2. misc-audio
  3. 1013971291

Feedback does not alway tell all

I meant to post this under 'Misc.' instead I put it under Music.
I'm sure a moderator will catch it, so here it is:

I'm starting this thread because recent exchanges here have demonstrated that I am not the only with these experiences. It might also serve as a warning to the initiated. I do not think that the problem as an easy fix, but I do feel it's important we are aware of it.

Heck, it's ultimately more of an annoyance than a danger. But most people here behave in a polite and honorable fashion, and have a sense of community very rare anywhere on the net, so anything we can do to encourage these positive attributes we must do.

The feedback system is very good, but it is no the tell-all. Feedback generally applies when a transaction completes, therefore the situations below would not be feedback-worthy. Besides, leaving negative feedback can always prompt a retaliatory tit-for-tat.

I've had sellers with 'good feedback' drop off the face of the earth, after we'd agreed (to asking price, mind you) and even to shipping costs. I've also had simple questions not answered (such as 'is it under warranty').

One time, I was interested in an item, exchanged emails, found out the fellow was local, discussed the gear I had. He then offered to drop by and demo it for me (he gave 'airs' of being a dealer or broker of some sort, based on AG info, and had many items listed).

I then informed him I had decided against the item, as I was going another route. I asked him what other lines of gear he specialized in. No answer, not another peep.

So, these fellows have excellent feedback here, but I will NEVER deal with them again. Period.

I now have a folder where I keep 'orphaned' emails from people I do not want to deal with. I look at that list when I'm interested in an item. If they are on there, well you know.

KP
killerpiglet

Showing 2 responses by killerpiglet

killerpiglet OP
374 posts
 
Jvia, my experiences are not unique.

And I can assure you we had not "made a deal", money was not even discussed. Although I like the way you expanded that into a nice skit. We went from "Maybe he thought he had made a deal with you " to "once you broke the deal with the guy." Guiltier by the minute. I thank you for your vote on my integrity.

And some times, I have sent follow up emails, which have also been ignored.
Email is, for the most part, very reliable.
I do not accept the 'blame the computer' thesis, especially if there is more than one email sent or if the item turns out 'sold' the next day.

I have had situations were people could not answer in a timely fashion, but they did eventually answer.

And no, I do not expect anyone to be a cyborg with an email implant, nor do I expect an answer within minutes or even days, but people do use a computer to get to this site. I would expect them to use the computer at least once a week.

Again, 95% of the time, responces are prompt and polite even when the item has already been sold. As I've said before, a little common courtesy goes a long way.

KP
killerpiglet OP
374 posts
 
I do not expect dealer-level service, but if we have emails agreeing to price and shipping costs, I would expect to hear back. Or at least have my subsequent emails returned.

I know there's not much to be done, and I know the pitfalls.

I felt the need to vent, so climbed on a soapbox and I've enjoyed venting.

For the record, I have not been scammed in any way, and the transcations I've complete have all been very smooth and cordial. This is just a 'manners' issue with me.

KP
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