[RESOLVED] Package received from KLOVer

[vwalbridge]

I know this is something that I should post over on KLOV but since a lot of us spend time in both places, I thought that I'd share my experience so that others can learn. (I plan on doing a Buyer Beware thread on KLOV)

I purchased this VS Panel on KLOV on the 14th of January. Long story short, he strung me along for a few days telling me he was busy with this and that and he would drop it in the mail. "It's already boxed, I'll drop it in the mail"

Well fast forward, to 29th and I haven't heard a word in a week from him. I've sent him numerous emails and he has gone totally radio silent. In fact, he hasn't even logged into KLOV since the 22nd.

I've given the guy ample time to just put it in the mail. And the best part is, he has some historically positive feedback so I paid using PayPal's friends and family. Big mistake, learned the hard way on that one. Now I can't even dispute the charge.

NEVER pay by friends and family with PayPal.

[UPDATE 2-2-16] - The seller PM'd me and sent tracking information. He has been dealing with some very serious personal matters. Of which, are clearly and understandably more important than worrying about this.

I will post a follow up when the panel arrives.

[UPDATE 2-11-16] - The VS panel arrived. It was packaged very well and looks excellent. The seller even threw in a couple extra parts and that was very generous of him. He and I traded a couple PMs that I will obviously keep between us but we are A-OK now. I'm very happy and he is a good guy. I hope his personal situation is getting better.

This matter has been resolved.

[yotsuya]

No, but I've never sent money as a gift to someone I didn't know. You live and learn.

[pbj]

Anyone else been ripped off in this hobby?

Oh lord. 

Sorry to hear about that deal going south.  It's amazing how people will do ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- like that over such small amounts of money.

[Ginsu Victim]

Anyone else been ripped off in this hobby?

I haven't, but I've been privy to many a tale of woe.

[tomstewdevine]

Dude, that sucks.  I hope he ends up sending it to you.

[vwalbridge]

It's amazing how people will do ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- like that over such small amounts of money.

Yep. He just trashed his rep on KLOV over $125 bucks. Hope it was worth it buddy.

I aint going anywhere for a while so if  he tries to post on KLOV, I'll be posting right behind him.

[Howard_Casto]

Anyone else been ripped off in this hobby?

I haven't, but I've been privy to many a tale of woe.

That's kind of sad.  I've found most people I deal with to be honest up-standing members of the community.  Then again I deal with you guys almost exclusively so maybe that's the difference.  Anyway, I appreciate you guys always being on the up and up. 

[yotsuya]

I always eat the fees on a KLOV purchase so I can dispute it if I don't know the guy personally.

[vwalbridge]

I always eat the fees on a KLOV purchase so I can dispute it if I don't know the guy personally.

I might just pay Yots a fee and have him broker all my deals. 

[wp34]

I always eat the fees on a KLOV purchase so I can dispute it if I don't know the guy personally.

Same hear.  Small price to pay for piece of mind.

That being said I'm really turned off by sellers who are too cheap to include the fees in their price.     

[yotsuya]

I always eat the fees on a KLOV purchase so I can dispute it if I don't know the guy personally.

Same hear.  Small price to pay for piece of mind.

That being said I'm really turned off by sellers who are too cheap to include the fees in their price.     

Me too. I wish dudes would factor shipping and fees and just provide how much they want for the transaction. $75 + shipping and 3% for PayPal is a real turn-off.

[harveybirdman]

I generally hate people that sell stuff in our hobby... obviously with some exceptions, but the prices alone some people list things out makes my blood pressure rise.

[vwalbridge]

I generally hate people that sell stuff in our hobby... obviously with some exceptions, but the prices alone some people list things out makes my blood pressure rise.

Amen brother!  But what is crazy is that the market will bear what the market will bear. I'm constantly shocked that things sell for what they do. It baffles me what somebody will pay for stuff in the hobby.

[yotsuya]

I'm amazed by how much money is spent on games by guys who don't even like the games or didn't play them, but it's the flavor of the month and so it's a must-have.

[vwalbridge]

And since I'm on my soap box...


Why is it so friggin' hard to pull your Craigslist posting if you sold the game 3 weeks ago? 

Do you enjoy telling countless people via text "thanks, but it's sold"

Well good for you Mr. Fancy Pants...then take down your stupid ad that keeps coming up in my search! 

[Slippyblade]

Why is it so friggin' hard to pull your Craigslist posting if you sold the game 3 weeks ago? 

No ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.  The morons that even go in and update the title of the ad to "Original title *SOLD*"...  WTF?  Just delete the damn ad!

[pbj]

Why is it so friggin' hard to pull your Craigslist posting if you sold the game 3 weeks ago? 

No ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.  The morons that even go in and update the title of the ad to "Original title *SOLD*"...  WTF?  Just delete the damn ad!

Meh, it's all about networking, bro.  They need penpals.

[vwalbridge]

Another thing that annoys me about arcade machines on Craigslist:

Why is it so hard for the sellers to take decent pictures? I'm not asking for much, just a 3/4 view, shot of the panel, marquee sides, etc. Maybe even turn the light on in the room you are taking the picture?

Oh and heaven forbid you have to take a picture of the inside of the cab.

[johnrt]

Another thing that annoys me about arcade machines on Craigslist:

Why is it so hard for the sellers to take decent pictures? I'm not asking for much, just a 3/4 view, shot of the panel, marquee sides, etc. Maybe even turn the light on in the room you are taking the picture?

Oh and heaven forbid you have to take a picture of the inside of the cab.

Having a bad day are we? 

[vwalbridge]

Another thing that annoys me about arcade machines on Craigslist:

Why is it so hard for the sellers to take decent pictures? I'm not asking for much, just a 3/4 view, shot of the panel, marquee sides, etc. Maybe even turn the light on in the room you are taking the picture?

Oh and heaven forbid you have to take a picture of the inside of the cab.

Having a bad day are we? 

  yea but all this venting has actually made me feel better! You guys (and Jenn) are the best.

[jtslade]

Oh and they always seem to either take pics with a 2003 flip camera phone or rub Vaseline on the lens.. Wtf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CheffoJeffo]

Bah ... you all chose the wrong hobby.

FWIW I don't think you've been ripped off. Not a good seller, but you'll get your panel. Also don't think he's trashed his reputation as much as you might think (he's already known as being slow, which is a lesser offence compared to quality). I think you did a decent job in your post over there, although I would have started "neutral/potentially going bad" rather than going straight to the full smash.

I prefer when people leave their ads up but include the *SOLD* in the title. Fewer broken links on message boards, evidence of the original ad, better for market research, etc.

[yotsuya]

I prefer when people leave their ads up but include the *SOLD* in the title. Fewer broken links on message boards, evidence of the original ad, better for market research, etc.

Agreed. That happens too much around here...

[vwalbridge]

Bah ... you all chose the wrong hobby.

FWIW I don't think you've been ripped off. Not a good seller, but you'll get your panel. Also don't think he's trashed his reputation as much as you might think (he's already known as being slow, which is a lesser offence compared to quality). I think you did a decent job in your post over there, although I would have started "neutral/potentially going bad" rather than going straight to the full smash.

I prefer when people leave their ads up but include the *SOLD* in the title. Fewer broken links on message boards, evidence of the original ad, better for market research, etc.

I hear ya, and you guys have much more years under your belts than I do in this hobby. So maybe I came out of the gates a little hot. I'm not very familiar with the "house rules". But where I'm from, you call a spade a spade. And if some guys is wasting your time or money, then don't beat around the bush. I just like to get right to the point. I just don't see the point of easing into it. Might as well try to get his attention since he has my money. This wasn't a complicated transaction. Heck, a picture of the finished panel was in the listing. All he had to do was slap it in a box and drop it of at the post office. How hard is that? As far as "trashing his rep"...well it only takes one transaction to do that.

He has a small group of KLOVers looking for him now so unless he lives under a rock, his ears a burning.

I totally understand that "life happens" and you can't always ship things right away. But if your not ready to ship something in a timely manner, then don't sell it. Plain and simple.

I bought from quite a few vendors and individuals in the hobby over the past few years and they have all been upstanding examples of top-notch sellers. This transaction was just totally different and very unexpected. Anyone that knows me would say that I'm a very reasonable person and I'll be patient to the end of the earth but you GOT TO COMMUNICATE with me.

Time will tell and one thing is for sure...I think we will BOTH learn our lessons from this. 

[yotsuya]

I don't blame you. I don't expect Amazon speed turnarounds, but if you tell me that it is going in the mail,  I expect you to honor that.

[CheffoJeffo]

I don't think you are being unreasonable and am not making excuses for him. He's a slow shipper. This hobby is notorious for that. There are tons of them, so don't let yourself get too bent out of shape. I suck at shipping, which is why I will not ship.

About the reputation, if you want to get perspective read those feedback threads. Being slow is forgiven a lot of the time. Be sure to keep your tone level and appreciative (as you have  ) -- you might be surprised how often people who complain end up on "do not sell to" lists for what seems to them to be justified.

[Ginsu Victim]

Thankfully I've never had a bad experience with any of you guys here or over on KLOV. I occasionally read my feedback as a reminder of how most of you are stand-up individuals (for the most part).

[behrmr]

Slow shipping is almost always forgiven.  I see a lot of guys that sell but don't check their threads or PM's for weeks at a time.  I've had a couple of deals that have taken longer but have always come through.  On one occasion the seller was sick for 2 weeks and then came back online and gave me a better deal for being patient.  If sellers and buyers would just communicate a little better things would be so much easier.  From what I've seen people that that out a seller or buyer that's been a member for a number of years wind up getting attacked on those threads. 

[ark_ader]

Give the KLOV'er a chance to make it right, before you go all bad ass on him.  Maybe he was stuck somewhere in bad weather.  Have some patience.   

Like others have said, don't gift on PayPal.

[jennifer]

  I have often gifted with P/Pal and never had any problems, Its a calculated risk, expect going in it may crash and burn, and with it your investment in time and money, But like I say usually its all good (provided you researched the vendor beforehand) .... This has a different feel than a "box of bricks" however, And given recent bad weather, slow shipper would be my guess. Public outrage, and waving torches like this can only hurt your chances of success at this point (IMHO), And would seriously consider trying to have this thread removed.

[pbj]

Who the hell needs studio quality pics in an ad?  Either I want it or don't and all I need out of a pic is reasonable evidence that they actually have the machine in hand.

[vwalbridge]

Who the hell needs studio quality pics in an ad?  Either I want it or don't and all I need out of a pic is reasonable evidence that they actually have the machine in hand.

You have more guts than me. I always ask for more pictures. Especially the inside because I heard a funny story:

Guy goes to buy an arcade machine and the potential buyer says "what's wrong with it?"

Seller says "don't know...it just stopped working a couple months ago"

Buyer tries to open the back door of the machine "hey do you have the keys?"

Seller: "no, lost 'em"

Guy buys the machine, gets it home, drills out the lock...no PCB and no power supply.

[CheffoJeffo]

And, because he paid for what he actually saw and was not freaked out when he got home, right?

Didn't see the guts and saw no evidence that there was anything inside the cabinet?

Then that's what you base your price on.

Oh ... and it's never "just a fuse" ... except for that one time that it was. 

[CheffoJeffo]

Oh dude ... just saw your last post in your KLOV thread. Don't post a PM you sent to the seller trying to make yourself look reasonable. Stop explaining yourself as if people don't understand and if only people understood, they'd be up in arms.

They told you to be patient, said that they would reach out on your behalf and suggested that he might be on vacation (so to be patient).

That isn't being patient.

[vwalbridge]

Oh dude ... just saw your last post in your KLOV thread. Don't post a PM you sent to the seller trying to make yourself look reasonable. Stop explaining yourself as if people don't understand and if only people understood, they'd be up in arms.

They told you to be patient, said that they would reach out on your behalf and suggested that he might be on vacation (so to be patient).

That isn't being patient.

Yea, I debated posting my PM but I want to have full transparency. I have nothing to hide and I want to lay out all my cards on the table.

Sigh....but your right I'll be patient. Unless some one ask me a direct question in the thread, I'll leave it alone for a week.

Honestly, I didn't think anyone would give a rip about my situation. So I'm surprised when anyone even replied. And I'm humbled that a couple guys have shown genuine interest.

At the end of the day, this is such a pain for everyone. PayPal insurance next time and nobody has to hear from my annoying self. 

[FrizzleFried]

It has been what... 2 weeks since you bought it?

 

[DudeRegular]

Not you sepcifically OP, but this situation is part of the reason i haven't tried selling on the boards. I travel for work and don't want to get into some drama over timeliness of whatever if I am not checking KLOV or BYOAC constantly.

[Slippyblade]

Not you sepcifically OP, but this situation is part of the reason i haven't tried selling on the boards. I travel for work and don't want to get into some drama over timeliness of whatever if I am not checking KLOV or BYOAC constantly.

It doesn't need to be constant.  Just communicate.  "I'm on vacation - will ship when I get back in 2 weeks" - and the problem would not exist.

[FrizzleFried]

...and people need to be a little more patient.  2 weeks in and the guy goes nuclear posting a negative feedback thread on both KLOV and BYOAC?   Not even a "Possible deal going wrong" but rather a "DO NOT BUY FROM" thread?  That there is a bit pre-mature,  don'tcha think?   I can see an "inquiry" post... but a full on "This guy sucks" post after only 2 weeks?  I know one thing,  a certain someone is going on my ever growing "LIST" if you get my drift... and it sure as hell isn't Millertime.

[CheffoJeffo]

Aside from the obvious "if he'd just communicate" that people like to beat into the ground (ProTip: EVERYBODY, including the seller, already knows this. You annoy them when you think they don't), there is a lesson to be learned in how things are perceived by the community at large.

This is a hobby where there can be a lot of waiting. A lot. You will feel ignored and disrespected. If you take it personally and  start preaching, things will not end well.  You may burn bridges that you later wish you hadn't (although eating enough crow can bring you back into good graces). Or you may not care -- these are a bunch of folks who fiddle with old video games and don't affect the rest of your life.

Frizz (Hi Frizz!) isn't particularly harsh in comparison to most of the folks in this hobby. I was not kidding with the "do not sell to" lists. I know at least some of those "Sorry, somebody else PM'd me first" rejections are made as a result of a user's prior interactions in the community (I prefer "I'd rather run this board over with my car than sell to you", but that's me.).

No seller wants to deal with the potential for drama and there is always another buyer out there.