Really miffed with Marketplace buyers

[debodun]

I put my Ethan Allen magazine rack for sale on MP. Had two nibbles and neither showed up. One just ghosted me after giving out my address. The other changed the appointment time twice and even then didn't show. When I sent a PM, she said she had to be out of town for a few days. She didn't know that ahead of time? Thanks for letting me know!

 

[Nathan]

It's the same types as on Craigslist, no-shows, ghosting etc. That's how people everywhere are, now.

 

[Aunt Bea]

There’s a simple solution to the problem.

 

[hearlady]

I keep saying I'm going to get on Marketplace and sell some stuff but it just doesn't seem worth it.

 

[Nathan]

I keep saying I'm going to get on Marketplace and sell some stuff but it just doesn't seem worth it.

There's not much I would try to sell anymore, would just as soon donate or drop in the dumpster.

 

[bobcat]

I've bought and sold a lot of things on Marketplace, and most of the time, the results have been good. One thing I learned though is to check the buyer's profile before I answer their msg. If their profile shows up in any way suspicious, I just don't respond. Overall, I'm very satisfied with using the platform, although occasionally one turns out to be flaky and is a no show. If that happens, I just move on. If they ask about using Venmo or some other exchange app, I just say no, cash only. If they are scamming, I don't hear back from them.

 

[hearlady]

There's not much I would try to sell anymore, would just as soon donate or drop in the dumpster.

I wish my kid's would take a bunch but you know how that goes. They only want the things I'm not ready to part with.

 

[debodun]

One thing I learned though is to check the buyer's profile before I answer their msg. If their profile shows up in any way suspicious, I just don't respond.

Most don't put any personal info on their profile which makes me suspicious. Plant sales have also fallen sharply. I was selling plants well earlier in the year, but after the beginning of July - no responses.

 

[hollydolly]

I put my Ethan Allen magazine rack for sale on MP. Had two nibbles and neither showed up. One just ghosted me after giving out my address. The other changed the appointment time twice and even then didn't show. When I sent a PM, she said she had to be out of town for a few days. She didn't know that ahead of time? Thanks for letting me know!

if it helps any Deb...they do exactly the same thing here..... I've stopped selling on market place now, I went back to Ebay.. no sellers fees currently and buyers have to pay strictly through Ebay now, no cash on collection

 

[IrishEyes]

I have sold 2 items on MP with no problem that was picked up within hours, but then I live in a small community/town so word gets around fast on stuff like that.

 

[Oldeagle66]

Bring back the garage or yard sale. I haven't seen one in awhile. Do people still do that?

 

[SeaBreeze]

There's not much I would try to sell anymore, would just as soon donate or drop in the dumpster.

Same with me. I've given a lot of things away for free, good quality items like near new sewing machine, artwork, etc.

I cleaned up my old Schwinn bicycle that was on my porch for years unused, but in great condition. I rarely used it, it was a classic. Anyhoo, two days ago I put it out with a Free sign, listed on there that the wheels/inner tubes may need to be replaced because it was old, and maintenance check before use was recommended.

I didn't take anything apart, oil anything, just cleaned it really well. It went yesterday, took the dog for a walk and it was gone on my return. My neighbor brought my good window air conditioner to Goodwill, since I can no longer drive. I've thrown a lot of stuff out too. Don't want to waste time for a couple of bucks by selling things.

 

[debodun]

Bring back the garage or yard sale. I haven't seen one in awhile. Do people still do that?

We have one community-wide garage sale here in the spring. This year it was dismal - I never worked so hard for so little return. Less people stopping and even less buying. I don't know what people are looking for, but apparently I don't have it or they aren't willing to pay a fair price. They act like 25¢ was $25.

I have things that are too good to just toss or give away and yet they are things nobody seems to want (I've posted photos of my sale tables somewhere here). My next door neighbor also had a sale and I talked with him afterwards. He said, "Never again!" He's a big strong guy and it exhausted him setting up and packing up afterwards.

 

[hollydolly]

We have one community-wide garage sale here in the spring. This year it was dismal - I never worked so hard for so little return. Less people stopping and even less buying. I don't know what people are looking for, but apparently I don't have it or they aren't willing to pay a fair price. They act like 25¢ was $25.

I have things that are too good to just toss or give away and yet they are things nobody seems to want (I've posted photos of my sale tables somewhere here). My next door neighbor also had a sale and I talked with him afterwards. He said, "Never again!" He's a big strong guy and it exhausted him setting up and packing up afterwards.

that's why I stopped doing ''car boot sales'' they're just so exhausting... getting everything ready to sell, pricing it all up, packing it up and loading the car, driving to the venue at 6 or 7am.. doing everything in reverse setting up the tables laying out all the stuff, buyers doing everything to try and get stuff cheaper, people distracting you so they can steal... it's just not worth it now..

However I donate a lot to to charity shops.a LOT.. but I also have items that are valuable and worth money , so I'm not giving them away for free.. that's where I sell online..

 

[That Lady in PA]

We have one community-wide garage sale here in the spring. This year it was dismal - I never worked so hard for so little return. Less people stopping and even less buying. I don't know what people are looking for, but apparently I don't have it or they aren't willing to pay a fair price. They act like 25¢ was $25.

I have things that are too good to just toss or give away and yet they are things nobody seems to want (I've posted photos of my sale tables somewhere here). My next door neighbor also had a sale and I talked with him afterwards. He said, "Never again!" He's a big strong guy and it exhausted him setting up and packing up afterwards.

I think you have an inflated idea of what your things are worth.

Why not donate them and take the tax deduction?

 

[bobcat]

Most don't put any personal info on their profile which makes me suspicious. Plant sales have also fallen sharply. I was selling plants well earlier in the year, but after the beginning of July - no responses.

Perhaps that's a New York thing, IDK, but I hope things turn around for you.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Bring back the garage or yard sale. I haven't seen one in awhile. Do people still do that?

Yes people still do that. Just the other day my husband and I saw one. It was a huge sale. My husband wouldn’t let my stop and look.

 

[debodun]

I think you have an inflated idea of what your things are worth.

Why not donate them and take the tax deduction?

I research online for values, especially of antiques and collectibles.

I don't itemize.

 

[Babs2u]

There’s a simple solution to the problem.

Do tell.

 

[January]

I have things that are too good to just toss or give away and yet they are things nobody seems to want

However , whatever the theoretical value,things are only worth what somebody is prepared t o pay for them (or sentimental value to the owner but I presume that is not so if yo u are trying to sell them)

You seem to spend a lot of time trying to sell things with little return - if yo u enjoy doing so, no problem, but yo u don't seem to enjoy it much either.

 

[That Lady in PA]

However , whatever the theoretical value,things are only worth what somebody is prepared t o pay for them (or sentimental value to the owner but I presume that is not so if yo u are trying to sell them)

You seem to spend a lot of time trying to sell things with little return - if yo u enjoy doing so, no problem, but yo u don't seem to enjoy it much either.

The OP fails to see that logic!


And I agree... why continue doing something that brings nothing but aggrevation and complaints?!?!

 

[Knight]

Maybe she does it for the exercise. From past posts the amount of stuff that is put on display then put back looks like a lot of exercise is taking place.

 

[LoveTulips]

I am just astounded at the amount of stuff that the OP is always trying to get rid of. I have never had anything to sell or donate - except books and clothes. My maternal grand parents, my parents, me, we just don't have or have had so much stuff. Some people love to collect stuff, not us.

 

[Veronica]

My old neighbor had a two day yard sale and made $20. I had been culling my hoard so she asked me if I wanted to have a sale.
I said I will pay you $20 not to be subjected to that.

Selling antiques etc was the husbands thing. Somehow I got involved. Truthfully he was more interested in buying than selling.
It wasnt too bad until he discovered online auctions. He is gone now and I am slowly dealing with the aftermath of his addiction to online auctions. I dont want to be involved but somebody has to do it. I feel for Deb. Selling is a PITA. I just sent another load to auction. We are now two boxes short of being hoarders.

I been dumping stuff on my handyperson. His wife lost her job so Ive been giving them stuff instead of sending it to Goodwill.
I told him I wont be insulted if they sell things. I just want it out of my face.

If youre willing to ship things you can get more. But then theres postage. If youre willing to ship it opens up your market.
Things that dont sell locally might be snapped up in Peoria.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I have given brand new items away if I l don't feel like bothering with selling them. I have also sold some items. It depends on what I feel like doing.

I try not to throw things away unless they are junk because I don’t want them to end up in a landfill. If you leave a ton of stuff behind your heirs won’t want to deal with them and may just hire a junk place to throw everything away.

That happened recently when someone died in our building and they didn’t want to haul it out through the building so literally threw nice things off the balcony into the courtyard which were broke after falling 2 stories.

I told my kids I don’t care if they sell my stuff or give it away but don’t dishonor my memory by throwing it away. I have hauled off many items that were my friend’s stuff to keep it out of the landfill because they couldn’t be bothered or couldn’t physically handle it. Now that I have downsized one person could pack my entire place in a day.