Another Gumtree Rant

LBargainBoo on 21/02/2023 - 12:36
Last edited 22/03/2023 - 12:05 by 1 other user

So…
I posted an item (small appliance brand name food processor less than 5 years old) which I thought was at a bargain price at $20 being that it worked perfectly with no parts missing.

Someone asks if it is negotiable and offers $5 I say I'll take $10. They say yes THEN ask me to hold it for them for a week, probably knowing I'll get more interest. I know it's a small item but then feel as though I've given in to them and second guess my own pricing…they don't read the ad and then start asking questions about the condition of it (all mentioned in the ad).

I've been a gummie for over a decade and mostly had awesome experiences but is this just me thinking people have sunk to a new low? These people are not the fair dinkum sort that I'm use to dealing with.

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pussa on 22/02/2023 - 07:58

I've given up moving low value stuff, dealing with other people isn't worth the hassle. I'll just keep it or give it away to friend/family etc or donate. Higher value is fine for eBay (send in the post) despite the fees.
lew380 on 22/02/2023 - 08:06

If people start doing this, I just ignore them if it's really bad or tell them asking price or nothing.
CheepCheap on 22/02/2023 - 08:36

+3

I once listed a kids bike for $5, got a "what's your best price?"

A bunch of plastic kids coat hangers for free, "can you deliver?"

Posting anything of moderate popularity or value on gumtree brings out the scammers, always reminds me of the star wars line about Mos Eisley "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy"
- JimmyF on 22/02/2023 - 08:50
  
  I love those can you deliver people….. They normally pull this after they knock you down in price too and then want 'free' delivery as they are busy or don't have a car. Funny when you say sure for the full price or tack on a delivery fee, they magically can pick up now.
  - Grunntt on 22/02/2023 - 09:12
    
    +1
    
    Best one I had was when I sold a wall oven on Gumtree (full model number and measurements in the ad).
    The guy turns up in a corolla sedan and attempted to fit it through the back passenger door.
    When that was seen to be physically impossible he wanted to just take the door (as all he wanted were the hinges) and leave the rest of the oven with me.
    - JimmyF on 22/02/2023 - 11:15
      
      LOL That would have been a sight to see!
      
      Did he end up taking just the door in the end?
      - Grunntt on 23/02/2023 - 10:00
        
        +2
        
        @JimmyF:
        
        LOL That would have been a sight to see!
        
        Did he end up taking just the door in the end?
        
        Told him to take it all or stop wasting my time.
        He tried every which way to manouver it through the back door but there was no chance it was going in (wish I had videoed it).
        
        Actually had a call from someone else desperate for it as their one had died a couple of days back.
        They seemed pretty desperate and kept offering full payment so that I would hold it for them until they could drive from Newcastle to Sydney to pick it up.
        
        Told them it was theirs as long as they were here by the end of the next weekend end. Glad I did as they seemed to be a really nice couple in a bind.
        
        JimmyF on 23/02/2023 - 10:27
        
        @Grunntt: Worked out well for you in the end then, and even better it went to a nice couple! Win Win!
Hawks33 on 22/02/2023 - 08:48

+1

Hi Bargainboo, is this still available?
azonki on 22/02/2023 - 09:48

Before you accept any offer, you need to qualify the buyer.
Ask how they are going to pay and how/when they are collecting.
Then accept or refuse their offer.
Some Human on 22/02/2023 - 11:20

For such a low amount, I wonder why you don't just take it to cash converters. They'll probably give you $10 for it with little hassle.
cupcake on 22/02/2023 - 11:33

+3

So you list it for $20 and they offer $5? I would just ignore.
Jules_d1 on 22/02/2023 - 11:45

I sell a lot on marketplace. I'll happily hold something for someone if they pay a small deposit. If not, sorry.

I have a high FB Marketplace seller rating (50+ @ 5 Stars) so that probably helps with trust.
bobolo on 22/02/2023 - 11:50

+1

$10? lol…whatever it is, its not worth the time to even wait for someone to show up to pick it up….

I would see it as an opportunity to troll someone behaving like that…tell them yes you'll wait a week…then after a week, tell them you sold it for $5 :)

Then just throw it away or give it to salvos
keejoonc on 22/02/2023 - 12:31

+4

Anyone who asks a lot of questions is most likely a timewaster. People who are serious buyers are always fuss free and hardly ask any questions.
- ahara on 23/02/2023 - 00:13
  
  I respectfully disagree as many ads lack details or pictures, so asking history, condition, known issues and suitable pickup date/time are required to avoid wasting time during inspection.
  
  I hate those who ask too little and then do not respond for many hours or even days. Then they come back with 1 short sentence and disappear again….
Brick Tamland on 22/02/2023 - 12:36

+1

Pretty standard run around on Gumtree.

You gotta be strict on selling terms to avoid getting messed around. Never hold goods and only face-to-face transaction ideally with cash. Might accept PAYID if its low value
Speckled Jim on 22/02/2023 - 12:36

I've been lucky.
Had this 1992 Repco mountain bike on Gumtree from 9 Feb 8pm for $60 (neg).
Sold 14 hours later for the asking price.

Had this frame I found in nearby bushland on Gumtree from 11 Feb. Price: free.
Here's a message I received:
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/88188/101842/gtf.jpg

mAh EYeZ
I was offered $25 for something I listed in the Free section!

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- thisusernameistaken on 22/02/2023 - 14:53
  
  The first photo could have been taken in the 90s but the red car seems a bit too modern.
  - Speckled Jim on 22/02/2023 - 17:21
    
    Taken last month at a local park with gravel tracks throughout. That's a red Getz I believe.
- bamzero on 22/02/2023 - 15:03
  
  Maybe he was going to ride over to pick up and stick em in his backpack. $25 for your time to disassemble and dispose of the rest
  - Speckled Jim on 22/02/2023 - 17:24
    
    Well here's the funny(?) thing.
    That same evening, I get a mobile call from a Gabi (male) who wanted to know if I'd post it to him in Victoria. He denied being "Chris" who messaged me that morning.
    I was honest and said it's not worth the bother. Tried to steer him toward a new Reid bike that suited his budget and height (5' 3") but haven't followed up.
Hangryuman on 22/02/2023 - 13:18

+4

it's my child's birthday and she deserves this - can you give it to us for free, gift wrap it, and deliver it to our place 200km away ?

PLEASE - it's her special day - don't ruin it - you'd have to be a heartless monster to refuse my daughter her special day !
- No ONE on 22/02/2023 - 13:31
  
  +1
  
  Sent a shit box and note that would say:
  
  Regards,
  Heartless Monster
- Peon on 22/02/2023 - 19:18
  
  "Behold the field in which I grow my f#cks. Lay thine eyes upon it and see that it is barren."
dcash on 22/02/2023 - 13:36

What about the people who advertise something for $x, you agree to the price, drive half a day with the cash in hand to pick it up, and when you arrive they say, "Actually, I don't know if I want to sell it anymore. Maybe for an extra $200". People suck.
Sterio on 22/02/2023 - 13:44

+3

Previously, a serious buyer is one who calls.

However, it is prudent these days to not place your phone number on an ad as it just adds to more grief via scammers. Rather than contacting you through Gumtree messenger you are now exposing yourself to more spamming through text.

Also, if someone is keen and wants your address, I get their mobile number beforehand. It separates the tossers from the serious buyers.
JayM on 22/02/2023 - 14:25

I had someone barter me down on an item from $150 to $140. The guy said he's paid so I check and he's paid $120?! I ask him about it then he starts going on about that's how much he was willing to pay… He ended up paying the extra $20 after saying i'm not letting the item go for any less than $140.
- cupcake on 22/02/2023 - 14:55
  
  +1
  
  Some people, aye.
- derrida derider on 24/02/2023 - 18:56
  
  TBH I'd have immediately said "Just for you my friend, the price is now $160."
bamzero on 22/02/2023 - 15:01

Had something for sale $20 (I only list on FB Marketplace these days), guy from the country messaged me says he wants it but isn't coming to the city for a week, offers to transfer me the money if I'll hold it for him.

He does, and picks it up a week later.

Holding for a week at a discounted price without being prepaid, nah.. maybe if it's been listed for weeks without any bites
Willy Beamish on 22/02/2023 - 15:37

-1

I offer $10 and can I afterpay it with you for $1 a fortnight? all I can afford.
Empharand on 22/02/2023 - 17:14

If they ever ask me to hold the item for them, I tell them I will until someone else messages me that will pay my asking price and can pickup earlier, usually that either does one of two things

1) They accept that, which more often then not means they were going to be a tyre kicker anyways
2) Suddenly they want to pickup ASAP

I have held things for people previously (quite a while ago now) and turned away other people because I was true to my word then to have the original person go AWOL or back out. Never again.
THICKnSLOW on 22/02/2023 - 18:17

What can I say, idiots don't know when to pull out before they come.
liongalahad on 22/02/2023 - 19:10

Anyone lowballing on $20 should be ignored, blocked, shunned, cancelled from the internet for eternity. Makes me sick hey
ihfree on 22/02/2023 - 20:00

I've had way too many Payid scammers recently. I generally play along and try and get them to tell me a story. It generally ends with incoherent swearing or them just leaving the chat. I then report the email to Gmail and the account to the bank.

My last few sales have actually been pretty good. I've posted a few items. I generally price based on eBay and give a price without fees and or effort in response to people who haggle.

I generally just block annoying people to save potential hassle in the future or tell them the item isn't available for them. I prefer not to give my mobile number and generally check in a few times before collection.
ThePojo on 22/02/2023 - 21:12

I work in retail sales and I think it's partly embedded in Australian culture to act like a complete and total twat whenever it comes to buying stuff. Gumtree is fine, you need to start really low, and hold it firm. Just tell them you've got other people interested and if they want to come and pick it up they should do it asap.
Whomastadon on 22/02/2023 - 23:15

+3

Dealing with morons on Gumtree is half the fun.

You obviously don't use it much if you're just realising this.

I put stock wheels up for extremely cheap ( new, perfect condition, less than half their retail price ).

Had a guy agree on the price, arrived and tried to lowball me. Started arguing. Said he drove an hour to get here.

I told him I decided I'm not selling the wheels anymore and wished him well on his long drive home.

He wasn't happy, but I didn't care.

Can't be bothered with those types.
- DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 24/02/2023 - 21:00
  
  +2
  
  Re-negotiating on arrival is the worst.
- BargainBoo on 22/03/2023 - 11:58
  
  +1
  
  He could have been a nutter and he knows where you live!
Not Me on 23/02/2023 - 04:13

+3

I had a laptop on Gumtree for $575 (negotiable).
I got a message saying, "What's your best price".
I replied $575
They replied, "I thought you said it's negotiable".
I replied, "you didn't negotiate"
Never heard from them, but sold it the next day for $500

Another time i was selling a Harley for $14000 (neg) & got an offer of $7000 so I counter-offered $21000. Never heard from them again either.
Sold it two months later for $13500

Don't suffer fools.
- Empharand on 23/02/2023 - 11:47
  
  Haha the infamous lets offer 50% of what you're asking in the hopes it works (Referring to the Harley).
  I don't want to profile (as I'm not racist) but it tends to be a particular type of people that do that.
  
  Had one the other week, I was offered 50% of what I was asking, I declined and he told me that I'm selling it for more then what other people are selling it for, I asked for proof, sends me a screenshot of a completely different brand and product (Inferior branded product) I told him to go ahead and buy it as it's a different brand product and not the same as what I'm selling, I was left on read hahaha
SydneySchnorrer on 23/02/2023 - 07:28

People are self centred you know whats.

All of my ads start with.

"Yes It's Still Available"
"No I won't accept your low ball offer which is half of what I can get a Cash Convertors"
"Not getting paid for a week, sorry to hear it - I can't hold it without a deposit"
"No I can't ship it to Russia, China, North Korea etc"

It thins the herd.
Limitless on 23/02/2023 - 08:29

I listed a free item on FB and someone asked me to hold it for them for 2 weeks as they were away on a holiday
- DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 24/02/2023 - 20:57
  
  Everytime someone asks me to hold something, I say "Sure I'll hold it unless someone else wants it".
Breno785au on 23/02/2023 - 09:11

Think of it this way, you really think it's worth all this trouble over $20?
Firstly, I'd tell them piss off, it's $20. Secondly, you're getting all disturbed over a $20 item to the point of posting about it here, is it really worth worrying about?
- Eeples on 01/03/2023 - 05:38
  
  It’s a $10 item as that is where the market met.
skillet on 23/02/2023 - 09:51

Just add $20-50 on top of what you trying to sell them give the serious lowballers a chance. They will be satisfied with their achievement and everyone win-win.
simplerick on 23/02/2023 - 10:48

+1

Lately it seems like there are people out there who are acting interested in items sold on gumtree or facebook who show interest in an item, then keep delaying and doing a no show, no replying promptly to messages, then giving you the run around as if its a game to them to deliberatly tick you off with no actual intention to buy the item.

What kind of people have the motive to simply mess with your ad and waste your time.

Might just stick to ebay thanks
- ngoctua on 23/02/2023 - 11:34
  
  It's funny because it's true. I shared the same experience and I think I will stick with eBay.
- skillet on 25/02/2023 - 11:15
  
  Because they are selling similar items as well.
- morse on 25/02/2023 - 13:25
  
  Yep I think there are actual marketplace trolls. They are usually easy to pick. If you say ‘price is firm’ they’ll message with a low ball offer and ask you to deliver. I think it’s literally a weird hobby for people with personality issues. I just block them as so as I get those vibes.
FloatingPoint on 23/02/2023 - 13:36

Look we found your buyer
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/758622
[Deactivated] on 23/02/2023 - 16:01

There really is a business use case for stricter classified sites:
Id checks prior to signing up.
Scammed someone = Permaban with no possibility of making a new account.
Ai monitored chats to check for tyre-pushers/timewasters. Too may positives/reports = warning -> temporary ban -> permaban.
Big Lez on 23/02/2023 - 16:41

Gumtree > Facebook MP.

Buyers/sellers are more mature on Gumtree, however it is sad that there has been much less interaction on Gumtree since Facebook MP.
living4music on 23/02/2023 - 23:58

Very easy. I would say OK I will hold but if anyone pays the asking price or more than your offer, I will sell. That works every time.
ssfps on 24/02/2023 - 06:07

Just ignore the lowballers and time wasters.

If all you get is lowballers and time wasters, you have an unrealistic idea of what your item is worth. Even if cheap, it might be an item that people often get even cheaper. For example, ive seen lots of old kitchen electrical given away for free due to being donated and rejected by OP-shops. (something about not being able to sell electrics).
This rule of thumb applies even to rare items IME, as rare items get fewer time wasters as much as they get fewer genuine buyers.

I've bought and sold on gumtree for years and almost everything is sold quickly & painlessly, and for buying i ask questions, say what i'm willing to spend, and if they confirm that's okay i ask when i can pick it up, or to please let me know if they sell it before i can get there (to save me a wasted trip). Never been jerked around yet.
Youi2018 on 24/02/2023 - 11:08

This is standard gumtree behaviour. If this is the first time something like this is happening to you on gumtree consider yourself lucky . I stopped using gumtree a while back because of this behaviour
KaTst3R on 24/02/2023 - 15:03

+2

Gave up on Gumtree and FB Marketplace a long time ago. Too many dodgy people and time wasters. I now donate or dump stuff that I dont need anymore.
1r4n14n on 04/03/2023 - 17:25

If you want to encounter the dregs of society, post a ad on Gumtree or FB Marketplace.

Another Gumtree Rant

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