The world of Michael Myers is a strange and wonderful one. During my involvement in this hobby, I’ve bought, sold and traded several masks. I’ve also witnessed and been involved in some rather strange phenomena that seem particular and unique to our competitive pastime.
Often, I’ve encountered the Seller Who Doesn’t Reply. In responding to an ad with an item(s) for sale, I’ve sent off a message expressing interest, asking questions or stating that I accept the price and I need a paypal address to send the money to. Then days pass by. The seller has read my message, but he or she hasn’t responded to it. A few more days go by and the same ad with the same item(s) for sale has been bumped or reposted. Huh? Playing hard to get, are you?
I’ve also dealt with the Seller Who Has Forgotten About You. This is one of the strangest and most disturbing trends. When you ask the seller about the item you’ve paid for, he or she responds by saying, “What did you buy? Remind me.” Up until your money made its way into their account, everything was cool and everything was clear. The seller had your address, gave you a shipping date and confirmed your payment. Now, a few days later, the seller doesn’t even know your name, much less what they sold you.
– “You used to be my homie now you act like you don’t know me!” – Ice Cube
This brings me to the Seller Who Changes Personality Once They Get Paid. This one is similar to the previous kind of seller, but
it’s more sinister (forgetfulness can be attributed to a poor diet
or brain damage, but this?). This seller is unbelievably cool and
polite when selling you the item. They offer and promise you this
and that. They respond to every single message you send them
right away. After they’ve received your money, they turn into
a different person. They’re uncommunicative, distant, treat
you like dirt, and act as if they’re doing you a favor. Meanwhile,
you don’t have your item, but they have your money.
– “When I got your back you know I got your back each and every time” – Cypress Hill
I didn’t realize this whining rant would go on for so long. I guess there will be a Part 2 because there’s much more to be said. I’ll end things now with… People Who Make Empty Promises. Whether as a seller, as a buyer, as a co-worker, as a friend, or as a regular human being don’t say things or make offers you cannot live up to. Be honest with yourself and with others. Anyone that knows me well here or in my daily life knows that I hate politics and empty words. Doing something is the best way of saying something.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have the few transactions I’ve made within this community go smoothly. However, I read about this stuff on threads all the time. Some individuals just don’t know how to handle themselves professionally. Simple as that. Reputation is everything, and I enjoyed reading your post.
Buyers, don’t buy from someone who won’t accept paypal or something without tracking and transaction info. In other words, the bigger the paper trail, the better you can get a refund if they do not deliver. Another wonderful thing is the PrntScr button. If you use this you can save images of the webpage and text when they say they will sell and what the item was. Communicate through e-mail. Sometimes they send you a fake address to give them a money order or something, which is why I almost always do electronic payments.
I understand exactly how you feel bro! I feel your pain and have been in your exact same shoes. The frustration and misleads people give are what makes you not want to buy anything at all. I’ve always tried to deal with people who have a Credible and Trustworthy reputation. But I’ve noticed members who have been burned on this site by other members and have been put on Blast! I would also do the same and let everyone know who the Scumbag is. Keep your head up bro!
Great article, can’t wait to see part 2. Maybe it will have my personal favorite Seller Who Raises the Price After You’ve Paid Him.
This is a terrific piece … thanks! I have to say that I too have had similar experiences with some people just NEVER responding to me. Frankly, I had just assumed that I hadn’t been around long enough to warrant a response, which kinda sux! Whereas others who happen to be the REAL leaders and BIG TALENTS around here have never missed a beat and ALWAYS taken the much appreciated time to write me (a NOOB) back!
Gentlemen, thank you for your comments and support. It’s always great to hear back from you and receive your points of view.
These trends occur in the Hobby in general, not just here. It’s a Hobby-wide thing. Even on ebay, these particular items tend to have some degree of drama attached to them sometimes.
Establishing a great reputation oftentimes goes beyond the visible feedback. It involves returning messages on time, being polite, and respecting others.
Great post. I think most of us have been in one of these situations at least once in this hobby. I count myself lucky that I’ve only been swindled out of about $100 in my years of collecting. It’s a shame that I see that as a positive. I think you should add one more category, and also my personal favorite . . . the buyer who gets raked over the coals, only to develop amnesia once they receive their item. I can’t stand it when people get screwed over for months or years, all the while rightfully bashing the seller; then, once they receive their item they shower the artist with praise. This happens at an alarming rate around here.
@gummi
thank you for your comments. I completely agree. It’s sad when we, as collectors and enthusiasts, come to measure the hobby on a scale of negative experiences. I ask myself what is it about the hobby and the community that has made things this way? Was it always like this?
The type of buyer you mentioned will definitely be included in a future article on the hobby. I see that happen all the time.
Then there is the “Seller who doesn’t ship”!!!
Good post pal. You should also address the issue of “the seller that delays shipping and doesn’t reciprocate promptness after you’ve paid for the item promptly.”