So, is Firebat always so rude, or am I just the lucky one?...

fnxrising

fnxrising

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Feb 6, 2002
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Moderators: I apologize for the long-winded message, and the pehaps petty nature of this, but I would like everything to be crystal clear here, i.e. quotes.... Please try to make it to the end.

Well, hello guys. my name is David and as you can see, I am am greenhorn here. I can't believe that it has taken me so long to find you! I am a collector and appreciator and I manage a respected knife chain store here in the Northwest. I was pleased to stumble in here, and have already noted more than several wonderful people and look forward to becoming one of your community.

However, I am astounded that I already seem to have ruffled some feathers here, or more accurately, Batwings. A couple of days ago I noticed Firebat's post in For sale by individuals: Production knives, in which he is selling a beautiful Sebenza for a great price, and after he posted a friendly-sounding reply to somebody in that thread, I emailed him this message:> > Hello there,
> >
> > I would love to get your Sebenza on Blade forum, but my budget for
> > knives right now would allow me to offer $300 for it. I don't wish this
> > to insult you, but it is all I can do. If you think this is enough, I
> > would swear to you that I would lovingly appreciate your knife- I think
> > its beautiful! If we agree, I can pay immediately by Paypal, or I can
> > send out a money order tomorrow, whichever you prefer.
> >
> > I truly hope I can get this from you. I am surprised that nobody has
> > expressed interest, and since you put it up on the forum I have been
> > rechecking it in fear that it has been sold! And then you wrote that
> > you were glad somebody liked something you had to offer, and I thought,
> > " If he only knew!" So here I am making my feeble offer...
> >
> > I am anxious to hear from you.
> >
> > Take care!
> >
> > David Loeffler

I believe Scott's price to be fair, however I have already made three deals here in the last week and I figured it couldn't hurt to make an offer based on what I could afford at that particular time. Apparently, I was wrong. It appears that he was somewhat irked by my message, as this was his actual reply:> > David-
> >
> > Thanks for the reply.
> >
> > While I could use the money from the sale of the Sebenza, I don't
> > actually "have" to.
> >
> > So as such, I'm not really interested in going much below $375 on a
> > knife that is easily worth another $100 on top of that. In fact, that's
> > about $125 less than what I have into it.
> >
> > I'm sure you understand. No offense taken by the offer though, it's not
> > insulting, just not quite based in reality.
> >
> > Kindest Regards-
> >
> > Scott

I emailed him back this: Hello,
>
> No problem, I understand. I had to try and hope- your knife is
beautiful.
> My wife would simply kill me if I paid more. If you decide to let it go
at
> less than your original asking price, please keep me in mind. I might be
> able to swing something, as its almost Valentine's day, and she knows how
> much I want this...
>
> Take care!
>
> David

Then he sent me this:> David-
>
> Um, I don't think you understand. I'm not going below that price, as it's
a
> ~500 dollar piece to begin with.
>
> If you purchase it, it will be because you came up with another 75 bucks,
> not because I decided to go lower.
>
> No offense, just don't want you passing up another opportunity because you
> think I 'might' decide to change my mind. If I wanted to deal off an
> "original" asking price, I would have started at $450 or $475. This is as
> good as the deal gets, and is in reality an *extremely* good deal. Heck,
> it's priced just north of a new plain Large Sebenza!
>
> Scott

Here's my response:Scott,

I'm guessing you don't mean to sound rude in your messages, seeing that you
preface it with "No offense"... So, I guess as you said: I don't
understand.
But in one of those messages you mentioned, "So as such, I'm not really
interested in going much below $375." This would seem to indicate that you
very well might. But anyway, your price is fair, the knife is nice, and
although as you have mentioned "reality" several times and I am admittedly
new
here I have noticed the "*extremely*" good deals don't last too long around
here, yet you still maintain ownership of this knife. I am sorry to say
that
now the reality is I am now soured on this one...

Once again, take care, and good luck.

and his response: Sorry, dude.

Did you honestly think that "not really interested in going much below $375"
meant $300?

Didn't mean to piss you off, but you'll get friendlier responses from people
around the forums if actually do a bit of research into what you're making
an offer on first.

Then you can impress the sellers with the "but my wife won't let me" line.

I'd much prefer (as well as being perfectly able to) to have it sit there
untouched than to let it go for $300.

Works both ways. Buyers can be soured, sellers can be alienated.

"Once again, take care, and good luck."

Nice of him to parody my well wishes to him. This is all so petty, its almost funny. What IS funny is that in the middle of all of this my wife unbeknownst to me went through my email to cantact Scott to buy the knife for me for a Valentine's present. But, she read his responses and got as ticked off as I did, and so here we are. To top it all off, there appeared a new message in his thread that (unless I am being completely paranoid) is making fun of me. Cpirtle, if I am utterly mistaken on the meaning behind your post, I sincerely apologize.

Once again, I am sorry this is so damn long, I just want to know if I am way off base and over-sensitive, or am I justified in feeling like crap over this and having myself and my wife been insulted and belittled. Is this what I can expect from this forum?

Sincerely,
David
 
Personally I think this may have just been a case of two people not quite on the same page. Scott may not have been as polite as he could have been, but his responses were, in my opinion, not something that should have ended up here on the GB&U forum. If this has bothered you that much, then don't deal with Scott in the future.

My recommendation to you is to not sweat the small stuff and this seems to me to be really small stuff. If Scott had wanted to be a jerk, he could have been much worse than he was.

I find myself in complete agreement with Tom on this one.

:rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes:

Please also understand that posting a persons emails is considered a last resort by most of the members on this forum.
 
...welcome to the wonderful world of 'Something went south during an email exchange', AKA "As the knife world turns..."

That's life. Deal with it, get over it, and move on.

The seller stated his price. You couldn't/didn't meet it. End of story.

(btw, he was probably starting to feel harrassed, kapish?)

Anyhoo, welcome to BFC, now please don your Asbestos suit, flak jacket, and welding goggles, then settle in with some popcorn...I'm sure it's going to be 'quite the little fireworks show'... :rolleyes:

"Mom, I think I'm gonna puke now..." (Me, when I was five)
 
...Not the "was that guy rude to me when I made him an offer on his knife" forum.
Just thought I should let you know.
This forum comes in handy when a deal goes south,people lie or cheat, etc.

Personality conflicts and rude behavior complaints should be routed through the "Whine and Cheese" Forum.
Thank you for your cooperation...
troy
 
Thick skin and a smile works for me here. Now, if I can just figure out the crooks over at ebay!?!?!

Ryan
 
Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you will see:
"BladeForums.com is an adult site with adult discussions."
It's an adult site. Try acting like an adult.

Lowball offers don't go over well. Fact of life.
Posting negative feedback on someone who has been more than patient with you is bad.
Posting private emails is bad.
Posting petty garbage in this forum is bad.
A negative post title including the username of someone who has done you no wrong is bad.

You ask "Is this what I can expect from this forum?".
Is this what we can expect from you?

I think you'll find that you get what you give around here.
 
I think both parties involved were extremely polite. I find it hard to believe you felt that was a rude email...You'll probably also find that people frown on posting the private email of others. Frankly, I'm surprised you haven't been flamed hard-core for posting such a ridiculously petty complaint. Now I'm going to go make some popcorn.
 
If you think that was rude, my inbox would melt you...Seriously though, you made an offer and got turned down...You kept on and he made himself clear on what he wanted...that's not rude and in the process of making a deal, it's actually a good thing...

As far a Cpirtle, he is a good guy with a sense of humor...That's a good thing too...There was no slight to you and surely not to your wife...This forum is taken seriously here, and I think it wrong to even mention him...

I think what you have is a non-issue, presented in a very over-reactive manner...You got some good advice above, and I don't think anyone is trying to insult you, so let the hard feelings go, make apologies when warranted, and defend yourself when you are "really" wronged...and this place will welcome and respect you for it. :)

PS...On the flip-side, the responses you have gotten so far are probably as gentle as could have been hoped for...Don't be surprised if you get some really honest opinions on what many may think was an inappropriate complaint in a forum reserved for serious issues.

Welcome to BladeForums...Jared.
 
I see nothing wrong with making an offer to pay less than the asking price. I do it all the time. If you dont ask, you have no chance of saving. However, there is a line you dont cross. You asked. He said no. I think he said no in a very nice manner also, and explained why he could not go any lower. It was only after you came back and bugged him again that he started to get annoyed. And even then, he was fairly polite about it. This should have never been posted in the Good, Bad and Ugly. The seller did absolutely nothing wrong here.
 
Firebat is a very honest guy and a man of his word.

I really don't understand why you would drag this into here over a deal you couldn't work out with him because he wouldn't drop his price and you thought that was rude.

You should only bring things here when "Deals" go as bad as they get and not if you can't talk someone down on a price.

Just my 2 cents.
 
fnxrising....welcome to bladeforums.....i usually make it a point not to post in these types of threads but i will make an exception here...my response is not intended to be rude just gut level honesty......this particualr forum is not for whining that someone will not accept your lowball offer....i have done at least six deals with firebat and all have been very smooth transactions....i do know from personal experience his knives are usualy better than graded/described AND fairly priced....when i see his stuff up for sale i perk up and read the thread as quickly as possible..also i NEVER try to lowball what is already a fair price with firebat...your lack of funds or being married to the woman who will kill you for spending more than a set amount of money is not firebat's problem.....i am not privy to the knife in question but if he is offering a sebbie that was 500 bucks originally for 375 grab it because his prices are fair and the condition will be better than he describes....he also ships promptly and is honest

he was clear in his message that he would not go below 375 for the piece in question and i dont think his message was rude....nor do i think your messages were rude....often times what is seen in print is "blind" as we cannot see the facial expressions and hear the tone of voice in the interaction

firebat is basically to the point and blunt in this issue....he wont go below 375....end of story....no further comment needed

just because firebat wont honor your lowball offer does not make a valid reason to post a negative thread here about him

please stick around here since the majority of folks are good guys (and we have a few ladies also)

feverdoc
 
I thought Firebat was very patient under the circumstances.You just seemed not to get the picture or let it go the fact is he would not sell it for under what was advertised.As far as posting here:barf: :barf: There was nothing in those e-mails that would have me complain about rudness.My two cents,Ralph
 
1) fnxrising makes ridiculous lowball offer.

2) Firebat politely declines.

3) fnxrising tries to chisel Firebat with Valentine's day crap.

Maybe Firebat would like that $75 for his/her Valentine.

Agreed you are new at this fnxrising, but really, GB&U is for DEALS gone bad, not for bad offers. Many folks never even return email on offers like these, so consider yourself fortunate to have been treated nicely in the first place.
 
Ok guys, the trrbe has spoken. I apologize for taking up the space and time of the members, and I'll try to be a little more thick-skinned around here. I guess I just expected the same treatment that I get in life by the people I surround myself with in reality. But, businesss is business. And as for this post not supposed to even appear here- the title is "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". I'm not saying he was good or bad...

I think what people have misperceived is that I am not sore or whining about a low offer being turned down. That isn't the problem here at all. But anyway, thanks for your responses. I apologize to Scott for showing emails, as it appears that is poor form. Perhaps this was in the FAQ that I missed.From reading some of the other complaints on the forum, it quickly became clear that without truly hearing both sides of the story, one cannot really get a clear sense of the story. Well, actual emails are as undiluted as it can get. I figure if you're nice in your postings on the forum, but an ass in your private dealings, that says something about a person.

What really prompted me to write here was the "Report post to moderator" button at the bottom. It includes somebody being rude to you, and I felt he was rude, and I was nice, and didn't we all learn about those words in kindergarten.

Once again, sorry to take your time. Back to business.

David
 
I still dont see how he was rude anyway. Like another person mentioned, a lot of people wouldnt have even replied to your lower price offer to begin with.
 
...and in answer to your question, "Is this what I can expect from this forum?"; based on your last posting, what you can expect from me is to be shown the door.

There it is, -----> 'the door'

Hope ya had a great time during your stay, and as my buddy Billy used to say..."See ya in the funny papers"

------------------------------------

Additional comments:

As far as expecting from 'life' what you get in 'reality' goes; on Saturday, at the local gunshow, I had a fellow offer me $300 for a rifle I had marked at $450 firm. When I said no, he then offered $325, again I said no...then turned my back and walked away.

As far as I was concerned the 'deal' was over before it ever really got started. If the fellow had followed me, I probably would have cursed him a blue streak...

'Low ballers' piss me off, hurt feelings be damned. So, if I vented on you, it was coming from my sense of 'reality' in my 'life'...nothing more, nothing less.

p.s. 'Rude' would have been telling you to go piss up a rope... ;)
 
Firebat (Scott) has always been very 'nice' in any conversations I have had w/ him.

Maybe ya'll just somehow got off on the wrong foot. I don't know and will not even speculate..... BUT, As of late; I have been learning that in the big scheme of things ...... how important is it really??

Lets just get along or at least try too. ;)

Just my feeble thoughts. :)

**************************************

Edit for addition <><><> fnxrising (David), I had to grin when I read you second post. If you think that was 'rude' do a search and some extra reading. There are places in these threads and posts that you can really see RUDE.

I myself was a total 'a hole' when I joined the Benchmade forum. ( Right 'Owen'??? Did you ever learn to take your knives apart???? :D :D .... sorry I could not resist buddy, had to tell on myself.)

In my perspective this was very mild. Stick around and enjoy the ride. Also welcome..... :)
 
Having more free time lately, I find myself with the urge to put in my .02 worth more than usual..

First, it did not look to me like anyone was rude in the emails, but even if they were, just ignore it and move on. The GB&U really is not for posting about another rude member.

Second, quite a few people seem to think the reason for the post was because a low ball offer was not accepted, and that is not the case. The reason, as was clearly stated, was because of percieved rudeness.

Third, the thinly veiled encouragement to flame, roast, or otherwise heap scorn on someone is uncalled for, and only serves to lower the overall quality here for everyone, as does inviting people to leave based on one post...but that's just my opinion of course.

I myself would hope fnxrising will develop a bit of a thicker skin and stay on, because really, we all just want to enjoy ourselves here and it should not be that difficult.
 
Since I was (a)mentioned in this thread and (b)consider Firebat a buddy of mine I will chime in.

Before I get started though I would like to point out that my avatar has been this way for a couple of weeks now ;)

Firbat and I have somewhat of a history of taking jabs at each other. The dig was more for his benefit than yours. And used for personal amusement because I was bored last night, guess I was tired of reading about peope using machete's at their local steak houses to eat dinner... ;)

Take a look at this thread HERE where he took a stab at me because I had recieved an equally ridiculous low ball offer on an expensive knife I had for sale.

Don't be so thin skinned.

Also, you offered him $75 less than he was asking on a knife he had already come down $75 (aka - lost) on which would be a net price drop of $150 or 33%. That's a lowball by any standard.


Anyone who sells things here lately has probably been inundated with the lowballers, it's gotten ridiculous. Lately I've had to sift through the mass of e-mails with people offering me 1/2 of what a knife is worth or less.

If we don't have fun with it - we'll go crazy and our collective hobby would collectively suck.
 
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