jimjimbo Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Just as a little background, I have several "wanted" ads out on CL, for speakers, amps, tubes, etc, etc. I also check the listings a couple of times a day when I have time. I probably respond to an ad perhaps twice a week, and get responses to my ads maybe once per week. My ads are informative and courteous, my responses to inquiries are the same. I would have to say that no less than 90% of the people I communicate with though the above channels are rude, expect something for nothing, want me to appraise their equipment with minimal information and crappy photos, and then get pi$$ed off when I ask for more info or more photos. Most of the time it's "what will you give me for them?" , or, something similarly stupid even though some of the time it's hard to tell what make and model something is from the minimal photos they do provide. And then of course you have the geniuses that have perused Ebay (and only the asking prices, not the sold prices). I do understand that the other folks I mentioned may not be as knowledgeable about audio, and I get that....and I take that into serious consideration, but most of the time, it just doesn't help... Here's a typical exchange: (me as a potential buyer) Me: Hello, I saw your ad for the XX receiver, and I'm interested. Would you be able to provide a bit more information about it, and perhaps a couple of pictures? Thanks, I'm located in XXXX. Them: I still have it. Me: Thanks for your reply. Could you give me more into on it? Is it fully functional, any known issues, any work done on it? Them: Nothing done, how much is it worth to you? Here's another one, actual exchange: Me: Hi, I'm in interested in the amplifier you have listed. Is it still available? I saw you just put it up for sale today. Them: Yes Me: Has any work been done to it, has it been recapped, or cleaned? Them: Do you think I would offer it for this price if it had been recapped or cleaned? Once in a great while, i'll get a very nice person, or an older person who is just letting things go, or cleaning out, and I'm always willing to help them out and/or let them know what something might be worth, and if i'm interested/or not. Most of the time it's not, but then that's ok with both of us. Having said that is one of the main reasons that I frequent this forum and one other, because for the most part, we can be civil and moderately understanding. Sure, I can be cranky and snarky and I'll admit it, but it's never without good reason!! I will say that this forum and a couple of members in particular kept me interested and enthused about this hobby, and most significantly, how important it is to keep learning and experimenting with your music and your equipment to find a good match. (with enough money and effort, of course...) otherwise I might have dumped it all together a few years ago. I hate to rant like this, but damn, it's really frustrating, and even more depressing in a way because so many people just can't be civil and decent. I know life and society aren't perfect and all, but come on....it's not that hard...is it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Chi-town Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Just reinforces the fact of not wanting to deal with the "average" American very often..... Best regards, John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvu80 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 (edited) It's a real crap shoot regarding the people you deal with on CL. It sounds like you've had a run of bad luck lately. I always try to remember, it's not personal, it's just the internet, and everybody is different. +++ I saw a recent ad for a used "nuke 3000" for $300. First of all, it's not a "nuke" it's an "iNuke" and second of all, they sell new for $229 shipped to your door. http://parkersburg.craigslist.org/ele/5178965250.html http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Behringer-iNUKE-NU3000-3000-Watt-Rackmount-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-3000-/111729208499?hash=item1a03946cb3 I'd like to get a good deal on a used iNuke 3000, but how do you respond to an ad like that without coming across like "that rude guy?" I just didn't inquire, it's probably not worth the effort. Edited August 24, 2015 by wvu80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckAb3 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 CL = The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Often seems to be more the latter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEFKlipsch Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Yeah...I've had very little luck with CL. I put my Yamaha YSP-5100 Sound Projector on there and got about 10 emails about how stupid I was trying to get that much money for a "sound bar" when you can get them from walmart for like $100 SMH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapsnb01 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 (edited) Gotta love the folks on the list... I got a great e-mail from a guy in response to an ad I had up selling my refurb Oppo 103 this weekend. He proceeded to inform me that since it was bought from Oppo as a refurb, it was "second hand, second rate, and unreliable." But, in his benevolence, he did offer to take it off my hands for roughly half of what I was asking. When I responded by thanking him for his interest but politely explaining that I would not let it go for what he was offering, he responded that he was "building a home theater and really wants to integrate the Oppo" that I was selling into it...for half of what it was priced...and a lot less than I sold it for later on. Edited August 24, 2015 by kapsnb01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvu80 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Gotta love the folks on the list... I got a great e-mail from a guy in response to an ad I had up... (respectful snip) What's funny is I will and I have sold gear to people on the Klipsch Forum at my cost or for a loss. I have no problem dropping the price on an item for a fellow Klipschite. The positive trust factor goes a long way with me. But for some stranger on Craigslist, the price is the price. And if somebody is being rude or insulting on CL, I don't waste my time with them. Am I the only one who feels this way? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 No I think that is pretty common here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapsnb01 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Well said, Dave. In fact, the Oppo is on it's way to the home of a fellow forum member for less than I had both listed here and on CL. Feel much better negotiating a price with the folks here than a guy like that on CL. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 (edited) jimjimbo - I wonder if your CL contact has either very little face-to-face contact skills, a millennial (same problem) or maybe the unit is just plain stolen and he just doesn't want to say too much about it.... eh, who knows. Edited August 24, 2015 by Mighty Favog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 And they all can vote in a general election................................................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 and your best alternative is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I hope its benevolent dictatorship and that would be me.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 and your best alternative is? Your idea is fine. I mostly wanted to pointy out that he's met some of the people that cancel his vote out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Manners and civility are a rare commodity these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 An astute observation kind sir. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max2 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Just reinforces the fact of not wanting to deal with the "average" American very often..... Best regards, John You nailed it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 (edited) Manners and civility are a rare commodity these days What happened? I blame it on the Republicans...of course, I blame everything on the Republicans....And, I'm referring to the rock and roll band, not the political party.... Edited August 25, 2015 by jimjimbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Its a great place if you like back rubs at very little cost, just don't breath into their handkerchief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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