Gumtree - completely useless!

cool_dude_2000

I am at my wits end with Gumtree!

In an attempt to sell my car, I uploaded a free advert on Gumtree's website last week.

Started off well with a couple of queries and a prospective buyer showing interest. However, the would-be-buyer pulled out last minute citing an email from Gumtree advising not to deal with me because of suspected fraud.

When I went to check the ad - it simply states 'Your ad has been removed from the site because it breaks posting rules. We've emailed you to explain why. '

No such email has been sent and no further explanation provided!

When you attempt to contact the live chat - they are completely useless. All they state is we have no access to privileged information and cannot explain why account has been restricted.

An attempt to appeal was rejected as it states 'Your account clearly shows non-compliance of our posting rules.' What !??

I have no idea what non-compliance I am accused of violating? The EXACT same ad is on ebay and has been for several weeks with no issues. There is nothing offensive, libellous or even slightly controversial on my ad.

Has anyone else had the same experience from this ridiculous outfit?

londonTiger

you're right, ask for immediate full refund! and take your business elsewhere.

</sarcasm>

cool_dude_2000

to all those people who say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit - i'm glad you proved them wrong.

dacouch

Did you include any links to any other websites in your advert.

If you did Gumtree don't like this and will remove the advert as a way to try and prevent spam.

cool_dude_2000

No absolutely no links

maninthestreet

Can you post a link to your ebay ad?

cool_dude_2000

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141699293445?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

maninthestreet

Can't see anything wrong with that - I assume the gumtree ad was worded identically?

cool_dude_2000

Precisely! No idea what their problem is.

Judging from other google searches, i'm not the only one.

George_Michael

Here you go cool dude
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mswSKpD673gJ:www.gumtree.com/p/volkswagen/2007-vw-passat-se-tdi-140-inc-sat-nav-dvd-player-new-performance-tyres/1124219832+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk

As you say, there doesn't appear to be any logical reason for it to be removed.

pendragon_arther

Gumtree was rife with scams a while ago, but I don't know if it still is. You deserve a refund if they withdrew your ad.