Re: Ebay Oak Amberola 1B
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:45 am
I've seen this from both sides. About 8 months ago, I sold a high-end machine to another collector, sent three sets of pics, many of very specific details, like the back of the case with back bracket removed, close ups of all sides of the reproducer, horn elbow etcetera. I also answered lots of questions by email and had two phone conversations before the purchaser decided to buy. It IS a lot of work but in this case the purchaser, in the end, purchased the machine, although I could never have been certain he would. I guess that's the way you need to do it, esp. in todays market. I would not have been upset with him if in the end he'd declined. That's his choice.OrthoSean wrote:I'd agree with you completely on that. I don't have the time for an endless (and usually pointless) email exchange with a "potential" customer. I always provide my phone number right off the bat, it makes everything easier, and if a buyer is serious they will call you. Usually, they don't, especially with today's market. I've taken a break from trying to sell any machines at all lately because, quite frankly, I've gotten really sick of "tire kickers". I may be selling my house and moving to a bigger place within the year and I have no time to deal with that kind of crap right now.brianu wrote:it's definitely unfortunate when a seller fails to respond to questions or provide additional photos, etc. ... and I don't know any specifics about this particular situation, but still, as someone in the position of selling a few machines, I can appreciate reasons for the inadequate communications... it gets frustrating when potential "buyers" contact you, ask for more information, then more information, if not disappear, only to ask for still more information or photos when you follow up, only to, in the end, never buy a thing. I've just been through this with a couple of people in trying to sell my vic IV, one guy who described himself as a well known collector from ohio. I mean, it's tough enough trying to downsize or liquidate part of a collection in this market, but to deal with the time-consuming tedious nature of all the correspondence that goes with it becomes extremely disconcerting when you add up all the time that's been spent trying to unload something that, months later, you still own... especially when you try to make things easier and less time-consuming (by offering in-person inspections, or a phone number to discuss whatever by phone, even when that "buyer" ignores the same and refuses to provide any contact info beyond an email address). I'm all for full disclosure, but it's tough at times determining who's genuinely interested and who's just bored or something. apologies for the mild rant, but perhaps some here can relate.
Sean
When I'm considering a major purchase, I behave in much the same manner, asking for lots of pics, details and in the end definitely at least one phone discussion. I know from personal experience Brianu, that when selling, you have been very generous with the pictures, large and dettailed and similarly with the information, volonteering all known flaws. Thanks much for that.
That was not at all my experience with the Amberola 1B under discussion here. I MIGHT have been a serious buyer had the seller been a more open communicator, but to not even answer repeated requests for info and expect someone to drop several thousand dollars....not me.