Bad Form and Uncool Moves When Trading

wrangler6915

Maybe this belongs in market place so mods please move if so. 

Bit of venting but also wondering others thoughts on someone playing two people against each other when trading.

What I mean is, suppose person A approaches you (person B) and says they're interested in trading for stuff you have listed for sale only.  You figure "ok, I really wanted to sell this stuff for cash, but what the heck, let's see if a trade could be worked out."  So you exchange info and pics and so on...which goes on for a few weeks.  So you make a trade offer.  Person A says they're really interested I a trade, but not sure about the value of what you are offering. You respond back and indicate how you arrived at you offer.  They don't make any attempt at a counter but responds back that they are "really interested".  So you think, "ok, looks like we can work something out" and you pull your stuff out of storage in anticipation of sending out the sets. 

Next thing you know, person A sends you a PM saying that they don't know if they agree about the valuation of the trade, makes NO attempt at a counter, and then says "they have someone else interested".

So, I'm pretty irritated, partly due to wasted time but mainly because the abrupt change of tone and time lags in responding to PM Makes it seem like person A was negotiating with Me as well as another person.  Which is their right, but I think it's not a cool move to do that IF you have not disclosed to people that you are evaluating different offers. Keep in mind also that person A approached me!

I get everyone may want to get the best deal they can, but I just don't think it's cool to do this. And if I'm wrong and person A was not playing people against each other, than it still just seems like a sh;tty way to communicate and work a deal.  

Done venting.  Anyone else have a similar experience or have thoughts to share?

CCC

I tend not to do any work, beyond checking I've got what I say I've got, before agreeing a deal. Something I learned by experience, if it is taking many multiple PMs to work out a deal, its probably not worth it.

GallardoLU

its common as a seller to do the "I have other interested parties" bit to try and keep prices high. but had I been in your shoes it would have ended with me saying something like "you contacted me about my sets, I have little interest in your sets, a trade was offered. If you don't like the values involved I accept monetary payments as well, if the monetary value is to much thank you for your interest, our business is concluded"

Gurooo

I prefer if the person contacting me has a trade in mind that I can say yes or no to, or maybe just change a little.
When someone just says "I'd like to trade for this and that" with no offer, there's often not a great deal in the end of that conversation, is my experience.
I find the same goes with selling, the more questions and haggling, the more problems later on (like not responding after getting a price they have agreed on). 

dannyrww

I really like responding to want and have type threads as it is clear what is being offered. That being said I am still a little uncomfortable trading  (maybe only three or four trades since I first started here.....and I am thankful for the wonderful people who have guided me through them). I do try to check values on trades, but am often willing to trade a more valuable piece for something I want. I haven't posted many of my own threads as there often are not a lot of responses (though I tend to get messages sometimes when I mention I have something even if it is not for trade). and in typical fashion I rambled off topic.

Aleydita

Life's too short to go back and forward multiple times but I find users on BS are happy enough to re-consider a trade if I think it's a bit too lop-sided in their favour. Have done quite a few trades on BS and I've only ever felt ripped off once, and that was after agreeing sadly.

Sethro3

I'd be hesitant to trade. I traded with someone on Eurobricks and while that worked out in the end, I was nervous the entire time. I'd like to have more trust to trade though. I really would.

As far as your situation goes, I think I would have handled it a little differently like mentioned. I may be willing to entertain a trade, but they quit responding or don't like the terms, I'd move on. Granted, being in the situation and seeing the situation from an outside perspective are different. I may react differently if it were happening to me.

Gurooo

You should reconcider that, @Sethro3. I have done lots of trades here and they have worked out 99,9% of the time (only some trouble one time, but that person disappeared and for all I know something happened to him). I have done trades that have been a little uneven, but both in my and the other person's favor. I have been able to get a lot of great stuff that way, and I have had some really great conversations. I love trading here :) 

SumoLego

I've found trading with folks on the forum to be excellent.  It helps when they have eBay and/or Bricklink feedback as well.  

Since I don't sell on eBay or Bricklink (I only buy), I fully expect any potential trading partner to check my referrences, or ask for information directly.

I've only had one 'bad' experience that still ended up working out despite some obvious risks.  

Given my choice of vocation, I enjoy negotiating and exploring trade options.  If both parties can solve each other's needs, it helps add to the community.

Pitfall69

^Yeah, not only should you check their references, but their marital situation as well ;)

SumoLego

Indeed.  It's an ace in the hole...