Ok, I admit to stealing Cougar's idea for the thread title.
It seems that when member ABC posts about a transaction with XYZ gone awry, there are about a half dozen or so posts, BEFORE the alleged offender XYZ has a chance to reply, that go something like this:
"ABC is a swell guy. You better make this right, XYZ, you jerk, or your reputation here is ruined forever."
Then, of course, XYZ notices that he's being dragged through the mud and replies with some additional information that really changes the tone of the story. Of course, anyone who already supported ABC after hearing one side of the story has three choices: 1) shut up; 2) admit their judgement was hasty; 3) bash XYZ. Unfortunately, option 3 is chosen too often (which is to say, more than never).
So, I have three suggestions:
1. Wait a few days before you jump on XYZ, give him a chance to respond. If you really want to engage in a slam-fest you can always bring the thread bttt later. (I can't believe I'm discouraging hot-tempered threads, they're my favorite!)
2. If you are the seller, take a picture of the knife as you're putting it into the box to prove what condition it was in the day you shipped it.
3. If you are the buyer, remember that the reason you're buying from a private party instead of a dealer is to save a few bucks. Dealers cost more but they are insured, can write off a loss, and more willing to "make things right," even when the buyer make a fishy claim. I think a lot of knives are highly overpriced at the retail level. But if you want the security of working with a real dealer then you gotta pay the premium. You're taking a risk by buying on the cheap. If you can't take the consequences then don't even try.
It seems that when member ABC posts about a transaction with XYZ gone awry, there are about a half dozen or so posts, BEFORE the alleged offender XYZ has a chance to reply, that go something like this:
"ABC is a swell guy. You better make this right, XYZ, you jerk, or your reputation here is ruined forever."
Then, of course, XYZ notices that he's being dragged through the mud and replies with some additional information that really changes the tone of the story. Of course, anyone who already supported ABC after hearing one side of the story has three choices: 1) shut up; 2) admit their judgement was hasty; 3) bash XYZ. Unfortunately, option 3 is chosen too often (which is to say, more than never).
So, I have three suggestions:
1. Wait a few days before you jump on XYZ, give him a chance to respond. If you really want to engage in a slam-fest you can always bring the thread bttt later. (I can't believe I'm discouraging hot-tempered threads, they're my favorite!)
2. If you are the seller, take a picture of the knife as you're putting it into the box to prove what condition it was in the day you shipped it.
3. If you are the buyer, remember that the reason you're buying from a private party instead of a dealer is to save a few bucks. Dealers cost more but they are insured, can write off a loss, and more willing to "make things right," even when the buyer make a fishy claim. I think a lot of knives are highly overpriced at the retail level. But if you want the security of working with a real dealer then you gotta pay the premium. You're taking a risk by buying on the cheap. If you can't take the consequences then don't even try.
