M61A1MECH Posted March 23, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 23, 2015 I am in a bit of a quandary over an issue on another forum I visit. I am hoping to hear what others think is the proper protocol for this situation. A member posted a "Want to buy" post for a certain item that I also have been wanting to purchase and have been watching a few forums hoping to find some. A few hours later another member posted that he had just that item and was willing to sell them, and listed a delivered price. I PMed the seller to tell him I was interested in purchasing the items if the Original Poster (OP) did not take them and asked for some photos so I could make a decision on them. Photos arrived , they looked good and worth the price. The seller was ready to sell them to me on the spot, I was not comfortable with that , because I felt I was taking advantage of the OP and felt like we needed to give him a chance to respond to the seller's offer. I suggested the seller wait for 24 to 48 hours before actually selling them to me so as to be fair to the OP. The wrinkle is, the OP has been on the forum since the offer was made by the seller and has not replied. So in the world of internet motorcycle forums, buying and selling things, what is the proper protocol in a situation like this. The seller is happy to wait for either the OP or me to make a decision, and I have made it clear I will buy them when I feel I should without feeling I have trampled on the OP. I would appreciate any feed back, what would you do? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Du-Rron Posted March 23, 2015 Share #2 Posted March 23, 2015 I think you did exactly the right thing. Suggest to the seller that he contact the original buyer by, text, email, phone, PM or send smoke signals. I would tell the seller that if he gets no response after that from purchaser #1 , just like you already did, that it is to be all yours after 48 hrs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaharly Posted March 23, 2015 Share #3 Posted March 23, 2015 Like you said sir, Wait 48 hours and then buy it. That seems fair to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiCarl Posted March 23, 2015 Share #4 Posted March 23, 2015 Posting "Want to buy" and opening the wallet are two different things. Lots of people have big eyes but not the cash to back them up. You've been more than generous. Get your item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenner Posted March 23, 2015 Share #5 Posted March 23, 2015 It's unanimous we all think you gave the courtesy and respect to the OP and the time to stand up and make the purchase. You made it clear to the seller although you want the item you do not want to step on another's toes. Exactly what I would of done and if more people were like that in this world it would be a much nicer place. Good karma for you as my wife would say. I personally hope it works out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djh3 Posted March 23, 2015 Share #6 Posted March 23, 2015 I think you did the right thing. You have offered a "grace" period for the OP to purchase. If he cant decide in a day or so I would say "next". You and I have both been around long enough that we know there are folks that would have snapped it up without even thinking about the 1st guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowpuc Posted March 23, 2015 Share #7 Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) In an attempt to avoid the appearance of misdoing, I think the only thing that I may have done differently is that I would have posted a clearly stated message on the OP's thread that I would be interested in purchasing the item IF the OP was not interested. "Avoiding the appearance of wrong doing" can be tricky but, IMHO, transparency always seems to be the answer if your attempting to avoid hard feelings in a situation like this. I would have also openly let the seller know that I was a serious buyer, had the cash and would appreciate being second inline in the event that the OP was not interested, once again, all within my response in the thread. I know,, I am one strange character..... Edited March 23, 2015 by cowpuc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M61A1MECH Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted March 23, 2015 In an attempt to avoid the appearance of misdoing, I think the only thing that I may have done differently is that I would have posted a clearly stated message on the OP's thread that I would be interested in purchasing the item IF the OP was not interested. "Avoiding the appearance of wrong doing" can be tricky but, IMHO, transparency always seems to be the answer if your attempting to avoid hard feelings in a situation like this. I would have also openly let the seller know that I was a serious buyer, had the cash and would appreciate being second inline in the event that the OP was not interested, once again, all within my response in the thread. I know,, I am one strange character..... Cowpuc, Actually I did both of the actions you suggested, posted that I was interested and PMed the seller asking how he would like to be paid if the deal goes down. Thanks to all who have replied, I am watching the OP's signature page to see if he is getting on the forum, I saw in his profile that he is an airline pilot, so his availabilty may be limited by his schedule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyinfool Posted March 23, 2015 Share #9 Posted March 23, 2015 I think you done good so far if the OP shows no interest by the end of today, it yours. A lot also has to do with the forum. There are some forums where the proper protocol would be to snap up the item and then launch a preemptive string of profanity at the OP to the effect of you snooze you loose. Fortunately this forum attracts people that do not think that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongobobny Posted March 23, 2015 Share #10 Posted March 23, 2015 Maybe send a PM to the OP and ask what are his intentions?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eck Posted March 23, 2015 Share #11 Posted March 23, 2015 You did what most every VR family member would do towards another rider and I would do business with you anytime. The only thing different that I would have done was I would have also sent the OP a private email letting him know that I was going to buy the item(s) if he did not respond to the seller with in 24 hours, and I would have CC copied the seller on this same email so he knew I was a serious buyer. If no response was taken within that 24 hour period, then contact the seller and close the deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M61A1MECH Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted March 23, 2015 All who replied, Thanks again for the replies, does my heart good that the folks I consider friends on this forum, think the same way I do. The issued is now solved, the OP did contact the seller and agreed to purchase the items, so now I am still looking , and have a clear conscience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowpuc Posted March 23, 2015 Share #13 Posted March 23, 2015 All who replied, Thanks again for the replies, does my heart good that the folks I consider friends on this forum, think the same way I do. The issued is now solved, the OP did contact the seller and agreed to purchase the items, so now I am still looking , and have a clear conscience. IMHO, that maintaining a clear conscience can be difficult at times M6, sometimes ya just gotta follow your gut feelings (like you did in this example) and know everything is gonna work out for the best! I, for one, am proud to call you my friend too M6!!! If I can be of any assistance in finding whatever it is your looking for (bike related or not) PLEASE let me know!! Be glad to help!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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