Question For Sellers

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Jun 30, 2021
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Hey Knife Peeps,

I'm about to ask a question that some of you may be offended by, so I'll start by saying I have zero intention of offending anyone. I also sell, but not on this site, and ask out of genuine curiosity/concern. I say "concern" because for such an awesome site, it has one major shortcoming that sours me (and probably others): Why do you feel the need to say "don't say anything on my thread unless you're saying you want to buy the knife" OR "Zero to no feedback need not reply" If you walked into a store that said this to you, I'm sure you'd question it as well.

I have bought/traded 1000's of dollars worth of knives ON THIS SITE, but nobody leaves feedback. I have sold 100's of knives on other sites. Almost every person I have actually conducted a transaction with on this site is now a personal friend. I have their phone numbers and text them often. they will happily vouch, and have said so (some have now left feedback - 3, I think). This community has always been open and honest in my experience, and I love it here. I have no intention of leaving, but wonder why some will not allow questions or new buyers. I also realize I can block these sellers (and have), but hoped this might get some sellers thinking OR Y'all might help me see the light.

Thanks for reading everyone, and I appreciate any response you take the time to write.
Blessings,
Patrick
 
The 1st is a rule, and intended to eliminate chit chat that would clutter up the thread. While best (and prefered) to ask questions by PM), very few are going to flip out over a question pertainent to the knife sale (such as what blade steel. Offers best done privately)or leaving your email because you have questions
For those without PM privages, you can use the persons profile page to leave messages
On the second topic. Many of us do leave feedback. If I have missed anyone it was by mistake. But I rarely do for Ebay or Amazon nor do I do surveys.
Members have their own rules for who they will and will not sell to. We are not running a business and can't afford to absorb losses from any posible scammers(or just PIAs), no matter how low the chance. Some sellers are very strict on who they will sell to others not. You are just going to have to find less strict sellers until you build up some rep.
I will sell to new members, but if the $ amount is high they may have to pay by USPS money order-giving me control .
 
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When I see an ad with multiple comments, I might skip right past. To me it looks like the knife is sold and people are already claiming "thirds." If the buyer has a question, they should PM or email the seller.

This. Also, I'm not sure why it irritates you that a seller conducts business how they see fit. If you don't like it, move along. Plenty of other potential buyers out there.
 
Why do you feel the need to say "don't say anything on my thread unless you're saying you want to buy the knife" OR "Zero to no feedback need not reply"
On the first one, I do this (not with that wording) for the same reason others have mentioned: to keep threads clear of clutter. I often skip sales threads with a bunch of replies because I assume the knives are long gone. And a thread full of offers or questions (especially questions easily answered by a quick Google search) doesn't help anyone.

Personally I don't avoid dealing with new members or folks with zero feedback, but I get why some folks do: There's more risk if you can't get a sense for your buyer through their profile, feedback, and interactions here.
nobody leaves feedback
I've found that if I politely mention feedback when I provide a tracking number (or, as the buyer, receive one), and then politely mention it again when I leave feedback for the other party, my feedback "response rate" is around 95%.
 
Comments in a sales thread can take a life of their own, and then the purpose of the thread becomes discussion and not selling. If the OP has alerts for comments in the thread, you can see how that might be annoying. Even “awesome price, GLWS” comments are unnecessary. No one needs fluffed up on a sale post. I have noticed some people just lock the thread from the start and say “PM or email me with questions or offers”.. because lots of people still don’t read the rules (or ignore them).
 
When I see an ad with multiple comments, I might skip right past. To me it looks like the knife is sold and people are already claiming "thirds." If the buyer has a question, they should PM or email the seller.
I see your point, and have thought about that. Honestly, that is what I would do, and would not like to have people causing this problem for me either.

However, If this is the case, why not specify in the post that questions be directed to DM? The alternative is to say, "don't say anything." This is what I find offensive, as you are asking me to part with my money...show me a little respect. I will reciprocate if given the opportunity. I also think it sucks when sellers say no sales to those without feedback. Another member suggested asking for feedback, and I will take that suggestion, but the assumption that I am not worthy to buy from you because I have no feedback is a terrible assumption.

If I'm being 100% honest, the forum has an answer for this...I can block sellers I don't want to do business with. If enough people do this, the seller will change practices or not sell. Simple economics...But, I sincerely love this community (the knife community in general, not BF specifically). Y"all are the best bunch a peeps a guy could know...I feel truly honored and blessed. I think this is why it bothers me so much...these people make the community look bad, in my estimation).

You however, are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will take your suggestions to heart. I am sure I have some fault in this, too.

Blessings Friend,
Patrick
 
The 1st is a rule, and intended to eliminate chit chat that would clutter up the thread. While best (and prefered) to ask questions by PM), very few are going to flip out over a question pertainent to the knife sale (such as what blade steel. Offers best done privately)or leaving your email because you have questions
For those without PM privages, you can use the persons profile page to leave messages
On the second topic. Many of us do leave feedback. If I have missed anyone it was by mistake. But I rarely do for Ebay or Amazon nor do I do surveys.
Members have their own rules for who they will and will not sell to. We are not running a business and can't afford to absorb losses from any posible scammers(or just PIAs), no matter how low the chance. Some sellers are very strict on who they will sell to others not. You are just going to have to find less strict sellers until you build up some rep.
I will sell to new members, but if the $ amount is high they may have to pay by USPS money order-giving me control .
Thanks for the explanation. I am responding to peeps right now, but saw this and agree with : "We are not running a business and can't afford to absorb losses from any possible scammers(or just PIAs), no matter how low the chance"

I suppose I was approaching this from a business perspective, as I think many do. Maybe this site in itself isn't a business, but members use it to conduct business. This may be a semantic argument, but your point is taken. In fact, this is such an amazing hobby, I'd probably be better off not considering it from a business perspective. I'm sure it would be much more fun if I adjust my expectations.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Blessings,
Patrick
 
This. Also, I'm not sure why it irritates you that a seller conducts business how they see fit. If you don't like it, move along. Plenty of other potential buyers out there.
I will certainly take your advice. Thank you. To answer your question, it is a respect thing. This is what's wrong with the world right now; entitlement. I'm entitled to do whatever I want, regardless of the consequences. Such a "me, me, me" world right now. If you take time to communicate with those you are selling to, you may realize the buyer is not a P.O.S who doesn't deserve access because they haven't been around long enough.

There is a post that states "WE WERE ALL NEW HERE ONCE." I think this is meant to show that we are all going through the same experience, or have at some point. However, some think they deserve more/better privileges because of time on the forum. I call BS. There is no rules about how long you have to be on the forum for the purpose of purchasing a knife...these are implemented by individual sellers, sellers who have forgotten that THEY WERE NEW HERE ONCE.

Thank you for the response. I realize we still disagree, but I appreciate the insight.
Blessings Friend,
Patrick
 
I will certainly take your advice. Thank you. To answer your question, it is a respect thing. This is what's wrong with the world right now; entitlement. I'm entitled to do whatever I want, regardless of the consequences. Such a "me, me, me" world right now. If you take time to communicate with those you are selling to, you may realize the buyer is not a P.O.S who doesn't deserve access because they haven't been around long enough.

There is a post that states "WE WERE ALL NEW HERE ONCE." I think this is meant to show that we are all going through the same experience, or have at some point. However, some think they deserve more/better privileges because of time on the forum. I call BS. There is no rules about how long you have to be on the forum for the purpose of purchasing a knife...these are implemented by individual sellers, sellers who have forgotten that THEY WERE NEW HERE ONCE.

Thank you for the response. I realize we still disagree, but I appreciate the insight.
Blessings Friend,
Patrick

I think you are either misunderstanding, or else willfully misrepresenting your viewpoint. Entitlement IS an issue, I agree. Such as, the entitlement on display here with your insinuation that sellers should do what you want them to do, or else be open to having their threads cluttered with useless comments.

There are also entitlements such as the fact that Sellers on Bladeforums are entitled to run their sales how they see fit, as they've paid for the privilege by buying a Gold membership.

One of these things is not like the other.
 
pretty sure thats in the sell rules, dont clutter up sales posts, and most recently they made it a no reacting to sales posts in a way that causes "interference"
This is vague. What does it mean? Who decides what clutter looks like? What is interference? Is there a list of comments that qualifies as interference? If so, I will take that into account. If not, this rule says nothing specific. If I ask for specs on the knife, is that clutter? The post said, "No comments other than I'll take it". And, we are back to my original question.

This seems messed up to me, and I was hoping to start a conversation so people could see another perspective. Thanks for responding. I really appreciate you and that you took the time to try to explain.

Blessings,
Patrick
 
Ok, I see your point. I do sound entitled...maybe I am. I think I am asking for consideration from sellers. This doesn't cost anything, and it costs sellers when they omit it. Just my perspective...as it is my option to ignore those sellers.

If I ever sell on this site, I will use my entitled position as a seller to respect people, no matter how long they have been on the site. If people do not want to change, so be it. They do not have to, and I do not have to buy from them. I just though a conversation bringing this to light might provide some sellers an opportunity to hear another perspective, as well as an opportunity to change their practices.

Thanks again friend,
Patrick
 
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I agree with the sentiment that when you see a couple of responses the sale has likely been made. Any further communication is probably better served with PM for paying members, and Email/phone/text for non-paying members.

For a seller who welcomes thread replies, they could just include that note in the sale description.

I think the rules about limited thread replies is to keep the thread clean for the seller, and eliminate trolling or unneeded banter.
 
Ok, I see your point. I do sound entitled...maybe I am. I think I am asking for consideration from sellers. This doesn't cost anything, and it costs sellers when they omit it. Just my perspective...as it is my option to ignore those sellers.

If I ever sell on this site, I will use my entitled position as a seller to respect people, no matter how long they have been on the site. If people do not want to change, so be it. They do not have to, and I do not have to but from them. I just though a conversation bringing this to light might provide some sellers an opportunity to hear another perspective, as well as an opportunity to change their practices.

Thanks again friend,
Patrick

Do you feel that sellers should be allowed to expect consideration from potential buyers in not cluttering their thread? I understand your perspective, but you should probably understand that on Bladeforums, the general rule is "Don't clutter up sales threads with a bunch of questions." Asking for information on a knife? Send the seller a PM. Want to see more pics? Send the Seller a PM. Want to give them a GLWS with sale? Send them a PM, they don't need your "Wish I had funds!" level comment on the sales post, for reasons that others have already explained. You seem to have come at this situation as though it's some rule put in place as a personal affront to you. It wasn't. The Exchange is for the conduct of business, not chatting. If you want to chat, there are a lot of other sections you can visit, and ask questions, and chat about knives all day long.

These rules work, and they keep things moving. As for your other gripe, that sellers should be more considerate and do business with those with no feedback, I say politely: mind your business, please. Sellers are free to sell (or not sell) to whomever they wish. That is also within the rules of the Exchange.
 
business perspective
......... doing business is different to being a hobbyist that is divesting themselves of excess/unwanted/spare/disliked gear. The two things are absolutely not the same. The "For Sale" forums here really are geared toward the hobbyist and as a group, "Dealers" who have not signed up here as such tend to get called out about it. Likewise a person selling their own "personal" item (as opposed to stock) is not in the same position to take the hit if the buyer is dodgy. You are correct that we are all new here at some point, I certainly got knocked back as a buyer on my first few attempts. Due to the nature of this site, if people see you having meaningful interactions outside of the buy/sell space (this is not ebay/Amazon or even one of those other social media marketplace) they tend to be more open to dealing with you, "vouches" from others nominated from other sites have little value here in my experience. Sellers can place whatever restrictions they wish on their for sale posts and the people here will decide if they still wish to deal with them. If *I* see a message about no posting in the thread *I* take that as it is to be dealt with via Conversation (DMs as the fancy people call them on other sites) or Profile Posts. Should the seller not respond, then that is what it is an as a buyer you can decide if you wish to continue.
 
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Do you feel that sellers should be allowed to expect consideration from potential buyers in not cluttering their thread? I understand your perspective, but you should probably understand that on Bladeforums, the general rule is "Don't clutter up sales threads with a bunch of questions." Asking for information on a knife? Send the seller a PM. Want to see more pics? Send the Seller a PM. Want to give them a GLWS with sale? Send them a PM, they don't need your "Wish I had funds!" level comment on the sales post, for reasons that others have already explained. You seem to have come at this situation as though it's some rule put in place as a personal affront to you. It wasn't. The Exchange is for the conduct of business, not chatting. If you want to chat, there are a lot of other sections you can visit, and ask questions, and chat about knives all day long.

These rules work, and they keep things moving. As for your other gripe, that sellers should be more considerate and do business with those with no feedback, I say politely: mind your business, please. Sellers are free to sell (or not sell) to whomever they wish. That is also within the rules of the Exchange.
Just so we are clear, I DID NOT POST QUESTIONS TO SELLERS IN THEIR SALE THREAD. Rather, I came here to ask. What would you have me do? Are you/the forum above answering questions? The rules you are so fond of came from conversations just like this. This is my business, as I am a member. I am also a person asking a polite question. You are responding as if I don't even have the right to ask. I've heard about people like you; people who treat this like a good 'ol boys member only club. I only inquired (I did not violate any policies), and you tell me to Mind my business?! I'm pretty sure I have as much right as you to be here and to discuss my concerns.

As I said previously, I did not ask to generate an argument. I was merely looking for the buyers perspective from this particular site. I am sorry if you are offended, it was not my intention. I also thank you for your input. Although I disagree, I do understand your perspective. I respect sellers and their concerns and will honor the rules of the site, as I have.

Best,
Patrick
 
Thank You Everyone! As I said earlier, I do not want to offend, and I apologize if I have. I am primarily a buyer on this site and have no seller perspective. Your input has certainly helped.
 
When I see an ad with multiple comments, I might skip right past. To me it looks like the knife is sold and people are already claiming "thirds." If the buyer has a question, they should PM or email the seller.
I though the same thing...I was wondering if there was another justification, or if I might show that the justification currently being used has flaws. As a seller, I'd say everything I have read from other members, I agree with 100%, if I was a seller. It was just another perspective.

Thanks friend, for taking the time to reply.
Blessings,
Patrick
 
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