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Rudeness With 'net Sales

I have decided to go back to dealing with dealers I know, or can meet face to face. I have grown sick of the rudeness of sellers, in particular, and occasionally buyers when transacting over the internet. One part of me wonders if I am cutting my nose to spite my face, so to speak. But I find a pleasantly transacted deal has an effect on my enjoyment of this hobby and maybe even causes me to feel better about the equipment acquired. I am interested in how others have fared with internet transactions in this regard.

This post is probably an over-reaction to a recent discourse with two dealers on the internet whose primary focus in their correspondence in reply to my enquiries was about the consequences of me failing to meet my side of the bargain - stated so indelicately by both as to seem more like an accusation. My reaction to both was to tell them I had no interest in entering into a contract with someone who clearly was going to be unpleasant to deal with. As it happens both are connected with this site (but I will not name them).
redkiwi

Showing 2 responses by redkiwi

redkiwi OP
1,092 posts
 
I tend to agree that buying on eBay from those with large numbers of transactions to their name has generally been a good experience. But being repeatedly treated like an ex-con when I make a polite enquiry irritates me. Obviously these guys have got burned by difficult buyers, and so it is the buyers that are probably the cause of the problem.

I have a friend who tends to go to the same restaurants all the time, and does so because he likes to be recognised and respected when he goes out to eat. I have always found that a bit amusing, but suddenly begin to understand how he feels. I think in his case it may be the prejudice against his race that has caused him to shy away from going somewhere new. Perhaps I am getting a similar problem with US dealers who see me as another troublesome foreign buyer.

It is heartening to hear that others are finding doing business over the internet is working for them. How many of you are not from the USA?
redkiwi OP
1,092 posts
 
Thanks Cornfedboy. I have had similar generous offers of help in the past from Jadem6, Albertporter and Brulee, and it means a lot to me to be offered such help - but I suppose I shy away from taking advantage of their friendship. Why would I risk their friendship for the sake of a deal that might go wrong in a way I cannot control - a bit like the point made by the character Robert Redford plays in "Out Of Africa" about friends and lending them books. I keep friendship and business in different baskets in my life.

I am feeling a bit self-indulgent posting this whinge.

After many internet transactions I am just feeling inclined to be loyal to a few dealers that I have experience with these days, rather than roam the net freely, because I enjoy being a good customer of a good dealer. The internet has been a wonderful way to make contact with some of these dealers, but the novelty value is wearing thin.

I was interested in whether others were feeling the same way, and it is interesting for me that the responses here suggest not.
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