Reading threads and posts when selling and buying

"Would you buy an amp from someone who had recently initiated a thread like "Who repairs blowed up amps in Scranton?"

Almost happened to me! Good thing I checked the persons posting before making an offer or I would have been very mad with myself. I contacted the seller and pointed this out to them. They never responded but did change the ad and the price. I have also checked the disputes forum and found a seller whos item I was considering was in a dispute where they were clearly wrong and were given the opportunity to do the right thing but instead just got nasty, saved again! We have these tools readily at hand so why not use them.

Would you buy an amp from someone who had recently initiated a thread like "Who repairs blowed up amps in Scranton?"

Obviously, feedback is the first stop. Aside from the obvious posiitives vs negatives, the ratio of buys to sells can hint at whether someone is an enthusiast or a mercenary reseller.

I always read as many of the threads as I possibly can, preferably all of them.

Then, I Google their name, nickname, zip code and/or email address in as many possible permutations with anything else I can mine from their threads.

It then becomes pretty clear if someone might be

fraudulent or unethical (the worst possible counterparty)

a jaded, cynical, mercenary professional trying to minimize time and maximize dollars in every transaction
(almost as bad)

or

a thoughtful, considerate, enthusiastic audiophile who may only be selling to raise cash or upgrade (the best possible situation.)

For those of you who may be the first two categories, I will also ask WHY ARE YOU SELLING?

I know I know I know what does any of this have to do with anything?

Audiogon is a community, on-line, but still a community. One attribute of a community is the concept of sharing /reciprocity. If someone on Audiogon doesn't want to share their system with fellow Audiogon community members, so be it. I'm sure they have their reasons and who am I to judge their validity? But when it comes to doing a financial transaction with one of these people I'd be a wary. Buying/selling is about give and take and I would be dealing with a non-reciprocating person.

That said, if I really want to buy/sell something it's just another factor, not and overriding concern.

If someone wants to know what I have in my system they can ask me when they inquire about what I have listed for sale or what I may be interested in buying from them. I sometimes mention what gear I have used the component with
when selling something.

I agree with Elizabeth also.(PITA).

Some of us may want to keep a little something left to the imagination:>)

Not the only one. Threads are sometimes deleted.

I also read what folks have posted but don't usually look at their system when I'm doing a transaction. I don't think it's relevant to the deal but like a few others have mentioned in this thread, posting to the forums gives an indication of what kind of person you're going to be dealing with.

As for system posting, I've never done it here & took it down from AA. I change gear a lot (and tweak even more) & just don't feel like keeping up with it for one thing. Just this week I changed the male ends on my CDP & sub PC's and the end on the Brickwall, plus made a new set of cables to the sub. I bought a cast stone outlet cover from Lowe's today & going to try it out next week along with some different fuses.

When it comes to answering posts about specific gear I try to only talk about stuff I've owned or at least listened to, so it wouldn't matter what my current system is if I'm talking about a piece I owned 5 years ago.

Once I get done with this 302 Mustang project (maybe next week?) then the 327 pick-up project then the Sportster rebuild, plus my daughter's graduation & my cousin's wedding, maybe I'll have some time to get my gear to pose nicely so I can post it but they're a rambunctious lot & I doubt they'll hold still long enough.

I didn't post my system but did mention it in a few threads. One reason why I didn't is that I don't have a digital camera! Another is that I am in love with it and want some privacy.

Onhwy61

I do too, but when a person has participated in a large number of threads and hasn't posted their system it makes me very wary.

Why?

If a long-time fellow audiophile, who has been posting for several years, (and especially if you can tell from their posts what their system is composed of anyway), why do you, (or anybody), need to know exactly what their system is composed of?

Some of us prefer not to have a system listed. There are a variety of reasons for this:

1. Humility: Having a system listed could be construed as merely a way to show off your wealth and prosperity.

I don't really think that way, but I know some people who do.

2. Security: Having a system listed could be an advertisement to a local thief that your system is well worth stealing, (along with anything else valuable in the house), as well as endangering any loved ones living there.

I'll be honest and state that this is a major reason why I don't list my system. I buy and sell semi-frequently, and by reading my posts, one can probably figure out where I live, so I'd rather not attract additional attention to myself by posting my system. And Yeah, I know, I'm paranoid. But if there are people out there looking to steal from you, (and there are), is it really paranoid to be actively protective? I don't think so.

3. Privacy: Some people don't like being contacted about their systems, (or their posts).

I am not one of those people, as I gladly answer pretty much anyone who has a question about any of my posts or my equipment, (past and present). But I can understand someone wanting to limit their interaction merely to the forums.

And there are probably even more reasons then the three I listed above. For these reasons, I've never bothered to look to see if a seller has listed their system.

My two cents worth anyway.

I didn't post my system but did mention it in a few threads. One reason why I didn't is that I don't have a digital camera! Another is that I am in love with it and want some privacy.

Why would you be very wary of a member who posts a lot but doesn't have a system? They may just not want to go through the ordeal or have the time. Me I'm not posting a system because I just don't know if I can handle the scrutiny. That and a lot of the systems here are NICE!!

Most of the time I just check the sellers feedback. If it is really dated I'll check the forum. One thing I did one time with buyer that had negative feedback and a recent positive one was I contacted the member who had the positive experience and asked their thoughts on the buyer.

this has been my long time double check along with feedback history. I feel a lot more comfortable dealing with someone who posts in the Forums, kinda feels like reading their diary

When buying high priced items from someone, you bet. It gives me a sense of their relibility. (If they have been posting here steadily for years, you can be pretty assured that they are not going to be a scam artist and run off your cash.)

My two cents worth anyway.

I do too, but when a person has participated in a large number of threads and hasn't posted their system it makes me very wary.

Inna,

I do too. I understand completely and do the same thing myself.

Chuck

Reading threads and posts when selling and buying
In addition to feedback, do you read initiated threads and posts by the person you consider dealing with?

Sure would and have.... How a person responds to others can say a lot about a person.

What's the point in this?