this person - block them (I don't block often, either, but would have done so a couple of questions ago). This may work fine in a face-to-face transaction in a market, but online? The logistics are against it.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoMuch appreciate that
luckythewinner
路3 weeks ago 路 EditedIf you want buyers to stop negotiating after the sale, tell them "Sorry, I do not negotiate after the sale" instead of repeatedly negotiating with them after the sale.
That is also true for every buyer and every transaction.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoThanks. Yeah, that's a really good idea. I need to know when to set that line. This really helps.
grann-4629
路3 weeks agoI sold a few expensive guitars a few decades ago so I understand your reluctance. Best of luck whatever you decide to do 馃槑
christworks
路3 weeks ago@vintagesilvertones Buyers can only have postive feedback. If they've ripped off other sellers, you aren't going to know by reading their feedback unless another seller violated policy by leaving positive feedback with negative comments.
You already know the answer here. Something feels off to you, you need to go with your gut. Could you be wrong? Yes. Could you be right? Absolutely.
Based on what you've told us it sounds like you've made your line in the sand clear to the buyer and they are ignoring it. Of course they are trying to get the best deal possible, but they should respect what you've told them. To continue to battle with you when that isn't your style sends up red flags in my mind as well.
If it were me I'd block.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoThank you for the advice. It's really helpful.
shire123
路3 weeks agoDefinitely block
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agothank you for the advice
inhawaii
路3 weeks agoPlease remember.
You can get ripped off on ANY SALE.
ANY BUYER can rip you off simply by making a false claim.
There is an old saying amongst long time ebay sellers:
"Don't sell anything that you can't afford to lose."
As far as this particular sale goes, go with your gut.
Me personally, I don't accept offers of an kind.
This is my price, do you want it or not?
Good luck to you.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoThanks. I really appreciate your thoughts.
eoma689485
路3 weeks ago"I know this is very subjective. Does anyone have any thoughts on dealing with this type of buyer?"
Blocked Bidder List.
vintagesilvertones
OP3 weeks agoI've used that very sparingly. But, this might be another instance where it will be helpful.