My list of seller red flags


I’ve compiled a list of annoying things sellers do. If I see any of these red flags I will not buy from them. Ideally every seller should agree to not do any of these before they are allowed to sell online.

- Overpriced
- Don’t talk about any flaws
- Keep re-posting
- Use unrelated keywords in ad so ad comes up when you search for different brand
- Paranoid language like " Cash and Carry only", "No spammers", No Trades...
- Using all CAPS and !!! marks

- Used car salesman lingo like"only $xxx , a great deal, a steal , and the worse, RARE "
- Ad consists entirely of copy/pasted info. from manufacturer website
- Any textspeak
- Gimmicky pricing like $999 or $995 or the worse, random price like $927
- Saying price is "Firm"..

- Reducing price by insignificant amount to bump ad
- Tooting own horn, i.e describing how awesome their product is.. Comes across as desperate to me..
- Seller saying they will lose money or taking a big loss .. Not my problem..

- Selling several items in one ad and updating the ad to say "SOLD" on certain items.
12inch45rpm

Showing 8 responses by jl35

a few years ago I listed a Portal Integrated amp. No offers or questions first two times, last time I received 3 full price offers within 3 hours. Ad was identical. I didn’t say it, but would not consider a trade. I’ve received many trade offers over the years, accepted one. What’s wrong with saying price is firm if it is?
If someone with perfect extensive feedback is offering an item I want at a great price in great condition and the price is firm...
agree, items listed as New, then the description says only used 20 hours...
If I’m showing it to a friend I say new car, if I’m selling it to someone I don’t know I do not say new...the Audiogon rating system states an item can only be called New if it is in a factory sealed box...I always refer to my newly purchased used audio gear to my friends as my new...
I’m often shocked at how little or how much an item can sell for, even items that are fairly regularly listed...incredible variance...
there are many lengthy threads here about second systems, like in bedroom or office