Well, somebody thinks I am a real SOB

[Richard]

I posted some knives for sale in the for sale forum. I stated what have become my standard selling practices. These conditions of sale are re=printed here.

Conditions of sale.

US sales only.

If we have dealt before, or if we havent done so but you are well known as a straight shooter in other deals with folks, I will ship as soon as the deal is agreed upon. If I am not familiar with you, payment must be recieved before shipment of knife.

Shipping is included in the price, and will be postal priority, insured with delivery confirmation.

I always describe my knives accurately, and the condition of the knife is as stated, so make sure you want the knife. All sales are final.

Payment must be by postal money order.

All prices are firm, no trades.

I will consider lowering prices if you wish to buy all the knives in a bulk deal.

I want the buyer to promise to keep up communication. Of the several deals I have done, I have had a couple of people who recieve my knives. I always ask for an email to confirm that the knife arrived ASAP. And a couple of buyers have not emailed to confirm delivery, and I email a few times, and finally 2 or 3 weeks later they send an email saying they got it. Just please make an effort to keep communication going through the transactiona and I will do the same.

All email inquiries MUST include your forum name, and the email addy must match what is in your profile.


Now, after that a person sent me an email saying that he wanted to buy all the knives, but he was very put off by my conditions. I figure now is a good time to explain my reasons for the way I sell things.

First, he was put off that I want to know forum names, and that I state that email addy must match what is in the profile.--- I do this so I know for sure who I am dealing with. I like to do a search of the forums to get a "feel" for the person, see if they are known to be honest and so forth. I like the emails to match as I feel that is another confirmation that the person is who they say they are.

He also said I "think to highly of myself" that I say I describe all my knives accurately and all sales are final.---Now, I say this because when I post a knife for sale, I have it in front of me, and I look it over and post everything I am able to see. If somebody offers to buy it, then I check the knife again so that if I happened to miss something, I can give him an update in my email response. Yes, all sales are final. I do not feel obligated to refund for a knife from my personal collection so long as I make the buyer fully aware of the condition of the knife. I do not refund simply based on somebody changing their mind a few days later. I feel that just buying a knife to see if you like it and having the option to return it "just because its not your style" is best left to the retail industry. When an individual sells a knife, he/she is probably doing so because they need to and does not have time to play wal-mart or let somebody who is not commited to the deal 'rent' the knife for a few days.

I know alot of people may not like the way I do this, but I will state that I also hold myself to these rules. When I buy a knife, I make darn sure I want it. Assuming the condition is what the seller said, then I will keep the knife even if I decide its not my style.

People on this forum who know me, also know that I am very specific in what I try to say, and do my best to make sure that there is no confusion. I dont want anybody to be 'surprised' because they didnt know what I was talking about. When you buy a knife from me, I feel its only fair to the buyer to know my terms up front so they know exactly what to expect. I have been around here for quite some time. There are folks here on this forum who can attest to the fact that I will deal straight with you, and when I describe a knife, that is what you get.

I had one single deal where I neglected to fully describe a knife. I think it was a spyderco of some sort. I completely overlooked the "sharpmaker" tip where the knife had slid off the sharperner and blunted the tip a bit. The knife went to a well known forumite who emailed me about it when it arrived. I felt terrible, and since that was my fault, I offered to do whatever he wanted to make it right (refund, partial refund, additional knife or whatever). He fully understood and did not want anything for it, he just wanted to make me aware to look a little closer at my knives. That is a lesson I took seriously.

I dont ask that everybody agree with my terms, your option is to not buy from me. However, I can say that if you do buy from me, the knife will be as I say it is. Before I respond to your email, I will check the knife over again to make sure I didnt miss anything.

Anyways, if the guy who sent me the email is reading this, that is an explanation of why I sell with the terms I use.

Thanks.




------------------
Richard Todd - Digital knife photography
icq 61363141
My WebSite
Do your site a favor, get quality digital images!!!
New photos added!!!

 

[ENGINE3C]

Hey Richard, they are your knives so you have the right to place whatever terms you see fit. I have my own terms that I go by. Sellers have rights as well as buyers. Like you said, no one has to buy them. Good Luck

------------------
Mike

 

[Danbo]

But, the law states that people have a right to return any item purchased through the mail. I believe it is a 3 day period. So, the all sales are final stipulation cannot be legally implemented. Other than that, I have no problems with your rules.

------------------
Danbo, soul brother of Rambo

 

[Richard]

Danbo, interesting point you raise about a 3 day return. Does this apply to private sales as well as business? What about the policy being fully stated up front and both parties agree? If thats the law, then thats fine as well, I was not aware of any such regulation is all. Any postal or legal types that can clarify this?

Thanks for raising the issue, I think it would benefit everybody to have this fully explained.


------------------
Richard Todd - Digital knife photography
icq 61363141
My WebSite
Do your site a favor, get quality digital images!!!
New photos added!!!

 

[Elvislives]

I'd much rather know someone's exact terms up front than the alternative. You do have a lot of terms, but that outlines exactly how you expect a transaction to occur, and therefore removes any doubt as to your intentions. If someone has problems with the terms then that is probably someone, by your own definition, that you wouldn't want to do business with from the start.

I am very lax in terms, and have felt a little sting here and there. Overall I've made the best deals with the best people here.

Brandon

 

[KC Slim]

Hey Id rather have all the cards on the table when shelling out dough for a knife.
Your conditions seem fair to me you explain what you have, and the condition of the said item, and if I like I buy If not I dont.
As to the three day return policy, If you state in writing that the said item is sold as is, I belive that this would negate the three day rule.

------------------
I love the smell of napalm in the morning!

 

[e_utopia]

Danbo: care to tell us which law? I've heard lots of people stating this law, but I've never actually been able to find it on hte books. Maybe it's a case similar to 'well, the law is that the blade can't be longer than my hand is wide' (which is obviously not the actual law), or maybe I just haven't had any luck locating this particular law.

The 3-day period does apply to cars and houses, though. But that is because they have Titles, and the 3-day period is mentioned in the Title laws.

--JB

------------------
e_utopia@hotmail.com

 

[Double Edge Dave]

Richard,
I absolutely agree that you have the right to sell your personal knives applying any rules as you see fit. This is still America. The flip side is that people have the right not to buy your knives, too. I am not trying to be a smart-aleck here, but there are two rules I have a problem with. First off, I will not do business with anyone who will not allow an inspection period with an option to return. Shipping costs are to be the responsibility of the buyer, unless the knife is grossly misrepresented. Your definition of mint condition may or may not be the same as mine.
Secondly, I get free cashier's checks as a part of my banking privileges. A BankofAmerica cashier's check is every bit as secure as a USPS money order. Why should I have to pay extra and go through extra steps when I have something just as secure?
These comments are offered as food for thought. I hope they are taken in the manner in which they were intended.
Best of luck,
David

------------------
AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member

 

[Danbo]

I must admit that I do not know the exact law. I do remember Les Robertson posting all about the postal regs and such. Maybe he will pipe in here and refresh our memories?

------------------
Danbo, soul brother of Rambo

 

[Richard]

David, I know exactly what you are saying. You are very correct that people have the option not to purchase anything from me. I would not want or demand anybody do anything they are not comfy with. I know I am comfortable doing all I can to protect my transactions, and I also do more detailed descriptions of my knives so that the buyer knows up front what he is getting. That is how I see things, and I do know it probably prevents some people from buying anything from me, thats just one of the things I have to live with I guess...and I do fully understand why those people would have a hard time with it.

As for method of payment, there are some small exceptions to a few rules. First off, cashiers checks never crossed my mind. Second, in the several years I sold knives retail, I have seen homemade checks for larges amounts in which the check appeared as real as any I have seen. And we never knew it until our bank told us. I doubt that would be a problem here, but with so many lurkers you never know. For instance the guy that emailed me in anger stated he was not a member here, he was just browsing. I would be hesitant to take any kind of a check from him. You David on the other hand have been here a while, I have seen many good things about you, so if you were to say "will ya take a check?" I would be very happy to, personal check or whatever you want. I am mainly trying to protect myself from any possible troll who maybe cruising with the intent to shaft me.

As far as inspection period, there can also be exceptions to that. If I sell a knife, as I stated, I describe it the best I can. When it arrives it will be in the condition I describe (barring any postal destruction). If it arrives and the buyer says "gee, there is a crack in the handle you didnt tell me about" then of course that is my responsibility and I am obligated to take care of the situation. What I am trying to prevent is somebody buying a knife and saying that they want to return it 'because they thought they would like a drop point, but now they dont' type of thing.

Its hard to say anything over the internet without somebody taking it wrong and being offended. I mean no offense by what my rules are, however I find it safest to try and be straight forward about it. People are free to make their own decisions from there.

Take care.


------------------
Richard Todd - Digital knife photography
icq 61363141
My WebSite
Do your site a favor, get quality digital images!!!
New photos added!!!

 

[Brian_Turner]

It's part of the Uniform Commercial Code. More than that you'll have to find my freshman Bus Law book for....

------------------
"My knife is bigger than yours. You suck." - Lewis Black

 

[Tim Flanagan]

It's been a good decade since I got out of law school, but as I recall, the UCC does not apply to individuals.

------------------
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
noreastknives@bigfoot.com

There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.

[The other one is to please read the groundrules for the Auto forum at: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/001211.html ]

 

[wyrm]

I understand all your conditions, EXCEPT, US sales only. I am starting to build trust and a good rep with the few people I have dealt with here at BF, and would have liked to buy at least one of the knives you posted, but as soon as I saw US sales only, I put my cash back in my pocket and keep shopping. Have you had bad experinces with non-americans?

Dale.

 

[Richard]

No, I dont have any problems with non-americans. I simply am not familiar with international shipping. I have read a few threads where somebodys knife gets lost to customs, or at least held up for a long time. I also like to name one price with shipping included, and I have no idea what international costs. Basically I dont have any idea how it works, and was sticking with what I know. As for international, as I understand it, you have to label whats in the box and send it through customs at both ends?? While we are talking about it, how does international work?



------------------
Richard Todd - Digital knife photography
icq 61363141
My WebSite
Do your site a favor, get quality digital images!!!
New photos added!!!

 

[TOMBSTONE]

I don't see anything wrong with the guidelines you set.You outlined your criteria which works best and most smoothly for you.I used to only accept USPS money orders also(well that was the criteria most of the time),until I decided to get involved in Paypal.First off a USPS Money order is safest for all involved.If I send a person a USPS MO and they ship me something totally different or don't send anything at all,this still allows me to get the Postal inspectors involved.IF I use some other form of money order I have less of a chance getting the product or my money back.If I send some second rate money order,I have limited options in case something goes bad.I doubt my bank is going to give a crap if I got ripped off,using a bank check.So legal wise and safest method of payment is by USPS Money order hands down outide of a credit card.Also it is very easy to cash.I go to the post office and walk out with cash,no need to wait and no need for a bank account.I don't have to deposit some money order payable in oklahoma and wait for it to clear the bank to access the funds.Everybody assumes everyone has a bank account.No bank account,no cashing a money order.WE don't have check cashing places around here besides,so having a bank account would be neccessary to utilize bank checks or non postal money orders.So there are all sort of advatages to a postal money order,and if 75 cents for a money order puts someone off that much,then they don't need to do business with me,plain and simple thats just being plain stupid and cheap!Now in some places there is no easy access to a post office or because hours of operation if someone can't make it to the post office,I take paypal.I have taken other types of money orders,but to be honest,I don't trust it and like I said,it delays me access till it clears just as if it were a personal check.Plus with everything thats been happening here lately,I don't blame anyone for wanting a verfied e-mail addy with a forum name.If I'm going to get ripped off,I'm not going to make it easy,so if that bothers someone thats not registered, oh well! CYA!!AS far as an inspection period,fine,but only if it is a result of difference of condition opinions.If someone just decides the knife is not for them,why should I lose time and possibly turning down other sales or offers,that may not occur again after reposting an item.I'm not a knife store,nor a K-mart,if someone wants to buy my knife,they had better have talked it over with their wife and dog before making a committment with me when cash and product have already been exchanged.If an error was made on my part then I'm a man of my word,I'd give a refund,or if my description of mint does not meet the buyers,then by all means I would refund the money.If it gets lost,stolen,damaged in shipping,then it's my resposibility,but thats where it ends.If someone does not agree with my business practice,then by all means don't do business with me.I'm a 31 year old knife collecter that likes to do a little buying,selling,trading now and again,I'm not Sears $ Roebuck,sorry,but thats the way I feel.Of course every situation is different,with extenuating circumstances may come into play,so these are my general guidelines not totally written in stone.I tend to be very fair and good hearted,but I ani't nobody's fool.There also may be a time when someone may ask me before sealing a deal if there could be a inspection period,and I might be agreeable,but that all has to be hammered out in the beginning stages of the deal,not after the knife has already been delivered in hand.AS far as overseas goes,I would do it,and I have done it before.However;I don't know every countries laws regarding importing etc.So I insure all my packages,but do not guarentee anything in regards to their customs seizing the knife etc.Communication is a must,I don't know how many times I've asked for a e-mail confirmation of delivery plus satisfaction with product.I send something and never hear from the person again.I would say most of the time I e-mail the person that I received the knife and thank them for the deal.AS a seller,I keep my buyer constanly updated.When I receive payment,I let them know and when I ship,I let them know and include a tracking/confirmation number.I also try to answer e-mails at least within 24 hour period,most of the time within hours or minutes.I also make sure to respond to all inquiries to trades or offers or info requests.IF I sell an item I usually(most of the time) mark the post it has been sold or traded,so not to waste peoples time or keep recieving e-mail offers.So basically you have some of the same type of "rules" as I do,and for the most part it protects everyone involved and limits the hassles.It has worked fairly well with me,I've had probably 100 transactions and 98% of them were totally smooth.WEll happy knife trading and good luck.

 

[rdangerer]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by davidb415:
... I will not do business with anyone who will not allow an inspection period with an option to return. Shipping costs are to be the responsibility of the buyer, unless the knife is grossly misrepresented. Your definition of mint condition may or may not be the same as mine.</font>

I would tend to agree that if a seller says "all sales final", that will stifle my interest about as quickly as anything but two or more negative posts about the seller in GB&U.

People's descriptions of knives are very subjective. Good quality, high resolution digital pics are hard to come by in 2001 also.

Same goes for whether the QA/QC of a knife is up to par from factory (think Emerson & Benchmade), or the lockup is "correct".

 

[rdangerer]

As a side note, I won't read a post that is one giant paragraph, with no "carriage returns" so to speak.

Just too difficult on my patience.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Oh well that's your business.I never said I was a literary genius.I think the jist of "All sales are final" would be with just someone changing their mind about a purchase as opposed to there being a difference of opinion about condition.I have plenty of options for disposing of my bladeware,which does not involve Bladeforums.So if someone is not happy with my sales criteria, don't let the door **you know the rest.I have done all my deals with the utmost integrity and honesty.In fact you will find it difficult,if not impossible to find someone that has a complaint about any deal involving myself. I'm not your local K-Mart and don't have time for games or b.s.IF someone decides that the knife just isn't for them,they can post it for sale themselves,the burden shouldn't fall back onto the seller,because they had second thoughts.The exception being what I have already listed in my previous post.This is more than fair for both parties.Again I want to reiterate,I'm not a retail business out to make a profit,so no A** kissing the consumer will come from my end,sorry if this offends you.I guess if my opinion is not agreeble,you can make sure not to do business with me,which won't keep me awake at night,at least the criteria weeds out the problem children for me.oops;here I go again with one big long paragraph

 

[Ken C.]

Geez, let Richard do as he pleases. He has the right to do what he deems necessary not to get shafted. Let this drop already.

------------------
Ken
-------------------------

"Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.
----Abraham Lincoln

 

[Ken C.]

Double Post. Sorry.

------------------
Ken
-------------------------

"Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.
----Abraham Lincoln

[This message has been edited by remster135 (edited 05-16-2001).]