Seller Listing Pet Peeve

A serious seller with take pictures of at least 5 of the six sides, disclose some provenance, condition and included original accessories and price it normally.  There are a low percentage ads with serious sellers, ime. I do not know why they bother to list as I see stuff sit unsold for months. 

OMG!!!  So many times have I seen ads for:

1.  Expensive speakers and they won’t take the grills off to show the drivers

2.  Electronics where the seller thinks everyone wants to see a dozen pictures of the insides and none of the front faceplate and rear, yet label it an 8 or 9

3.  Expensive speakers but they won’t take a picture of the rear so you have no idea of the terminals or if it’s rear ported

These are the main violations…. And if I’m looking at ads late at night and less tolerant of things after a full day, then you just want to vent!  I have found myself loudly exclaiming to no one, “Jeez, how hard is it to take some GD pictures!!!”

I guess if the serial number is missing or etched off, that’s a good reason not to show the rear

Semi off topic, but here's my et peeve. Sellers that only accept paypal and think the buyer should pay the fee.

@glennewdick     

"sorry for the sarcasm, but seriously you've probably spent more time complaining about this then the time you actual spend doing a google search on an interested Item.  "

Sorry for the sarcasm, but providing all the pertinent information on a a component is extremely beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. If one is looking to buy, then being able to view the rear panel of a component is arguably more important than a picture of the front panel.

The onus is always on the seller to put in the work.

@larsman I guess you think I'm an FOG luddite that doesn't believe in computers.  I'm actually pretty good at using them, probably better than most.  2 days ago I identified a scammer trying to sell on another forum as Darren1012.  I found her email address, paypal account (a different address) and facebook account.  Here is Darren at her home in Kenya.

https://www.facebook.com/faith.c.marende

But if you're too lazy to put the info in your listing, I'm much less likely to buy it.  I guess I am old fashioned in that I think sellers are likely to be more successful if they make life easier for buyers.

Jerry

I believe they also show pictures of speakers, all with grills on...

@carlsbad - it's been the 'internet age' for a few decades now. That new-fangled Google thing is quite useful for finding info right away about pretty much anything, though. 😁

I do agree though that sellers should have photos of the back of the unit as well as the front and sides....

Having sold a few pieces on CAM specifically, I have always included model #, pictures of front, back, top, and both sides. I want the Buyer to know everything about the component and what they are getting, so as the Seller I know they can't come back at me. A picture speaks a thousand words.....

Marketing... it is more important than most people think. yes, even in private transactions.

If you can properly document the item you are selling (including photos, age, use, previous ownership), you have a Better chance of selling it. A lack of information is a Red Flag for potential purchasers. 

Caveat Emptor...

Yep.  people list the model number like the whole world has all the specifications of this model component memorized. Sometimes they don't even list the brand like any fool should know the equipment by the shortened name.  

I guess the internet age is that they expect you to google it.

Caveat emptor.  If you don't like it, don't buy it.

+1 @pinball101 

Chances are the seller is hiding something. 

As a frequent seller over on USAM (username: rhinocom) I completely agree with the OP. At times, I have considered making the rear photo my lead photo! But it is usually my second photo. As a buyer, the rear is about tied as the most important photo as the front photo. I think some sellers may not post a rear photo at least right away, because they want to get the listing up and add the rear photo when they can get behind it or get it out of their rack. It can be a pain to get that rear photo if the unit is still in the rack. But I agree, if you really want to sell your unit. You just have a rear photo. 

Having pictures of the back is a good indicator of condition as well. Connections are typically the more fragile side pf any equipment. Bought an amp once where one of the posts was bent, and not very apparent in the photos because of the angle.

I agree @pinball101.  If someone can take pictures of the top sides,and bottom,why not the back?  Why should a potential buyer have to to extra leg work for the seller?  It’s the sellers job to make the effort for the sale,not the other way around. 

OP, +1

What I like to see is all of the connections that are no longer apparent on the front panel because of digital screens (and some times unduplicated controls on the remote control), but most importantly on common components whether or not it is 100v, 117, 240 (+/-) which might suggest it is grey market product which could be difficult to get service on (i.e. Accuphase, for one).

Artemus - you nailed it regarding the fact different configurations for the same component are not uncommon. 

Include the information and picture and eliminate all doubt.

Ha funny I saw that same add, can't remember the Dac, and like you it was the fact that they took a pic of EVERY SIDE but the back that drove me crazy.

oh the problems of the first world.....

Control C + google + Control V + search.

so hard I know. what a pain. 

So since this is so easy I suppose you are volunteering your services to do these  extra steps for us poor schlubs who find the lack proper pictures a PITA.  Thanks. And make sure you find out from the seller, which model it is so you get the correct picture. This is especially true of Dacs IE Aurender which can have several different connection layouts depending on the model. But you've got this. It's easy. I'm sure that once the word is spread about your kindness, there will be plenty of people willing to use your service. especially since it is so easy for you.

OK Sarcasm set aside, It is the sellers job to post proper pictures. There are plenty of reasons why the seller should post these pictures. What happens if the seller has posted the wrong model and it doesn't have a connection that you are counting on? This ends with a charge back to the seller because of HIS lack of clarity. And rightfully so. Maybe this is why Paypal often favors towards the customer. FWIW, The courts do also. These things used to be common knowledge to the society at large

You talk about how easy it is to research the net for the info. . But WHY not conclude that it would have been even easier for the seller to post the picture of the connections at the same time he / she was taking pictures of the piece for sale. That would be the most efficient way to sell and would help to alleviate problems which may arise. I have been in business for 50 yrs.. I can tell you from experience that the #1 cause of a bad buying  & selling experience is due to poor communication. Invariably the buyer has different expectations than the seller is able or willing to provide. It is up to the seller to do their best to eliminate poor communications as much as possible

It's because the back is all scratched up from failed wire hook ups. 

You can ask the seller for a picture of the back. So much audio is bought without audition anyway. Alit more blind than seeing pictures. However, if you are buying used, you do have a right to pictures of the back and the bottom to check the condition of the chassis. 

"To me it is critical to understand the options/limitations of a piece of equipment from the very start whether it is an amp, preamp, speakers, DAC, etc."

Me too, however my first visit is to the manufactures website and not to rely on a seller's abilities or inabilities to present the item for sale.

oh the problems of the first world.....

Control C + google + Control V + search.

so hard I know. what a pain. 

sorry for the sarcasm, but seriously you've probably spent more time complaining about this then the time you actual spend doing a google search on an interested Item.  

ME! ME! ME!

Couldn't resist.

You are absolutely correct. Sometimes even reviewers failed to show the back of the equipment they review. I always hate it when that happens.