Annoyed. Trying to Sell on Gumtree, Buyer Does Not Show up

Rukiata on 16/10/2015 - 09:37
Last edited 17/10/2015 - 16:06

SO the story goes like this, I put up a listing of an xbox one console for 350 getting a lot of people asking about it then change their minds or something. Anyway there was this one guy he contracted me last night asked me to hold the console for him till this morning at 9am, meant to text me at 8am to tell me he was on his way, nope he didn't. also Its past 9am and he still has not shown up. So I tried to call him but his phone is off.

how can people be so? I don't know lol

Anyway im still waiting but I sent him a message if I don't hear from him soon I will sell to someone else as a warning, trough everyone else is messing me around and not wanting it now its driving me crazy. Has this happened to you? It has happened to my other listings couple times but this is far the worse.

update: After over 8 people messing me around by saying they wanting it then changing their minds I have finally sold it to someone, the man was nice.

General Discussion

Related Stores

Gumtree
Gumtree

Comments

  • altomic on 17/10/2015 - 10:47
    +5

    Sellers who don't take down finished ads

  • BertieBrown on 17/10/2015 - 11:01
    +1

    Welcome to GT OP, that's pretty much SOP for every item I've ever listed on the site, but I've never not been able to sell something, it just takes time to run the listing until you find someone who is gen.

    The benefit of GT is I can leave the ad live for ages and just wait and not pay a cent. If you want a guaranteed sale you need to look at eBay, and stomach what I feel are generally fairly high F&C's for the privilege of doing so.

    The other option is list the item for a slightly lower than average price to begin with if you want a quick sale.

    I've also found the more specific or obscure the item is, the harder it is to sell.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2015 - 12:32

    Years before Gumtree I sold some concert tickets on eBay days before the concert. The buyer insisted on picking up locally even though I specified that it would be posted. I didn't have enough time to re-list or I'll get nothing. So he drove all the way from the opposite side of Melbourne. Would not pay the postage and handling costs (which was meant to cover my cost of the eBay listing too), then demanded change and a god damn (profanity) receipt.

    I was young at the time and complied as not to lose it all.

    He didn't even leave me any damn feedback.

    If I ever pull his contact details from an old email archive or something like that, I would love to get back in touch with him and tell him how much of a (profanity) asshole he is.

  • stig on 17/10/2015 - 13:05
    +9

    Oh man, don't even get me started. "I'll be there at 9am!" - never showed up. "Please call me and I'll pick it up this weekend" - never answered their phone. Constantly dealing with stuff like that. To be fair though, I have dealt with some lovely people too!

    The worst was when some f**kwad wanted to check out my dryer. He lived 45 mins away, but he said he'd be in my area at 5:30pm. Cool, I had stuff to do (was in the process of moving, it was the second last night in the house, hence wanting the dryer gone), but 5:30 should be good. After a few messages that he ignored, he rocks up at 7pm. Comes in, I show him the dryer - even putting it in on for him, having kept a small load of damp washing aside at his request - and he seems happy enough. Couldn't really tell, he mostly just grunted the whole time. He says he'll head down to the ATM for cash and he'll be back shortly. I give him directions to his banks closest ATM and we work out that he should be about fifteen minutes… 45 minutes later he's still not back. I email his girlfriend on gumtree, and she gives me his number. I give him a call and he answers straight away. "Hey, just wanted to check that you're okay. Haven't gotten lost or anything, have you, haha?" to which he responds "Nuh" and hangs up. Obviously he'd just decided he didn't want the dryer and after 45 minutes, he was probably already back home while I stood around like a (profanity) waiting for him. I was FUMING. Scummy little prick - still makes me angry just thinking about it (can you tell? Haha.)

    So yeah, I was an idiot for waiting around for so long for him, but a simple 'no' or a text saying no thanks would have been lovely. My mother-in-law was waiting around with me too, and we were both tired after moving furniture and crap all day. That guy was such a jerk.

    • 2bitbludger on 17/10/2015 - 13:18

      I'd put a similar ad on with a fake account
      hopefully he responds to your ad then tell him
      "your address" and he has to hurry cuz your getting
      heaps of emails, do this only via email, then he emails
      you to tell you that he's out front… LOL

      At some address you made up. hahaha

      • stig on 17/10/2015 - 13:45
        +4

        Not gonna lie… I briefly considered doing something dodgy with his phone number. I'm talking about signing up for quote call-backs on insurance sites and stuff so he'd keep getting annoying calls all day, every day; not anything exceptionally bad, but I eventually decided I probably shouldn't.

        • 2bitbludger on 17/10/2015 - 13:49
          +1

          subscribe to everything you possibly can that requires a phone number!!

        • ankor on 17/10/2015 - 20:23

          Just need to wait a year so he forgets you. That's what google calendar is for!

    • Naga on 20/10/2015 - 20:23
      -2

      when someone says I'll go get cash out means they are not gonna buy it, he was just checking it out. I have dealt with nice people as well as irritating people sometimes but you'll learn as you sell more stuff. This is how the world is out there, don't expect others to be nice as you are lol but now you know, when someone else says they'll be back, just lock the door and get on with your work. I usually don't care about the buyer unless they are home on time and seem genuine, also have cash and asking change is fine, but if they wanna go to ATM, they are never coming back!!!

  • Sergeant Salami on 17/10/2015 - 13:31

    I've been selling a lot on gumtree and here's my advice. Never give out your personal address and use a prepaid number. I always get them to meet me at a local mcdonalds or coles. Don't hold any items for anyone! Money talks, bullshit walks. There will be a lot of low ballers, it always happens. Have the price set in mind and hold your ground especially when they have driven 20+ mins to come and see you. I've walked away from low ball offers and they always come up with the cash, first an excuse then bang, out comes the full amount. Best thing about prepaid is you can write back whatever you like to their low ball responses, profanity and all (get yourself an ozbargain cheap phone with sim). To prevent yourself from being "stood up" tell them to call/message when they get to your meeting place that way they can wait you don't sit around waiting for them. If they want it they will wait. Don't delete the ad until you have the cash in your hand.

  • Rukiata on 17/10/2015 - 14:22

    Update: After lowering the price still having people contract me they want it then change their minds or still thinking about it… 6 people and more so far this is getting stupid im about had it. I wish people were more I dont know would be more honest one person watching it on ebay, hopefully it goes soon as im sick of this lol thinking about just trading it into ebgames.

    • pufffdragon on 17/10/2015 - 15:36
      +1

      I found ebay buyers worse than anything. I gave up on it. I would auction stuff for a few days, people would bid on the last minute and win, and then decide not to pay or respond to your message. Too many time wasters on Ebay.

      I'd stick to Gumtree. Be firm with your price, don't hold the item. Just politely say you can't as you have others wanting to buy. And if you do arrange a time tell them it will have to be between for eg 5 to 6pm. This way you've set a time and if they don't show you can move to the next person and you won't be disapointed if they don't show.

      Just be patient. It will sell

      • Rukiata on 17/10/2015 - 15:42
        +2

        Im not patient at all lol. But I may have found someone. BOOM SOLD!!! got the cash! woot the guy was nice too

  • Handsoff on 17/10/2015 - 14:49
    +1

    Welcome to the real world. People think they want something and then they don't when they think harder about it. It happens all the time.

    Just some personal experience: In the car modifying world lots of stuff is bought and sold 2nd/3rd etc… hand. Sales fall through all the time and items are put back up for sale.

    It's what happens on an "un-regulated forum". If you wanted to avoid these things then pay fees to places like Ebay (although they have horror stories of their own).

  • saigsrik2 on 17/10/2015 - 21:00

    It has happened to me few times. There are idiots who say they want it, don't dhow up at agreed place to meet, pay and collect item. There are some who exchange few messages and don't end up buying. People only buy second hand items at a cheapest price. Brand new items and good priced items don't have a room for sale on gumtree.

  • cvas on 17/10/2015 - 22:41
    +2

    Default position when selling on gumtree. Never hold for anyone. First to show up with the cash gets it

  • Tasmaniac on 18/10/2015 - 00:00

    Yep 50% of people are going to change their mind and not show up. Tell them a time you would of been home anyway and you avoid being messed around.

  • Mysterious on 18/10/2015 - 15:39

    My golden rule is whoever wants to pay first will get it. Don't hold it for someone. Just tell them if it's still available at 9am tomorrow, then sure come on down, but don't put other buyers on hold because nothing is certain on Gumtree.

  • mirridon on 18/10/2015 - 18:45

    This happened to me about 3 times last week, trying to sell a gym bench. "I'll come over tomorrow, I'll come over friday, Ill be there this afternoon" no show. Finally, another guy called and said he'd take it, showed up in an hour, BOOM!

  • Tuukmaak on 18/10/2015 - 18:53
    +1

    Simple solution I use. I ask them to deposit a minimal amount, say $10 for me to hold it. That way if they don't show, I've made a little profit! If they won't do it, they were probably not that serious in the first place. Has worked multiple times.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2015 - 19:29

    A friend of mine got beat up badly and goes to hospital from selling in gumtree.

    Be careful, gumtree has no verification like ebay, and anyone that transact with you can be anyone.

    Knowing that you have an item of high value would motivate thief to steal it. They can simply ask to meet in a quiet area. They come in 2 or 3, and you are done. If they think they can't beat you up (perhaps because you are big), they just don't show up.

    Knowing that you will bring a large amount of cash to buy something, can also motivate them in the same way.

    Regardless of eBay, gumtree or uni forums, transact in secure area, with cameras and security such as in a mall or in front of Woolworths.
    If you must (for example furniture), ask for ID (take photo of it) before inviting/entering to your/their property.

    I sold my iMac 27 inch for $2000, it's too difficult to transact at Woolworths, so they come to my house, I make sure there is another person inside the house, and before we enter, I took photo of his ID, upload it to the cloud, and transact.

    • Rukiata on 18/10/2015 - 19:54
      +1

      True now im scared … lol

    • pufffdragon on 18/10/2015 - 21:07
      +1

      How did your friend find himself in that situation to end up in hospital?

      I will only sell from my house. I will not meet people in car parks or shopping centres. If it comes to that it starts to feel a bit dodgy to me.

      If someone asked for my ID, alarm bells would be ringing. That doesn't sound right. No way in hell would I hand over my personal details to a stranger from gumtree or anywhere. Even more so if you are putting that info in the cloud!

      I'm sure you have your reasons but it all sounds a bit overboard. Maybe gumtree isn't for you. Hope your mates alright.

      • 01011010 on 19/10/2015 - 11:46

        i'd be more worried about people coming to my house. I'd think that a shopping centre, where the purchaser has to walk past a few security cameras and if you are standing in the view of at least two cameras, would be safer than someone coming to your house?

        make the transaction in front of your bank (if its open or takes deposits) and complete the transaction and walk straight into the bank and deposit all or some.

      • wyrmy on 19/10/2015 - 13:53
        +1

        Shopping centres shouldn't ring any alarms. I've done a few over $500 single transactions buys in shopping centres. Pick the right spot and you know they would have to walk through a half dozen secuirty cameras just to get to you.

        And food courts mean tight chair spaces which prevent someone doing aa fast runner.

        • pufffdragon on 19/10/2015 - 14:43

          The alarm bells comment was for providing this guy with the photo ID, not the meeting at the shops.

          Being cautious is a must in any situation. But I see alot of comments here that are just plain paranoid.

          I don't have any issues with people doing their business at shops or banks and I do understand why, but its not something I like to do.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/10/2015 - 04:58

          @pufffdragon: Yeah, the ID swap and cloud upload is a bit over the top, I would only do that if I'm alone at home.

          It's up to you whether you think it's more dodgy to buy from a guy that ask to meet in common place.

          But let's think of it this way:
          1. Knowing where you live and what you have, means they can come back another day to steal/rob. (Jewellery box, hifi set, new laptop, etc)
          2. If you are alone or easy enough to be attacked quickly, they can take advantage without coming another day.
          3. A guy can name himself Frank Smith, while he himself could be wanted man.

    • Charity on 19/10/2015 - 03:01
      +3

      you want photo ID… no deal. lol

    • snook on 19/10/2015 - 14:10
      +3

      No way I would let you photograph my ID. You want to do that, then I'm walking away.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/10/2015 - 10:08
        -4

        Then I assume guys like you are fraud anyway, either a criminal or no intention to buy anyway. Like the no show up guy.

        If I'm a buyer, I would go anyway, because I have travelled to pick up this item, unless it's 5 mins drive, I would be really pissed to back off.

        Besides, it makes sense, you are entering my home as a stranger, how do I know you are who you say you are?
        I don't sell from a storefront, where I have security cameras, alarm, security personnels, or other customers as eye witnesses.
        You could be serial rapist/killer/robber.

        Just think twice before meeting stranger in quiet place or inviting strangers to your home.
        And remember, cameras don't stop crime, it just help the good guys catch the bad guys, after the crime happened.

        What I'm trying to say is that he is lucky to only have a no show up guy and not someone that beat him up to steal his goods.

        • pufffdragon on 20/10/2015 - 16:40
          +2

          You assume alot of things by the sounds of it. Just because we don't want to hand over our personal details doesn't mean we are fraudulent criminals.

          Haven't you heard of identity theft? You better add that to paranoia your list.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2015 - 01:31
          -1

          @pufffdragon: Yup, thanks man.

          I don't need you to be convinced.

          Just remember this if something ever happened to you, that I told you so.

        • pufffdragon on 21/10/2015 - 02:32
          +2

          @fm: This is classic fear mongering. Where are you getting your info from? Have these bad things happened to you personally or someone you know? There seems to be alot of what might happen and what could happen, but has it really happened?

          I think if someone is going to roll you and clean your house out, I doubt they are sitting online looking at Gumtree all day to do so.

          And if it ever does happen to me, I will pm you and let you know, just so you can tell me I told you so.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2015 - 11:26

          @pufffdragon: like I said, it happened to a friend of mine.

          So yes, it did happened.

          I'm not trying to scare anyone, apologies if you got scared.

          Btw puffy, i think its rude of you to accuse me of something. Did I offend you in anyway before?

        • snook on 21/10/2015 - 13:24
          +2

          Seriously, if this is your attitude then you shouldn't be selling this way. It clearly does not suit you. Have you thought about that? It's not the other people, it's you.

          There is no way in hell I would let you know where I lived. No way. Your attitude towards this alone, would make me not want to deal with you.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2015 - 15:07
          -1

          @snook: Yes I have, like I said, I choose common place if at all possible.

          I wouldn't tell you where I live either, but I have to, since you are picking up.
          Perhaps you shouldn't buy anything online, unless you are picking it up (not delivery).

          I place every possible way to make sure you don't need to enter my house, but sometimes it's inevitable.

          I guess some people understand, some don't.

          I'm surprised with the responses I get actually, I thought people would appreciate being told about something that happened.
          Instead I'm accused of a liar. Unbelievable…

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2015 - 15:20

          @fm: Guys, I accept there may be a misunderstanding in my comment. So let me explain that again.

          Rule No. 1, meet in a common place, if you do this, you don't need ID or whatever, most items you sell, you can sell it in a common place, unless it's heavy item.
          Rule No. 2, if you must invite them to your home, have a few people in your home, just in case. And unless necessary, invite only one person inside. Finally keep your door open, so people outside can see what happen inside.
          Rule No. 3, if you must invite more than one people, or if you feel scared somehow, or you just need some extra security, you might ask some ID to check who they are, and perhaps even photo it and upload it somewhere. People are already doing this when buying a car.

          These are my rules, my friendly advice, you may choose to take it, improve it, or reject it. Up to you, I don't care.
          Like I said, it happen to a friend of mine, he was selling a brand new phone, just released, and got beat up for it.
          It can also turn the other way, if I advertise that I have 10 iPhones 6S for $700 each, would you come for it with $7000? If yes, then follow my advice above.
          Remember I can make any email ID and sign up to Gumtree as John Doe in 60 seconds.

        • snook on 21/10/2015 - 15:23
          +1

          @fm:

          Perhaps you shouldn't buy anything online, unless you are picking it up (not delivery).

          What? This has nothing to do with me. In case you haven't noticed, or read the thread, you're the only one demanding, not only to SEE ID, but to PHOTOGRAPH it - and you're being quite aggressive about it.

          I'm going to forget where you live in approximately 20 seconds and you have a PHOTOGRAPH of me, my licence number, my full name and my address? This style of selling just isn't appropriate for some people and you shouldn't do it. You can not expect people to hand over their ID to be photographed. It's unreasonable. Council pick-ups are free and no one needs to know where you live.

          Edit: and I didn't see anyone call you a liar but it was ok for you to call me a fraud and a criminal.

          Edit: Advertising on Gumtree that you have 10x iphone 6s' for sale shows zero degree of common sense.

        • pufffdragon on 21/10/2015 - 15:38

          @fm: Ah yes, sorry I forgot about the earlier reply where you mentioned that.

          Telling people about your experience or your friends experience and being safe is fine by me, but it was your assumption that people that don't wish to use ID, are fraudulent criminals. That sort of annoyed me. By all the neg votes on that comment it looks like it annoyed others also.

          I did mention the fear mongering thing but I don't see how that is being rude to you. There is alot of negativity is what you are saying. Being cautious is one thing, but being over paranoid is another.

          I'm not offended mate. I'm not even mad :)

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2015 - 18:39

          @pufffdragon: no worries mate, I realise I sort of accused you as criminal or fraud. I'm sorry for that. What I meant was that if my safety precautions deterred buyer from showing up, I will comfort myself by saying they are perhaps have evil intent and then choose not to come, because of that.

          @snook: the id photo is already happening if you buy and sell cars. The intent over there is if you wreck the car during test drive then we know where to find you.

          Its different intention to inviting someone to your house, but the principle is i need assurances that you are who you say you are, and a perhaps further extreme measure, if you are alone for example, is to photo n upload it to a friend, so that if you are missing, they know who to find.

          I guess it is a bit too paranoid, but after seeing what happen to my friend, while no permanent physical damage, it is still traumatic.
          The loss of phone or money is nothing, compared to being robbed.

          @snook; I don't know what part about 10 phones that you think does not make sense?
          Also I don't use council pick up, because I want to get money… I mean I'm ozbargain-er…..

  • subywagon on 18/10/2015 - 22:52
    +1

    Welcome to Gumtree. It's flaky as. I've been using it for years, you get used to it but it's annoying.

  • BubbLeT on 18/10/2015 - 23:21

    Had a bad experience with a seller the other week with gumtree. I was looking for some long boards. I negotiated a lower price for 2 and he said it was fine. Was going to meet him at a place mid day but could not get through to him at all. After 2 hour of waiting at the meeting place, he said he had an interested buyer that talked to him before myself and that he would pay the original price. I was quite annoyed for waiting so long but I texted him back saying it's fine. I later found a board I liked on net and bought it. The next day he asked me if I still wanted to buy the boards. I replied "Yeah I don't really like long boards anyway. Have a nice day." (Immature but I didn't really care).

    Other than that, I have had 2 good buys from 2 very nice people. Bad experiences do happen so you just have try to deal with it I guess.

  • CLoSeR on 19/10/2015 - 08:06

    It's Gumtree.. there is no commitment to purchase like eBay. Unfortunately some people are just time wasters; don't let it turn you off though.

  • glam77 on 19/10/2015 - 10:35
    +1

    I love the buyers who try to haggle AFTER agreeing on a price.

    Was selling a tv, exchanged a dozen texts, agreed on a price and pick up time… then I get another text asking will I accepts $25 less (the thing was already going for a steal). If just don't even answer that sort of text.

    Someone else rang, came asap, paid the advertised price - no issues what so ever.

    Then just reply to the original purchaser…"sorry, tv is sold."

    My other favourites are the ones who send low ball offers 10 minutes after you list something. I usually ignore, but sometime for the fun I just tell them to get back in contact in 2 weeks time if it's still listed. None ever do.

  • Tombf2g on 19/10/2015 - 11:37
    +6

    I had to educate a buyer once, I was selling an expensive ($2500) laptop through Gumtree to a girl who met me in my apartment lobby to buy it, she handed over the cash and started walking away. I told her to wait because she hadn't even opened the laptop bag. I told her to always check when buying from strangers. I could have just had paper in the laptop bag and she would have lost $2500. I had also gone to trouble of cleaning it up and formatting it to factory settings for her and I wanted to show her this.

    • 01011010 on 19/10/2015 - 11:48
      +1

      wow silly girl.

      but some people have more money than sense and then still purchase stuff off gumtree.

    • smpantsonfire on 19/10/2015 - 22:17
      +1

      The amount of emails I send when looking for concert tickets about hiding barcodes baffles me. People don't understand about barcodes.

  • snook on 19/10/2015 - 14:03
    +3

    We bought a house with some revolting bedroom furniture in it. I stuck it on Gumtree for free just to get rid of it. There was a bed, a dresser and matching 3 peice wardrobe. The dresser was broken. The wardrobe was the best bearable bit.

    The bed was downright disgusting. It had 2 fitted sheets on the mattress … I did look and still wish I hadn't. The sight is burned into a memory I can't share in words for fear of reliving the nightmare tonight.

    A whole posse of people turned up, and after much negotiation between themselves, took the bed (ewwww) and the dresser. They said they'd be back for the wardrobe.

    Never came back so I sold the wardrobe the following week for $80. What a deal. Didn't have to book a Council pick-up and scored $80.

  • snook on 19/10/2015 - 14:19
    +2

    Buying on Gumtree is very hit and miss. I really don't like how people don't take their ads down and how flaky they are. Looked at an oven only last week. Asked the guy if he still had it. He said yes. I said I would pick it up that arvo if it worked ok (ad said it did but I like to confirm directly). I didn't ask for a discount, wasn't trying to do a deal, just confirm that it does work ok. Never heard back from him. I think that even though some people can post anonymous bs about the stuff they are selling, they can't directly lie because then you have it in writing. I would take this oven as a lucky near miss.

    If you are buying something electronic it always pays to confirm, specifically, in writing that what they claim in the ad is true.

  • pufffdragon on 19/10/2015 - 15:14
    +2

    Unfortunately there are dishonest sellers out there ruining the Gumtree experience for a lot of people. If I'm buying any electronics I always ask if I can see it running before I buy. Especially anything over $100.

    As a seller, I always list any defects, marks or any kind of issue with the items I sell. I don't know why people try to be sneaky about it. You're just asking for trouble if you are doing that. If I sell a Tv or some other electrical item, I make sure they test it and are happy with it before they hand me the cash, and I always say to the buyer, if you have any issues just let me know.

    Being truthful is so damn easy, yet it's amazing how many people choose the hard way.

  • Baebs on 19/10/2015 - 19:47

    Classic buyer tactic, he most likely had another seller with a more affordable price on hold and was using you in the event that the first deal didn't go through.

  • jackdao on 19/10/2015 - 19:56

    It's better than seller does not show up after the payment been placed.

    • smpantsonfire on 19/10/2015 - 22:15

      That's irrelevant. Gumtree is Cash only.

      • glam77 on 20/10/2015 - 10:31

        *recommended

  • Skellysgirl on 19/10/2015 - 20:22
    +2

    I once listed a sofa, within an hour I had someone wanting to buy, and said they would collect the following day in a van. They didn't turn up. They then called that night promising to turn up the next morning, me being a nice person agreed. They didn't turn up But called saying they could come that night, me being not a nice person told them where to go.

    About 3 hours later I got a call from a different person asking if it was still for sale, I said yes, they said great I'll come now, after I put the phone down I realised they didn't have the address so it must have been the time wasting buyer, when they turned up I asked how they knew the address they swore blind I'd told them on the phone, so I decided to let it go and just get rid of them and the sofa. They were in such a rush to get away with the sofa the bloke picked up the sofa and threw it in the back of the van…and snapped it. They had already paid me, I waved them goodbye and went in the house.

    • DiscoJango on 19/10/2015 - 22:12
      +2

      fukn druggos

  • smpantsonfire on 19/10/2015 - 22:14

    I am a good buyer.

    I contact and immediately arrange a time to pick up. I am always on time.

    The comments I get are "Thanks for being honest, on time and reliable. Appreciate it."

    • mjjeje on 20/10/2015 - 21:56

      As a gumtree seller I do appreciate good buyer ;) for being serious and not wasting my time.

  • Kempe on 19/10/2015 - 22:28
    +1

    Experience will tell you never to hold an item for someone, always say first to show with the money gets it.

  • twig on 20/10/2015 - 10:27

    Same deal with selling a car via carsales or whatever. Some people are like that.

  • MementoMori on 21/10/2015 - 09:15

    I am convinced eBay keeps Gumtree's functionality just good enough so no new competitor can take over Gumtree but bad enough most people (frustrated with all of the above) will pay the 10% and use eBay.

    • Mumbles on 21/10/2015 - 17:40

      That's not entirely true. The reason why eBay doesn't invest money into improving Gumtree is because it already beats the free competitors (eg. Allclassifieds + other random bulletin boards). Gumtree's competitors are welcome to sink money into web development and grow their customers but what's the point if there is no revenue from a free service.

      The downside of eBay taking over Gumtree is that eBay has to recover the cost of the Gumtree buyout by increasing eBay fees. Gumtree now has a lot of eBay advertisements and eBay hyperlinks.

  • glam77 on 22/10/2015 - 15:43

    Sellers can be no better sometimes.
    I'd just agreed to buy something, been to bank to get the cash out, arranged a meeting time, on my way…. "sorry not available anymore". WTF…?!?!

    I think if you mutually agree it's sold, then you stick to that!
    Otherwise you just say it's not sold until you get here and cash is in hand.

  • aspirepranesh on 23/10/2015 - 11:07

    I learnt my lesson for being nice yesterday. When it comes to buying/selling, I am straight forward (Because I work in sales myself), Listed something on Gumtree. One guy texted a few times, but never turned up. So when the second person msgd me, I made it clear to him that this guy might turn up and asked the second person to call or text me before they come to see me.(Tried being polite to not waste his/her time)

    Second person exchanges 7-8 emails with me, says that he/she doesnt own a car and wanted me to drive to the nearest station which I politely obliged as I have been a student myself without a car. (Second instance of being nice)

    Because the weather was shit yesterday, I agreed to make it easier for him/her and emailed the person to contact me if they want to pick it up earlier when the weather is better (Third instance of being polite)

    20 mins before the agreed time, he/she texts me, and I go to the station and i get a text saying 'Running late by 20 mins, could you possibly meet me at huntingale' which was an other 15 min drive. I said No and asked the person to call me when they reach the agreed station.

    20 mins later : 'I wasnt planning to buy the item after all, I just wanted to waste your time like the other guy did. Thanks for driving to the station though. Sorry'

    I have never met this prick in my life. I have no idea why he/she wanted to waste my time. I have pulled my ad off gumtree. I sent him/her a msg to go F themself.

    Well… there is a lesson learnt.

    • Ughhh on 23/10/2015 - 13:10
      +1

      Hate those pricks. You could help him sell an iphone on gumtree :) would be even more helpful for him if you had his address.

      • aspirepranesh on 23/10/2015 - 13:59

        If I had his address, I would have honestly driven there to bash his head in. But being a reasonable person, I am not sure if I should be annoyed with myself for being polite or the fact that I wasted my time with this prick.

        But I guess, I should have remember the perils of Gumtree after so many years of using it.

        • Ughhh on 23/10/2015 - 17:36
          +1

          Im surprised he actually gave you his number, whether its a throw away or not. Just put his number up in the mens toilets or on Craigslist in the gay section.

  • pufffdragon on 23/10/2015 - 12:40

    The hell!

    I've had people ask me to meet half way or drop the item off to them and I never do it.

    I've only ever done it on one rare occasion. It was nearby and this bloke said he was in a wheel chair and asked if I could drop the phone off at the hospital. Turns out he got bashed so badly they had to remove his legs. Poor bugger.

    I never sell for the convenience of others. It's always on my terms and that's the way it should be. If they want the item they will find a way to get to me. If they can't, someone else will. Forget them and eventually the right person will come along. Just don't entertain the fools that come along. It saves the headache.

    • aspirepranesh on 23/10/2015 - 14:01

      Agree with you mate. I guess its a good way to learn the less, even if its the hard way. That being said, I cant even fathom the idea of me doing it to someone else to waste their time. I am guessing some people don't have anything better to do on the internet like the pricks on Gumtree.

  • FloatingPoint on 23/10/2015 - 13:45

    Sold plently of stuff on Gumtree over years and I found some interesting behaviours based on the types of item selling.

    Big appliances, such as fridge/air-con/washer - Zero low-baller and all buyers would turn up promptly.
    Small appliances, Dyson/bread machine/steam mop, and garden power tools - Some did try to negotiate reasonably, a few low ballers, and most would turn up.
    Furnitures - Many low ballers but they did show up if we agree on something.
    Electronic, NDS/Speaker/Phone/TV - Bunch of ridiculous offers (some even asked for free), ask to hold forever (nah), >50% no show.

    Gumtree is a funny place

  • Rukiata on 24/10/2015 - 17:16

    Just sold a PS4 1TB for 400 as well, sold within 4 hours of putting it up and no problems so good and happy this time it must be people buying xbox's lol

  • Rukiata on 24/10/2015 - 17:16

    Just sold a PS4 1TB for 400 as well, sold within 4 hours of putting it up and no problems so good and happy this time it must be people buying xbox's lol

  • ian1095 on 18/07/2017 - 15:09
    -1

    Having the same pain every time i go through gumtree… signed up as a beta user on Pay'n'Hold.
    Got a deposit for my item before the buyer turned up.
    Here is the link http://www.paynhold.com/

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join