parts for people

[engineer]

maybe it is just me, but do you ever see that someone is needing a part that you might have, so you let them know. They get back to you and confirm they are still looking. you get back to them after having found the part, they want a price, you tell them a price and maybe shipping. they agree that is just what they want, but could you send them a picture now, maybe they have found the part somewhere else, or they only need one of the items you had found. So I have spent time out to help some one with this so called dire need only to be put off or they decide now they want less or nothing at all. This after daily emails asking me if I found the part yet. So how is one supposed to react? Just forgot about it or just tell them the parts already gone to some one else? Did I miss something? Good thing I only to this as a hobby. thanks for listening.

[Jack Gifford]

No, it's "not just you". I guess I'm fortunate, that the majority of my dealings on this forum have been good experiences. Maybe it's just the "friends I keep", but I used to suffer those frustrations a lot in "face-to-face" dealings with friends and acquaintances- I'd tear my garage apart finding some part that a friend just "had to have", only to learn that he/she no longer needs it!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Yep, it happens a lot. About 1 out of 8 "wanted" requests I respond to ever even respond back. But that may have had something to do with when the site made the BIG change. Of the ones who do respond back, it goes to about 1 out of 3 on an actual transaction. That works out to about a 9% success rate on parts I had that were listed as wanting.


I think a lot of guys are just curious - or putting out feelers - or using a reverse approach to find out what a part they already have is worth. Makes me think the "wanted" ads should be required to list more specific criteria. Such as how far away is acceptable, their price willing to pay range, and whether or not they need it pretty soon or just browsing.


I have stuff at several places in different locations and it's rarely convenient to check on a part and/or dig it out of storage. It gets involved usually. Must be my compassion for the cars that tempts me to do this. I realize most are looking for the guy who just wants it out of his way - like they "want" to help him get rid of it. No shame in that, but that should be stated in the "wanted" ad listing as well.

[firebirdcrazy1959]

or they say i want a part,and never send a money order.i also have parts at different places.1 guy told me he wanted a part ,the money is in the mail.now i box the part,put his name and address on it.2 weeks later no money.then i sell the part to someone else.now 3 weeks later his check is in the mail.i tell him i sold it to someone who has a little more manners than he does.he gets mad and starts bad mouthing me on other pontiac sites.one site banned him and the other one i really don't care for,so i don't go there.i've had very good luck with this site.everyone who has said they want a part from me on this site has bought it.when i get responces from CP,its 50/50 on getting paid for a wanted part.PSP i don't even go there.

[ks gto (Cap)]

Sorry to hear that this happens can't understand it at all. I've just had a fantastic experience on this forum with ---65's....and wanted everyone to know what a first class guy he is.
I needed 3 PITA parts that were very small and asked about them in the "Parts wanted". 65's reponded and immediately shipped them AND prepaid the postage! It is so thrilling to be within a culture that is so generous and sharing with info etc. By the way, he just wanted the postage on the deal, but I've sent him a check for what I hope is a fair price. But for anyone that has one, he is need of a gas tank fuel sending unit for a 65. Hope someone can help him out in the way he helped me. I would, but don't have one.
Any way, I just wanted everyone to know what a first class person 65's is. I owe ya 65's--------------Cap

[mikeb]

It's not just this board; selling and buying parts is problematic on all boards. I just went through this myself trying to sell a transmission on another local board (diithering buyers trying to lowball on an already good deal). I will now usually only deal with long time board members, and except for a few people I personally know i'll meet them somewhere instead of having them come to my house so they don't case my house.

It is even more frustrating dealing with people long distance over e-mail and the phone. Another friend of mine is in the process of getting burned on a long distance GTO purchase; the seller is now avoiding his phone calls after getting a down payment.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

That's a good point Mike. Always meet folks at an easy to find location AWAY from your house or garage. The first time I ever sold a part 20 years ago my Grand Father suggested that to me and gave me some good reasons why. Mostly the security in anomosity.


People always enjoy an open house or the 10 cent tour of everything you have that is car related, but thats not always a wise thing to do.


Great to hear about you getting those parts KS, that's the way it's supposed to work here amongst loyal enthusiasts.

[firebirdcrazy1959]

i've had two guys come over my house to see and buy parts.one guy i've delt with many times,and the other was local[20 miles away].each was from this site.i've also gone to a members house to buy parts.my problem is i trust anyone.then i learn my lesson.but like i said,i've had so much good luck on this site.if it wasn't for this site last winter,i would had to get a job.i'm a crane operator[72&94ft boom trucks].i'm laid off in the winter.i get unemployment ins,but thats not much.the guys are great here.no problems with what i ask for a part $$.i even drove to troy ny[150 round trip],to sell a set of heads to a young guy in school redoing a 70 f/b.the heads were $100 and he tryed to gice gas money,i told him no,its great seeing a 19 yr old into old pontiac's.i started my love of pontiacs at age 10 when i saw my 1st trans am.a 1970 in nyc going to see a movie with mom [PLANET OF THE APES] ..

[68MeanVerdoroGreen]

I've had mostly good results finding what I needed from club members and fellow forum members right here. One of the issues I've experianced advertising on the forum is people don't always look at this as a hobby. A recent experiance from a wanted post for a blower fan squirrel cage got me responses from $40.00 plus shipping to I'll sent you one no charge (thank you firebirdcrazy1959).
I try and remember those who have helped me and have given away more stuff than I've sold. I sell at reasonable prices when I do sell which usually is appreciated and helps the car hobby. Some people think they have GOLD aspecially since you advertised you need it. I think this is the reason some transactions don't ever happen because everyone is hunting for the best price.

[firebirdcrazy1959]

your right,i look at this as a hobby also.and some people do think their parts are gold.anyway,it makes feel good to help out a fellow pontiac lover.i have so many little things[parts],i would feel bad charging someone.

[dreamingmuscle]

I've posted ads in the wanted section and yes I've turned down some offers to sell me parts. I'm on a limited budget and can't afford the extremly high money some people want for thier parts. For example I'm looking for a 68 GTO a/c dash pad.

Found one for $400 (not the right color and too much $ to risk dying it).

One for $600 For this price I'll make do with the new cover PY sales. Or send my dash to Just dashes.

Cost more you say. Yes your right. But I'll have new fresh vinyl not 40 year old vinyl waiting to crack to first time one of my kids lean on it.

Also was offered one for $250 it was the wrong color too but for this price dying was worth the chance. Backed out when it wasn't as in good of shape as he remembered it being when he stored it.

Now I don't want to cheat anyone. But at the same time. I am looking for a good/fair deal. And if I send you on a goose chase. The price of the parts will be negotiated first. Not after you find them and decide they are worth more than I'm willing to pay.

As said on this board before. The price of parts and cars is what your willing to pay and or sale for. If people don't like your price someone else will. If I don't like your price. I'll either find one I do like or come back when I can't find better. IT'S CALLED SHOPPING AND COMPARING FOR THE BEST DEAL.

[engineer]

then if it is shop and compare, not shop to buy when you find a good deal, then the seller has the right not to sell after he has waited for you to decide, or worse yet, never hear back from you then all of a sudden, now you want it. too bad, so sad. now after you agree to buy and never hear from you , that is the worst.

[dreamingmuscle]

then if it is shop and compare, not shop to buy when you find a good deal, then the seller has the right not to sell after he has waited for you to decide, or worse yet, never hear back from you then all of a sudden, now you want it. too bad, so sad. now after you agree to buy and never hear from you , that is the worst.


I agree with you. He doesn't have to wait on you to buy unless he has agreed to do so. I also agree that it is rude to agree to buy something and then disappear or string him along with when the check was sent. I've told sellers I wanted their items but didn't have the money at the time. Some have waited some have sold out from under me. I don't blame the ones who sold from under me and have bought parts from them again and will continue to do so.

But I have also seen sellers who figure if you want it it must be valuble and put it on ebay after you have agreed to a price. Then tell you they lost it or forgot it was sold allready. The Game works both ways.

Glen

[Bryan Jensen]

That's why I put all my stuff on ebay now. Somebody wants it bad enough, they'll have to bid up to get it.

[400 4spd.]

That's why I put all my stuff on ebay now. Somebody wants it bad enough, they'll have to bid up to get it.


Try going to Ebay for free advise on how to fix your Goat.

I prefer to sell here or on CP to the guys who don't mind helping others.

[baron_]

i'm rather annoyed when i click on a link for 'parts for sale' to find a link to an ebay auction

i wouldn't be unhappy if that sort of posting was banned
anyone else agree?

i always try to offer what i'm selling at what i think i'll get for it on ebay or a little less...via the boards here - first

then put it on ebay later if noone expresses interest

[Cardo]

I agree, baron. I was hoping that this site would be a way around e-bay, not an onramp to it. Membership should have some privleges, and i would hope that we could take one another at his word.

[firebirdcrazy1959]

people like that make it hard for someone on a budget to have a nice car.greed!!!!.i won't even look at a part if it has an E-RAPE link.if you what to sell a part on E-RAPE,DON'T LIST IT HERE.then say i have a part for sale.good for you and E-RAPE.this site is not a advertisment for E-RAPE.i don't care if i hurt someone's feeling's for that.keep your e-rape stuff.we don't need that here.i just picked up a 71 firebird.I COULD E-RAPE IT AND MAKE ALOT OF CASH.but i'll sell its parts here for a good price and not be greedy!!! thats my 2 cents.

[baron_]

<---proposes that we ban ebay links to parts people are selling

[pontiac poncho]

I totally agree with you guys. I've been guilty of making this an "on-ramp" for Ebay items I'm selling, but no longer. I will not do that again! I feel that this is not the place for ebay advertisments and should be what it's designed to do, which is bring the Pontiac community together. As far as selling goes, I feel it's up to the seller which forum he prefers to sell in being here or ebay. I've sold lots of items to people looking for parts in the wanted section here and I've had great luck. I tend to list on ebay, because I have over 10,000 Pontiac parts and it's easier to list it there than here. I've found though when you sell parts here, you have a better feeling knowing that it will be put to good use, and not turned around and resold for a quick buck. I don't do this for a living, just a hobby. Just wanted to say that I agree that this is not the place for ebay ads and I appoligize if I offended anyone. I'm going to start listing parts here a little more to try and pay back the wealth of knowledge that I've aquired over the years from you guys.
Thanks,

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

One thing that stands out above all the rest to me is the statement given by 400 4spd. "Try going to Ebay for free advise on how to fix your Goat." . That was pure wisdom and truth right there.


The eBay leads on parts don't bother me one way or the other since this is selective reading and we don't have to read or respond. They could sometimes even be a blessing if it's something you haven't thought about doing a search for on eBay, perhaps?

[Cardo]

:heh: Good point about the free advice (which is almost always right) ... maybe we can find a way to send the e-bayers to e-bay for their advice... make them "bid up" if they want it bad enough. I was recently burnt on that one by someone who posted it this thread about that. It really pisses me off that people have that attitude, but still want to come here for advice from people who have experience and have paid money to make their own mistakes. That guy can stick it in his ear if he thinks i'll ever respond to one of his posts again... at least with a correct answer!