Sob Story Shoppers

[wastingtime101]

Did you ever notice that the buyers who need a big discount because they're a [insert: disabled senior on a fixed income buying something for their neighbor that's the widow of a vet and needs to be cheered up] almost always have between 50-200 buyer FB in just the last month?

[nuclearomen]

idk, but I do know, and I had one of these mails today - buyers who mail asking if you could do [insert absurd low ball price here] on item - and literally mean it - with free shipping - and [insert your example sob story here]. 

For laughs [I do enjoy them] I reply "your obviously joking - no, thanks." and they reply "no i was actually serious" [of course they were, but I still needed another laugh] - then I block them - because no one needs to actually sell these people anything. 

[fuzzface50]

"OMG. I thought I was the only one that felt that way. I admit to like watching AGT... for the talent. Total hat's off to the contestants who had some big obstacle or adversity to overcome AS WELL AS having great talent."

I don't like the sob stories either or the extra drama they put in. I used to watch a few car building shows but most chased me away because of the drama. If I want drama in my life I would go back to work for the family business. If they just concentrated on the build itself I would be a lifer watching to learn new skills and get ideas but nope lets add drama and kill it.  

They did the same with the storage auction type shows too. 

They claim that sob stories and drama are why people watch them but not this person. Fastest way to get rid of me and my wife is the same way. 

for AGT, I don't watch it on tv because I don't like all the untalented and stupid stuff people do to get their 15 minutes of fame. But what I like doing is watching AGT on you tube and I can watch just the season finalists and all the golden buzzer winners. Now I enjoy that.  don't have to sit thru stupid acts like crushing beer cans with your boobs.  I will watch the other talent shows from other countries too on you tube. 

[lasantino]

omg, I can't believe i'm seeing this message. This literally happened to me  yesterday and today(same buyer).  

My response was a bit snarky.  But sob stories are right up there with those phone calls from nigeria telling me I have a bank account with hundreds of thousands of dollars in it and they just need some percentage to release it..lol

 here's the back and forth  that went on.

buyer message to me.

Hi I like your robe I had one for 20 years and it was taking care of it the right way but it was stolen. I got it at Dillards and it was 100$ so surely you aren’t asking 199$ for this one. I ask cause I really need a new one. I’m disabled now so don’t make what I wished I did but it’s not fun being poor but I was hoping that we could figure this out. Ty stay safe and careful bless you

My response..

yes, the price is $199. If your last one lasted 20 years. So will this one. That's 10 dollars a year. pennies a day.

[wastingtime101]

Scenario:

• Shopper sends a message saying they want a 70% discount because they're a senior on a fixed income and [insert rest of story here].
• Seller views shopper's FB and sees they made a minimum of 150 purchases in the past 30 days alone.
• Seller sells non-necessities, brand new items.

You offer them whatever discount you can because of kindness.

I politely decline their request for a discount, but I let them know they can get the item preowned on eBay for half the price of all the new listings.

Separating business and charity doesn't mean I'm not kind or the best human I can be.

[chapeau-noir]

And don't forget the Gucci handbag and Rolex somewhere in the mix.

I used to be soft hearted and give in - every single one of those transactions went sideways with constant further demands, chiseling, complaints after package receipt - it's like they never gave up.  No more. I don't mind haggling a bit, either, but geez, there's a limit.

[thorid-5480]

I’ve had people try to use their kids autism as a reason they wanted a lower price, and not just once but SEVERAL times when I was still a seller. I understand that they want to make their kid happy but if I have something that they want they’ll pay just like any other buyer, it irritates me when someone tries to guilt me into dropping my prices more than half because “they can’t afford it” but then have a feedback score of 65 in the last 30 days 

[kh-cathy]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.