Exchange "Etiquette" Question...

[Steve O.]

So, as I dig several pages deep into the exchange, I find threads where the seller has withdrawn the listing. This is usually done after a Busse hasn't sold, but sometimes for no stated reason. My question is whether or not it is considered OK to contact the seller with an offer after he has withdrawn his listing, or if this might be considered a form of "cherry picking". Please advise, as I've been thinking of doing this, but don't want to, out of ignorance, run afoul of any established procedures here on the forum.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[bm11]

I think it's always OK to contact the seller in private with an offer, as long as it is done in a respectful manner. I have done so in the past and never had an issue as a result of it.

 

[resinguy]

As bm11 wrote, you will fine with private offers. You might ask if it's for sale first, then move on to price negotiations. Good luck in your quest.

 

[David Brown]

Should be fine, just be careful of "low balling" and I find it helpful to state what you would like in the e-mail like.

"Hi,
I saw that you had " X knife " on the exchange.
Is it for sale ?
If so I would like to buy it for X amount.

Thank you"

worst they can say is no, and I think if you come at it politely and state your business up-front it will be fine.


I have found it irritating when folks will dig up a post from 2 months back, say "I will take it", in the e-mail.
Then I dig up whatever my lowest price was and send them the info only to get a response of " will you take X amount (usually 15 to 25% of what I was asking at the lowest) only to end up with "I have to think about it " Or " I really do not have the money right now".

Hope that is not too much info.

Kisses

David

p.s. this is in no way directed at anyone.

P.P.S.
I do not mind at all when some one brings to my forgetful attention that I still have a knife listed, because I may have forgotten to mark it sold.

 

[1whobuys]

Two days ago I was looking in the WTT Thread and sent an email asking if it was still for trade?
Yesterday I received an email from him saying it was and he would sell it for X-amount or trade for Busses.

I told him I would "Take It" for the cash price and that I would also see if there was anything in the safe he might want since he said "OK" and I am still open to trades"
Last night and this morning I dug around in the safe to see what I could dig up, then when I got on line to tell him what I had found there was an Email saying he changed his mind and was keeping the knife.

So, on the same subject as the OP, what do you guys think of someone taking a deal and then just turning around and saying " Sorry, I'm not selling after telling you I would?"

I have had many knifes I have sold and regretted before they left the house, but I had given my word on a deal so they went to the new owner.


ALSO, what if you contact someone about a knife and they don't answer you..?
"Like just wondering if you still have that SAR 6 you had for sale last month or if it's already gone, Please LMK?

What is the proper way to proceed on both of these deals?

 

[resinguy]

Both regrettable.

In the first case, I suppose that you will ahve to put him on your personal 'no dealing' list as an untrustworthy individual. If he had said "i'll take it" on the Exchange, then you could call him out publicly, but probably not in this case.

In the second, this same thing has happened to me. I tend to assume that the first email was never delivered, or overlooked, or he meant to reply but forgot. So ping him again, and if no reply the second time, all you can do is shrug, oh well.

 

[uyotg]

So, on the same subject as the OP, what do you guys think of someone taking a deal and then just turning around and saying " Sorry, I'm not selling after telling you I would?"

Most of us aren't real businesses here so I feel it's OK to back out of a deal like that, just not really respectful or considerate. If I were to do that, I'd try to work it out with the buyer first. We have our honor to keep, but that's a subjective thing.

ALSO, what if you contact someone about a knife and they don't answer you..?
"Like just wondering if you still have that SAR 6 you had for sale last month or if it's already gone, Please LMK?

This happens to me a lot even if it's not about a sale I used to hear about how Bladeforums PMs and e-mails weren't that reliable, but lately I have been having good streak, so if I don't get a reply, I just chalk it up to disinterest and let it go. If you really want it, it doesn't hurt to send another e-mail or two with ultimatums. I mean, it's just a message--there's some etiquette involved, but what harm could a couple sentences of informal but polite text possibly do?

 

[RokJok]

Steve O., The others have given good advice on approaching a seller via a polite inquiry into whether a particular knife is still available as a "For Sale" or as a "Trade" item. Courtesy is the operative keyword, which if followed should stand you in good stead with any of the many knife knuts I've known and dealt with in the past.

what do you guys think of someone taking a deal and then just turning around and saying " Sorry, I'm not selling after telling you I would?"

The exchange of emails (or verbal agreement) confirming the sale is a contract in the strict sense of the word. Beyond that, in the online knife knut world, a person's reputation for integrity is made (or broken) on how well and consistently they follow through on their word.

I have had many knifes I have sold and regretted before they left the house, but I had given my word on a deal so they went to the new owner.

+1,000 to that amigo! Seller's regret can strike deep in the soul of Bussekin sellers. I know!! But once the word has been spoken at the Trough, the deal has to walk IMHO. That deal ain't got no reverse gear at my end. Of course, that may well put me on the hunt for that exact same knife again immediately or later on, but that's a consideration outside the original sale.

ALSO, what if you contact someone about a knife and they don't answer you..?

I give them the benefit of a doubt and figure they're swamped with life issues & don't have time to get a reply out. Especially if the deal is very good price and the listing more than a couple weeks ago, since those tend to go quickly. However, I've also sent a follow-up email or two seeking status of the knife, if it's a knife I'm particularly interested in acquiring.

 

[Bryan J]

So, on the same subject as the OP, what do you guys think of someone taking a deal and then just turning around and saying " Sorry, I'm not selling after telling you I would?"

I personally think this is incredibly lame, but I find it to be very useful information in assessing somebody's candor and character. This type of seller/trader is appended to my 'do not trade list'. Dealing with somebody who is capable of such behavior is asking for hassle and headaches.

 

[Steve O.]

Thanks for all of the responses guys! You've given me plenty of good advice. I will, of course proceed in a courteous and professional manner. I will not be "that guy".

Now, there's a SAR-8 that I have my eye on...