GUMTREE "Buyers"

LadyDee

Is anyone else plagued by idiots who email to say they really want something, I reply giving them my phone number to arrange collection, never to be heard from again.

Even more annoying is somebody who actually gives you a time, you re-arrange your day so you'll be home, never to be heard from again.

I'm beginning to lose faith in the whole process.

Thankfully, I'm decluttering and not relying on this for my living.

dauphin

Same here. I'm currently waiting on two "buyers" who said they would like to view / collect items. I reply asking them when would suit, then nothing.
It's hard to understand what the purpose is, or how this can possibly provide them with any amusement. They must have very empty lives!

LadyDee

I have four since the weekend.

motorguy

LadyDee wrote: »

Is anyone else plagued by idiots who email to say they really want something, I reply giving them my phone number to arrange collection, never to be heard from again.

Even more annoying is somebody who actually gives you a time, you re-arrange your day so you'll be home, never to be heard from again.

I'm beginning to lose faith in the whole process.

Thankfully, I'm decluttering and not relying on this for my living.

Make it clear that the item is not sold until its paid for, and to phone before travelling to ensure its still available at that time. If they get huffy then ask them to send you a holding deposit via paypal.

The amount on dolts on gumtree is astounding. I've been trying to sell a 32 inch LCD TV since christmas - cheapest in the country on gumtree (northern ireland) at £110, mint condition. Have had various no shows, but i always get them to ring before they leave home so i never have to sit in waiting. Then got a "will you take £60 pal?" text yesterday. I directed him to a broken one for sale at £50 on gumtree that he could maybe fix if that was his budget.... :rotfl:

ballisticbrian

Well I know it's not as bad on eBay but I still get enquiries from the other side of the country asking if they can get a discount for picking up a 99p item.

brewthebear

thats why during moving house last week everything went to the charity shop just couldnt be bothered with all the hassle and did a good deed at the same time there was £100s stuff as well made about 6/7 trips and I still have more stuff

fishybusiness

Yup, for every sale I get 4 or 5 enquiries with promises, seems part of the 'game' and not much different to Facebook selling.

Ting-Tang

Yep they are idiots.


One thing that I've found that helps though: When you put stuff on Gumtree put your phone number but untick the box that says receive replies by email.
People who are genuinely interested will pick up the phone and ring you. (Put a landline number not a mobile or you'll just get timewasting texts instead.)


Since I've started doing this I haven't had a single timewaster and have made some good sales.

mossstitchmama

I'm selling my yarn stash and mostly listing on Ravelry, which is a worldwide site.

It states clearly in my profile that I am located in the UK. I regularly get contact from interested buyers (USA, Canada, Spain etc.) who say they are absolutely desperate for the yarn I have for sale. I give them postage costs based on signed for, tracked delivery and ensure the yarn is covered for what it would cost RRP.

I send a message detailing the cost to post (not even covering my PayPal fees, packaging materials and transport to the post office), and I never hear from the prospective buyers again. In my last message (sent this morning) I even said I would not be offended if the person thought the postage was too expensive, but asked them to have the courtesy to let me know either way.

Nothing, nada. So blooming rude

LadyDee

Ting-Tang wrote: »

Yep they are idiots.


One thing that I've found that helps though: When you put stuff on Gumtree put your phone number but untick the box that says receive replies by email.
People who are genuinely interested will pick up the phone and ring you. (Put a landline number not a mobile or you'll just get timewasting texts instead.)


Since I've started doing this I haven't had a single timewaster and have made some good sales.

Thank you - I'll try that. I've only had my email address as a contact 'til now.

GabbaGabbaHey

LadyDee wrote: »

Even more annoying is somebody who actually gives you a time, you re-arrange your day so you'll be home, never to be heard from again.

It's not just Gumtree.

As part of a clear out, I was giving a fair bit of (good) stuff away for free on Freecycle, but in the end I got fed up with the number of no-shows. Now I just bring it to our local tip (sorry, "recycling centre"), where the people are very good at ensuring that anything which can be reused, will be.