GRRR: Ebay Seller Rant

So I really want to buy this: Ebay Viggen exhaust system

for my 9-3 project that needs a new exhaust right now. That would be perfect. But it's in Seattle, and im in Chicago, and the seller says pick up only.

I send him a message through ebay since I think this has been up for a long time. I say I know its awkward to ship, but if he is willing I will pay his full asking price.

That was a week ago. So far I got nothing back.

I might even ask if a GRMer is in Seattle and is willing to pick up and ship for me, but no way in hell am I going to ask for that when the seller is this unresponsive.

So I wait. GRRRR.

The guy doesn't want to hassle with shipping an exhaust system so he lists it at "local pickup only". Why is he in the wrong?

He would have to box it up and bring it to a shipper to even get an estimate. What if the estimate is too high and you back out? Who pays for his time to go to the shipper twice even if you do buy it?

Shipping over sized packages is super expensive now. Expensive enough to kill any bargain on purchase price.

In reply to The Hoff:

He's not in the wrong for not wanting to ship. I even said that if he chooses not to in my message to him that I understand. My beef is with just not responding. Like I said, I might even try to arrange for someone to pick up from him if I got the feeling he was reliable.

I gotta say, I'm confused what he's done wrong. As far as I can tell, he stated the conditions he wanted to sell it under clearly enough and you're getting your knickers in a twist because he's not jumping over a request to ignore his conditions?

Leaving ebay out of it for now, have you ever sold something? Do you reply to each and every weird trade offer that comes up even when you say 'no trades?' I sure as hell don't. I might respond if it's particularly intriguing. But my default response to someone ignoring my conditions of sale is to delete and move on, and have zero issues with anyone else doing the same.

EDIT: If you really meant "I might be able to arrange local pickup" you should have included that. Your're playing a silly game that he has declined to play. Good for him.

Revised:

"local pickup only"

Will you ship?

Why won't you answer my question!

The seller said they had something to sell, the OP is trying to make a genuine offer to help them do that, and they are not giving the courtesy of a reply, even if in the negative. It's rude, but unfortunately, Ebay is a different world and there are a lot of scams out there and sellers are understandably cautious.

Wow - surprised by the comments here, and maybe people do this differently than I do.

1. On CL - I don't always respond to crazy emails. I do always respond to polite emails that include a name and a call back number.

2. On eBay - I feel an obligation to respond to all questions within 24-48 hours, as eBay sets that expectation with its buyers.

3. Whenever someone offers me my full asking price, regardless of listing method - I respond.

Maybe a case of me assuming that everyone else acts like I do. I'll change my expectations.

Find out where in Seattle - There are GRMers in the area that probably ship it (me)

Kendall

In reply to Kendall_Jones:

Thanks Kendall. I'll let you know if I need help.

I'm near Seattle. My schedule is a bit up in the air at the moment, but maybe there's a way I can swing it (or lend another local my pickup to snag it).

From there it's just a roll of bubble wrap and a greyhound bus

To me, this is one of the problems with doing business on the internet and probably a big reason why Ebay instituted the stupid rules they have and people are leaving in droves. It's all about expectation and rarely are two people's the same. In this case, neither is in the wrong. Robbie WANTS to buy the exhaust and is trying to work with the seller on getting it sold and put money in his pocket. Seller stated local pickup only, so even if someone's offering to pay full shipping, they're probably leery in general. Could they have responded and said that, sure. But, even engaging in a conversation like that could open up a can of worms or an email argument. We've all been there. Responding to something thinking it'll cover it and all of a sudden it blows up.

Again, nobody is in "the wrong", but expectations are different. And it's killing online person to person business. I'll use a personal example. My mom ordered something on Ebay. When she gave her feedback, she dinged the seller on shipping, "I thought it would have gotten there quicker" and packaging "I would have protected it better". I felt sorry for the seller. On their end, I'm sure they were frustrated at my mom's response, but in HER mind, she was giving the most honest review she could.

Robbie, seller doesn't want to deal with shipping and probably doesn't want risk an argument with you on why he doesn't want to. Heck, he may be agoraphobic and not like going outside, but admitting that to a stranger would be odd. IF you end up finding someone to pick it up for you, you might want to ask them to buy it as the seller MAY reject you because you've already indicated that you won't pick it up. Just be prepared for that.

-Rob

Well, sent another message through ebay asking for the sellers expectations with respect to pick up (where, what times of day, how to contact, etc) and that I may have someone pick it up for me and ship it to me.

I'm still hoping I can make this work.

I parted out a Datsun 2000 through eBay. I learned the engine block, tranny, and seats sucked when shipping.

I learned to love shipping the little bitty interior parts.

If it doesn't work out can I buy it?

bgkast wrote: If it doesn't work out can I buy it?

Ha! Sure. in-fact that might make my decision easier. I keep flip flopping between welding up my own 3 inch exhaust and buying something used. I just filled up a cart on summit racing and think I can get everything I need for $350 or so for a full 3 inch system with a couple mufflers, a cat, mandrel bends, and a flex pipe.

However, then it comes down to:

1. Factory fit and finish with probably less power potential and much less work, or
2. Lots of work, lots of power potential, maybe lots of hassle and noise.

I keep flopping back and forth - buy it and put me out of my misery!

well, just got a response from the seller. I'll be messaging some of you seattle folks for help here.

Kendall_Jones wrote: Find out where in Seattle - There are GRMers in the area that probably ship it (me) Kendall

Sent you a PM - let me know if you didn't get it.

Well, good news to report. Because of the power of GRM forums, I will be getting the parts!!!

Also because of the power of GRM forums, I will not be changing the title of this thread.