Does this happen much?

[David Lehmann]

I was the supposed purchaser for the Hardy reel that was posted for sale here on Friday. Volunteered to kick in substantial extra funds for shipping and made sure I paid in US dollars (almost $100 more than Canadian, although I was pretty sure that the seller had intended Canadian $ price). Did these things because it was the right thing to do to be fair. This morning I was notified by the seller that he was cancelling the sale (his dad decided to keep the reel). Luckily, I could stop transfer of funds through Western Union, although I will pay a transaction fee for my efforts. I spent a fair amount of time on Friday setting up payment that worked for the seller also.

So my question is, does this happen much? Clearly frustrated. I have never tried to purchase a "sold" item nor cancel a sale of my own after I had an agreement in place with someone. I couldn't sleep at night if I did. At the end of the day, this is all just "stuff." Thoughts?

[jimbofish]

Thoughts?
I'd have thought twice before ordering an expensive item in the first post from an hours-old seller.
That said, I've had no such problems buying things here.

[john elder]

Any time family is involved, things get sticky and it's best that you run like hell from it and move on to something else. If he's just hosing you and got a better offer under the table....that happens a lot, unfortunately, in our little world....then you are again better off not being involved. The other possibility which happens is that your attempts at doing the "right thing" by fairly covering the overhead expenses put stars in his eyes, thinking he had let it go too cheap. In that case, it will be a learning lesson for him. just some humble opinions!

[Midway Tommy D]

I'd have thought twice before ordering an expensive item in the first post from an hours-old seller.
That said, I've had no such problems buying things here.

I totally agree, plus, I would have backed away immediately at the first mention of Western Union. People seem to get a little too impatient, both sellers and buyers, these days. A check should be sufficient in the US if the seller doesn't like PayPal, postal and bank clearing times don't take that long, and PayPal shines, and is the only way to go, on international sales or purchases. JMHO

[Don Champion]

If the seller was in Canada a check would not work. There is a HUGE fee for cashing a check from out of the country. The other way to go is an international money order. I've already been down that road.

[Midway Tommy D]

If the seller was in Canada a check would not work. There is a HUGE fee for cashing a check from out of the country. The other way to go is an international money order. I've already been down that road.

That's why you only use a check inside the US, and PayPal works world wide if the seller isn't too cheap, stubborn or bullheaded to accept it, plus you don't have to spend your time, gas or wear & tear on a vehicle to go get the darn thing and then go mail it. PayPal fees are pretty darn minimal for the convenience and protection, and if the seller doesn't have it because he doesn't have a bank account I don't want to deal with him/her anyway!

[big hoss]

I have been caught once with a seller canceling a sale - I figure I was being used to set a price before the reel was sold to a mate of the sellers but who really knows. Not a very moralistic way to go whatever the reason. One comment about using Paypal - not all sellers are willing to use it so I have been known to offer to pay the commission for the seller. This can be cheaper than paying through a Bank to Bank transfer. My bank charges $18 NZ to make the transfer and this can be less than Paypal commission on more expensive items - worth keeping in mind if both options are available.