Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
We have heard a lot about the shortcomings of sellers on this site, but nary a word has been said about the buyers. By this, I am talking about those people who pay late, or short change you by paying with a check drawn on and payable with Canadian Dollars.
And then there are those who pay no attention to what was written in the auction listing, such as sending stamps in payment when cash/check was specified, ignoring the shipping charges, etc.
Now I realize that the naysayers will point out that this is, perhaps, a minor problem. However, that does not mean that the problem does not exist.
Do we have to resort to saying something such as, "I do not ship to East Podunk", or "People with the first name of Ichabod should not bid"?
Bob
P.S. The mention above of Canadian checks should not be taken as an indictment of all. There are many fine buyers and sellers from Canada on this site, most of whom are beyond reproach.
(Message edited by Woodstock on May 03, 2009)
Login to Like
this post
Boston Bob,
We have an auctioneer, me, who can assist you. We don't allow systemic problem bidders or sellers. If someone is constantly giving US fits, we'll exclude that person from the auction, assuming it's a real problem. I take all requests coming to me seriously, and attempt to resolve all things amicably and as close to the rules as possible. If you have a problem, you may let me know. Or, perhaps another way is to write to someone who is buying from you in a way different from what your lot or our rules specify, tell them what you expect (including what's happening with the lot[s] in question) and copy me, indicating that no action is required, but making me aware of a situation you don't want repeated.
I am not particularly interested in setting up little cliques in which groups or individuals are excluded. I am also not interested in allowing deadbeats access to the auction.
That said, most problems are the result of one of the following: ISP issues; someone relatively new to the auction who hasn't read the rules as closely as s/he should have; and occasional carelessness. ISPs are, unfortunately, a large problem, and we can usually find ways around it; newness is overcome with experience; and carelessness, well, is not rewarded.
If someone is constant problem, or doesn't pay or send a lot, we boot them, assuming we know about it. Uninformed though, leaves me unarmed and unable to help.
Finally, other than ill-fated week from hell spent with the China connection, I know of no problems with sellers.
Are there specific sellers, too, with whom you're having difficulties?
David, SOR's auctioneer
Login to Like
this post
As Secretary I try to work closely with the Administrator and Auctioneer to weed out these folks. Yes, they do exist. We need for those of you who are having problems to notify us with the details and we will deal with it in the VC commitee chat room. I also have brought this up a time or two and it is an important issue that you raise. If you can't get an ear anywhere else notify me and I will tackle the problem, however, remember there are ALWAYS two views in every issue ...... Please send all the correct and pertainate information.
Perry ( Stamporama Secretary )
Login to Like
this post
Thank you all. My post was motivated first by the situations described in my post, and secondly by a situation that I recently had on ebay in which the ability to block a bidder provided a painless means of avoiding a less than desirable transaction.
At his juncture I will follow David's suggestion to contact these people at the time of a bid, and only pursue further action should these practices continue.
Bob
Login to Like
this post
06:32:12pm
There should be a way of blocking certain bidders/buyers on the auction site, other than the general "I do not ship to______", and the like.
We have heard a lot about the shortcomings of sellers on this site, but nary a word has been said about the buyers. By this, I am talking about those people who pay late, or short change you by paying with a check drawn on and payable with Canadian Dollars.
And then there are those who pay no attention to what was written in the auction listing, such as sending stamps in payment when cash/check was specified, ignoring the shipping charges, etc.
Now I realize that the naysayers will point out that this is, perhaps, a minor problem. However, that does not mean that the problem does not exist.
Do we have to resort to saying something such as, "I do not ship to East Podunk", or "People with the first name of Ichabod should not bid"?
Bob
P.S. The mention above of Canadian checks should not be taken as an indictment of all. There are many fine buyers and sellers from Canada on this site, most of whom are beyond reproach.
(Message edited by Woodstock on May 03, 2009)
Login to Like
this post
re: Handling auction problems; why we can't block bidders; philosophy of SOR membership
Boston Bob,
We have an auctioneer, me, who can assist you. We don't allow systemic problem bidders or sellers. If someone is constantly giving US fits, we'll exclude that person from the auction, assuming it's a real problem. I take all requests coming to me seriously, and attempt to resolve all things amicably and as close to the rules as possible. If you have a problem, you may let me know. Or, perhaps another way is to write to someone who is buying from you in a way different from what your lot or our rules specify, tell them what you expect (including what's happening with the lot[s] in question) and copy me, indicating that no action is required, but making me aware of a situation you don't want repeated.
I am not particularly interested in setting up little cliques in which groups or individuals are excluded. I am also not interested in allowing deadbeats access to the auction.
That said, most problems are the result of one of the following: ISP issues; someone relatively new to the auction who hasn't read the rules as closely as s/he should have; and occasional carelessness. ISPs are, unfortunately, a large problem, and we can usually find ways around it; newness is overcome with experience; and carelessness, well, is not rewarded.
If someone is constant problem, or doesn't pay or send a lot, we boot them, assuming we know about it. Uninformed though, leaves me unarmed and unable to help.
Finally, other than ill-fated week from hell spent with the China connection, I know of no problems with sellers.
Are there specific sellers, too, with whom you're having difficulties?
David, SOR's auctioneer
Login to Like
this post
re: Handling auction problems; why we can't block bidders; philosophy of SOR membership
As Secretary I try to work closely with the Administrator and Auctioneer to weed out these folks. Yes, they do exist. We need for those of you who are having problems to notify us with the details and we will deal with it in the VC commitee chat room. I also have brought this up a time or two and it is an important issue that you raise. If you can't get an ear anywhere else notify me and I will tackle the problem, however, remember there are ALWAYS two views in every issue ...... Please send all the correct and pertainate information.
Perry ( Stamporama Secretary )
Login to Like
this post
07:06:52am
re: Handling auction problems; why we can't block bidders; philosophy of SOR membership
Thank you all. My post was motivated first by the situations described in my post, and secondly by a situation that I recently had on ebay in which the ability to block a bidder provided a painless means of avoiding a less than desirable transaction.
At his juncture I will follow David's suggestion to contact these people at the time of a bid, and only pursue further action should these practices continue.
Bob
Login to Like
this post