This is something concerning buying and selling of stuff on this forum. These thoughts are my views but I am sure the majority will agree with me (a minority will disagree, I'm sure).
1. Please don't jump impulsively for articles that are on offer (For Sale). Ask yourself 3 or 4 questions before you indicate to the seller, "I want it" or "block it/book it for me". Question 1 - Do I REALLY need it? Question 2 - If I buy it, can I use it NOW? Question 3 - Can I afford it now? And for the younger members on this forum - Do I need someone else's permission before I buy it and will I get the permission now? If the answers are YES, go ahead, bid / confirm / buy!
2. As a buyer, once you commit to buy something being sold on this forum and you exchange PM's / Posts and express an intent to buy, it becomes a tacit binding. It is only gentlemanly to keep that committment,at any cost - Unless your house burns down! At any cost, be honest with the Seller, don't dodge him. If there is an unforeseen crunch, be honest, people will understand.
3. As a Seller, please deliver what you promised. The best way is to post photographs of the product so that the viewers can see and decide for themselves (this, however, is not a comprehensive solution for electronic items). As far as used goods are concerned, mention all cracks, scratches, deviations, defects and shortcomings clearly.
4. Sellers, please deliver what you charged for. I bought some stuff from a forum member. One of the items was worth Rs.200/- and it didn't arrive with the consignment. When I asked him, he said, "Well, I gave that away as a gift to X, as he bought stuff worth Rs.8000 from me." Excuse me? I paid for it and you GIFT it someone else? How can you do that?" More than a month has passed. Neither has the seller responded to my Pm's and messages, refunded my money nor has he sent a replacement. This, I don't think is fair practice!
5. Both Buyers and Sellers, please exchange cell numbers and TALK. Clarify details before exchanging cash.
Just my thoughts. Would request the others to add on.
Cheers!
VC sir, I completely agree with you! Especially the first point.. There are so many things for sale on this forum that I feel tempted to buy.. After asking myself "Do i really need it?" most of the times i realise that I don't really NEED it, I just WANT it.. But the problem is that most of the times, by the time i figure out that the item is genuinely required, its already gone :(
I know what you mean. I have faced the same situation so many times!
Really, for the first point. Not only over net but also in real time shopping mall or market too.
I 100% agree with you.