I need to vent a little...

[sanjaun2]

I think It would be nice to have a "standard" on how to sell and buy things in our classified section. Many times I have been first to reply to the ad and some one later PM's the guy and the Pm guy walks with the item. I feel A direct post works better because its out in the open for all to see. I am a little anal when it comes to honesty and integrity. When I sell something here among "friends" Its purely first come first served. Posts and PM's both have a time and date stamp!

[cfell]

Hmm.. like.. Item x for sale until 2400 hrs on date xx/yy/zzzz.

[Randy]

I think It would be nice to have a "standard" on how to sell and buy things in our classified section. Many times I have been first to reply to the ad and some one later PM's the guy and the Pm guy walks with the item. I feel A direct post works better because its out in the open for all to see. I am a little anal when it comes to honesty and integrity. When I sell something here among "friends" Its purely first come first served. Posts and PM's both have a time and date stamp!While I appreciate the sentiment of what you are suggesting, I am at a loss as to how we could impose any conditions on the seller. A seller always retains the right to sell to whomever he or she pleases.

[SilverBuffalo]

Brian at the risk of sticking my nose where it doesn't belong and since I've been selling a few things here recently, I have to say that inquiring about the condition of something or making an offer lower than the asking price (which recently happened to me) is not the same as saying "I'll take it.
When a seller has several interested parties he's going to go with the first and least complicated buyer.

[eljeffe]

The general guidelines are here.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301

Again, the seller has the right to sell however he wants. If he checks PMs and sells to that person when you posted a reply in the thread, I guess that's too bad. There's not much we can do.

[sanjaun2]

Brian at the risk of sticking my nose where it doesn't belong and since I've been selling a few things here recently, I have to say that inquiring about the condition of something or making an offer lower than the asking price (which recently happened to me) is not the same as saying "I'll take it.
When a seller has several interested parties he's going to go with the first and least complicated buyer.
I know we can't make laws to make things right.... But several times in the last year I have made non complicated full price offers only to find that the person who Pm'd got the goods. Like I originally said, I was just venting. Did not want to change things. I used to feel real good about bidding on an item before Joe got to it. Now that he is no longer looking for LT items I would think I stood a better chance. My belief is that if you PM'd about the item, No one else would know if the item was spoken for or sold. Then you keep getting replies to the ad. sometimes the seller isn't online much and the ad and interest in the item drags on and on....
Hans, You were not one of the sellers I was reffering to, I want to keep in the good graces with you and your nice dive boat!!

[zippy_gg]

PM works faster for the very reason you indicated: the seller is not always online, but a PM will send him/her a notification e-mail, hence the seller will be compelled to check the PM received on the site and most likely deal with the request before checking the classified section to see if there are replies to his/her post.
So what have we learned today, class? PM the seller and hope to be the first one in the queue!;)

[Jim]

Brian,

Maybe in the future you could do both. Reply on list and PM. That way you are sure that your offer has been seen in a timely manner. No guarantee that you will actually get the item, but at least you will have given it your best shot.

Good luck.

[meese]

I will also PM, then post a reply to the thread that says PM sent. That seems to be fairer overall, but I agree that it can get frustrating at times.

What kind of stuff are you looking for? Maybe we can help. :)

Or maybe post a WTB (Want To Buy) if you're looking for something specific?

[dandiver]

I have purchased several items in the past few years successfully by responding to the ad and then a PM to the individual. Seems to work with limited "rules" and simplicity. If there are questions or you are offering less than the price, then it gets a little more complicated and you take your chances. I prefer to keep it simple as it is and limit the rules and or regulations.