tell us why

[pianoman]

i frequent the marketplace, often just browsing hoping something will catch my eye. what i see frequently (almost always) are people who post only their items for sale, with no explanation as to why they are selling. i am a curious guy. i want to know why you're selling your computer, your games, your iPod, your accessories, your anything. although i can't come up with a good reason why, i know that a reason accompanying a purchase can sway me to buy, and more often than not, knowing why you're selling makes your sale items more appealing to me. like i said, i don't know why, but i think it would be nice if everyone selling their items could include a short explanation as to why they are selling.

just a thought.

[Chundles]

i frequent the marketplace, often just browsing hoping something will catch my eye. what i see frequently (almost always) are people who post only their items for sale, with no explanation as to why they are selling. i am a curious guy. i want to know why you're selling your computer, your games, your iPod, your accessories, your anything. although i can't come up with a good reason why, i know that a reason accompanying a purchase can sway me to buy, and more often than not, knowing why you're selling makes your sale items more appealing to me. like i said, i don't know why, but i think it would be nice if everyone selling their items could include a short explanation as to why they are selling.

just a thought.

You mean there's more reasons than "to make money"???

"Hi, I want to sell my 3G iPod because I feel it's become judgemental towards me since I started having my girlfriend sleep over. It just sits there in the dock looking at me with that disapproving glare. I'm getting a shuffle now because it can't see me - no display."

Something like that??:D :p

[illegaloperatio]

I am selling my Macbook Pro because theres a chance I might want the ability to have children again some day :p

[negatv1]

I think it would be up to the seller to determine whether they felt the need to say why they are selling an item. Why does anyone sell anything? No longer want/need, or want/need something else and use the cash from the sale of the old item to fund the new.

[robo74]

Do you want the same thing if you browse on eBay? I never see people put that type of stuff in their auction.
Sometimes I put why I am selling things, sometimes I do not.
I think its up to the person selling as to what they want to put if anything.
Sometimes its just none of our business, or perhaps you can send them a message and ask why.


Rob

[SmurfBoxMasta]

Perhaps some people just dont feel that it is any of your business......
or that it is necessary or relevant to disclose their reasons for selling something.

Personally, I could care less why an item is up for sale, if it is something I want or need and the terms & price are reasonable, I will probably buy it anyways....

If you want or need that kind of information before making a buying decision, you can always contact the seller privately, yes ?

[trentcanuck]

I sell tons of stuff online (mostly Craigslist), and there is nothing that I find more annoying than the "why are you selling this?" question. I will always address whatever other questions they have, but I just ignore that one, because I just find the question so pointless.

It takes all my strength to resist answering "because it is mine. I LEGALLY OWN IT, AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH IT. I HAVE CHOSEN TO SELL IT."

I can't even imagine how people can think that a seller's motivations are any of their business.

And even more, I always wonder, "WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE??"

Is there a hierarchy of "good selling reasons" (and corresponding "bad selling reasons")?

-"Upgrading to Macbook Pro" is good; "Going travelling in Europe and need a portable" not so good?
-"Need to get a Windows PC for work" is good; "Liquidating all my assets for divorce settlement" not so good?
-how about "need to raise cash for a weekend of drunkenness at spring break"?? :o)

Asking why someone is selling a computer is like asking them what sorts of websites they visit while surfing --the answer might reveal something about the character of the seller, but it is hardly relevant.

[umgolfer]

I sell tons of stuff online (mostly Craigslist), and there is nothing that I find more annoying than the "why are you selling this?" question. I will always address whatever other questions they have, but I just ignore that one, because I just find the question so pointless.

It takes all my strength to resist answering "because it is mine. I LEGALLY OWN IT, AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH IT. I HAVE CHOSEN TO SELL IT."


Wow I never thought about using that line when I am ebaying my excess golf equpiment... I do get atleast 1-2 people asking when I post something up, but I generally just ignore the message. Good idea!

[jessica.]

First, it is not any one's business. Second, unless the item being sold is wonderful and the price is too good to be true, I wouldn't care. But, I notice a couple of people around here, one in particular that will see a post for something that is up for sale, respond with "how much" and then buy maybe 10% of what they asked "how much" for. They will then turn around and re-sell it within months, sometimes not even that much. I never understood it, but I for one would never buy from them because if they're selling it, they're not the first owner and I don't care for that. In that case, I'd like to know why they even bought it and then decided to sell it.

At any rate, frankly as long as it's not stolen I don't care.

[techound1]

In that case, I'd like to know why they even bought it and then decided to sell it.

At any rate, frankly as long as it's not stolen I don't care.

(1) like, stop picking on us stuff junkies :rolleyes: ; and
(2) is it me or was that a contradiction? ;)

[srf4real]

I need to sell it so I can buy crack, ok? The pawn shop wouldn't give me enough for it plus they're closed on the weekends!:p

[todd2000]

Sometimes I put a reason when im selling something, but usuelly not. Some people are of the opinion that if im selling something that I stae "Works Great" that I must be lying. Some people don't understand why anyone would sell an item unless it is broken.

[solvs]

Sometimes it's alright to share a little bit. Like if you're upgrading to something new. But you don't want to go too much into it. Might be TMI, might come off as a lie. Most people don't care. You could always ask. ;)

[clayj]

I usually do say why I'm selling something, and the reason is ALWAYS one of the following:

1. I want to upgrade to something newer. (For example, I sold my PB when I was ready to buy a MBP, and my G4 Mac mini when I was ready to get a second Intel Mac mini.)

2. It's old gear that I believe I will have no further use for. I just sold (last week, outside of MR) a bunch of old routers, video cards, and other miscellaneous computer gear that was just collecting dust. Made almost $200 doing that... money which I can now spend on all new crap. ;)

[craigatkinson]

When someone asks why someone is selling something, it puts their mind at ease when a reason can be given, otherwise they have the nagging feeling that something may be wrong with the item. In otherwords what they are really asking is; "is something wrong with this item?" To tell the truth, it even puts my mind at ease when someone can give a legitimate reason for selling their item, even if it is just "I need the money." It's clearly up to the seller whether they want to do this or not though.

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
The problem with that type of thinking is if the person is deceitful enough to not include 'problems' with their items in the first place, why would he / she suddenly give you the truth? What are they going to say, "Yeah...I forgot to say that the item has overheating problems" Come on.

[craigatkinson]

I never said that it was reasonable for you to have your mind eased by it. It just so happens that it helps. When your buying something from a private seller, outside of an auction website, it is scary, and your looking for reasons to feel good about it. Obviously someone can ease your mind concerning an item and do so dishonestly.

Hi
The problem with that type of thinking is if the person is deceitful enough to not include 'problems' with their items in the first place, why would he / she suddenly give you the truth? What are they going to say, "Yeah...I forgot to say that the item has overheating problems" Come on.

[clayj]

BTW, when selling an item here, or through Craigslist or eBay, you have an ethical obligation to disclose any problems with the item... any problems not disclosed should be compensated (to the seller) for.

For example, I bought a used Sony PC on eBay recently (just so I could get its motherboard for my dead Sony PC)... and the new machine's built-in Ethernet port did not work. I contacted the seller, since he had not disclosed this problem. He informed me that he hadn't actually tested every component of the machine (so he didn't know of the problem until I told him about it), and we worked out that he would refund me $40 so that I could purchase an Ethernet adapter. I got my refund within a couple of hours.

That's the way a dispute over a broken/malfunctioning/not-quite-perfect item SHOULD be handled.

[pianoman]

When someone asks why someone is selling something, it puts their mind at ease when a reason can be given, otherwise they have the nagging feeling that something may be wrong with the item. In otherwords what they are really asking is; "is something wrong with this item?" To tell the truth, it even puts my mind at ease when someone can give a legitimate reason for selling their item, even if it is just "I need the money." It's clearly up to the seller whether they want to do this or not though.

this was the point i was trying to get at but i was looking for other responses. i didn't realize that so many people here want other members to mind their own business. a little disheartening considering we're supposed to be a community that helps each other but i suppose some people prefer an avatar to a portrait (figuratively speaking - i don't expect everyone to have a picture of themselves as their avatar).

anyway, thanks for your feedback craigatkinson - i think you really understood why i was asking. and perhaps i could've alluded more to the response i was hoping for, but i thought the different responses would be interesting... i had no idea so many people think sellers should not inquire as to why the buyer is selling.

[TheBurninator]

But sometimes you tell them something's wrong, and take pictures and all that just to have them COMPLETELY ignore every email you send. Those people are just thieves selling broken/stolen items. They SHOULD atleast respond and have the balls to say "hey, I don't really care to help you so stop emailing me". Atleast that way you could be positive and report them to Ebay or Paypal...

But giving a reason for why you're selling something isn't much of a deal, I mean it helps to put a reason, but it's not a necessity, or shouldn't be, to the buyer. If you don't want to risk buying something... Don't. There are plenty of department stores and online franchises who sell stuff that is guranteed and warranted to work. The only reason people buy/sell stuff on forums and ebay is to get it cheaper than you would normally. Yes that's right, I did say you people are cheap, and I admit to that also. HORRAY CHEAPNESS! (No flaming, I'm just kidding...). Seriously, people buy online because they either want to save money to buy more, or can't afford a new item or service, so they need/want it cheaper. Ponder this for a moment...

Corey

[DMPDX]

Do grocery stores have to tell you why theyre selling their fruits and vegetables? Or other foods? Same reason we don't/didn't shouldn't have to. This looks like its on its way to the wasteland.
-dsm

[nickelbackmac]

Do grocery stores have to tell you why theyre selling their fruits and vegetables? Or other foods? Same reason we don't/didn't shouldn't have to. This looks like its on its way to the wasteland.
-dsm


I'm surprised a mod hasn't done that yet...

[Doctor Q]

I think we've already taken care of this.

We have this Rule for Sellers in the Marketplace Rules:Additional information. Members often ask for photos, your location, the reason you are selling/trading, methods of payment and shipping, and/or whether you have seller feedback from previous transactions. It may help you to anticipate these questions and provide the information up front, particularly if you are a lesser-known forum member.So you are not required to give the reason for selling, but it's encouraged because buyers are likely to ask.

[WhiteShadow]

posting a reason for a sale, to me, makes you more trustworthy. I know that you are selling for a good reason not to screw me into paying to much for you junk.

[ReanimationLP]

BTW, when selling an item here, or through Craigslist or eBay, you have an ethical obligation to disclose any problems with the item... any problems not disclosed should be compensated (to the seller) for.

For example, I bought a used Sony PC on eBay recently (just so I could get its motherboard for my dead Sony PC)... and the new machine's built-in Ethernet port did not work. I contacted the seller, since he had not disclosed this problem. He informed me that he hadn't actually tested every component of the machine (so he didn't know of the problem until I told him about it), and we worked out that he would refund me $40 so that I could purchase an Ethernet adapter. I got my refund within a couple of hours.

That's the way a dispute over a broken/malfunctioning/not-quite-perfect item SHOULD be handled.

WOW. Ethernet adapters go for 40 bucks a PIECE? O.O

I think im gonna start selling all of those NIC cards I have then for 20 a piece. :D

[clayj]

WOW. Ethernet adapters go for 40 bucks a PIECE? O.O

I think im gonna start selling all of those NIC cards I have then for 20 a piece. :DNo... I convinced him that I needed a wireless USB network adapter, since I would not have any free slots because of my configuration... and THOSE go for about $40 apiece from CompUSA or Best Buy.

But then I bought an Ethernet card instead, and a new video adapter that would let me free up a PCI slot. :)

[pianoman]

Do grocery stores have to tell you why theyre selling their fruits and vegetables? Or other foods? Same reason we don't/didn't shouldn't have to. This looks like its on its way to the wasteland.
-dsm

this is a ridiculous example.

[quruli]

No... I convinced him that I needed a wireless USB network adapter, since I would not have any free slots because of my configuration... and THOSE go for about $40 apiece from CompUSA or Best Buy.

But then I bought an Ethernet card instead, and a new video adapter that would let me free up a PCI slot. :)

Talk about honesty... :rolleyes:

[r6girl]

wow. a lot of mixed responses here. i totally agree with the OP - i *always* indicate why i'm selling stuff here or in my ebay auctions. i think it is a totally reasonable question for a buyer to ask - if someone is already dishonest, asking them this question probably won't magically get them to own up to any defects that weren't already disclosed. but here a few points for the buyer and seller:

buyer (knowing the reason causing an item to be up for sale):
1. you know the level of "motivation" of the seller ("my best friend just joined a cult and i need to buy a plane ticket immediately to try to save him" vs. "i just don't like it anymore and i'm thinking i may want to try something else").
2. you get a better sense of the person and can gain more or less comfort about a potential transaction ("this is the crappiest product i've ever used and i can't understand anyone in their right mind who would ever want this darn thing" vs "i tried it but it's just doesn't suit my needs given i need to do x, y, and z instead")
3. you can learn more about whether an item is truly right for what you need ("i tried using this treo instead of a separate phone and pda and it really didn't work for me because of x, y, and z" with a resulting evaluation of x, y, and z by the buyer that may help in the decision-making.

seller (disclosing why something is being sold)
1. you build trust with a potential buyer - how many of you would feel more comfortable with someone who would not tell you why they're selling something compared to someone who volunteered that information easily?
2. you could weed out those who are just trying to low-ball or scam you. if you state a reason that shows you need to sell something soon, you can quickly find out if someone will try to take advantage of that and whether or not you want to do business with them.
3. really, what harm does it really cause you to just say why you're selling something? yes, you have a choice, but short of physical pain or other repercussion, i don't buy any justifications given to date to not state why...

[Doctor Q]

Excellent post, r6girl. You should help us the next time we want to update the Marketplace Rules.

And your examples were excellent too!

[eva01]

post

However sometimes people have to sell things do to reasons they would rather not state.

"My wife just gave me the HIV and I need to pay for medical bills."

Yes that is a wonderful thing to say.

And it could hurt the person that is selling, emotionally.


Unless that is what you meant by other repercussions, however you didn't state what they were.

[clayj]

Talk about honesty... :rolleyes:So I changed my mind after the fact. I spent way more than $40 on the NIC and the video card. :rolleyes:

[kalisphoenix]

Everyone on this board knows why I'm selling stuff. And even people who have never met me or have had conversations with me can usually tell why I'm selling stuff... just from the items themselves.

"SELLING: One used inkpen, slightly chewed. $.23 OBO.

One dress sock, black, hole where big toe or pinky toe goes. $.02 OBO"

I still want to make a thread on here like that six-word short story by Hemingway:

For sale
Baby shoes
Never worn

[clayj]

Or:

For sale
French army rifle
Never fired
Only dropped once

;)

[r6girl]

Excellent post, r6girl. You should help us the next time we want to update the Marketplace Rules.

And your examples were excellent too!

why thank you! :) i would be happy to help with anything here on macrumors!

[r6girl]

However sometimes people have to sell things do to reasons they would rather not state.

"My wife just gave me the HIV and I need to pay for medical bills."

Yes that is a wonderful thing to say.

And it could hurt the person that is selling, emotionally.


Unless that is what you meant by other repercussions, however you didn't state what they were.

you are quite right - there can be situations where it's personally disadvantageous to disclose something: "i'm selling this for a friend, who is the wife of the only doctor in this tiny town, and she's trying to leave him and the money from this sale will help her with that." doh! ;)

repercussions could be betraying someone's trust or damaging a relationship, or disclosing another situation that could be personally detrimental. in that case, a seller to could simply say that they're selling somethingfor personal reasons related to a friend who needs help, a medical emergency that's come up in the family, or something else to give the buyer some inkling what's going on. no need for excruciating details, imho!

[Lau]

However sometimes people have to sell things do to reasons they would rather not state.

"My wife just gave me the HIV and I need to pay for medical bills."

I agree with r6girl's above post – you don't need to state the whole reason. "I'm selling this because I have bills to pay" would be fine.

I like to see the reason too – it wouldn't put me off entirely if there wasn't one, but often here in the Marketplace (and on eBay to an extent) there's a lot of sales along the lines of "Brand new MacBook, bought 2 weeks ago, changed my mind", from someone who 2 months earlier had a "Brand new PowerBook, bought 3 weeks ago, changed my mind" thread. As I know I would never do this – when I buy something I'm going to keep it for a fair while – and so I struggle to get my head round why someone would do this, and am always a bit suspicious of the reasons why.

Having said that, the Marketplace here has been an excellent way to see what different people are like, and I've realised that some people are happy to buy stuff and then sell it on for a massive loss! Seems crazy to me, but there you go. But until I know that about someone, I am always a bit suspicious of the reasons for it. As r6girl says, why would you not give a reason – it doesn't do you any harm and is useful to the buyer.

[Doctor Q]

you are quite right - there can be situations where it's personally disadvantageous to disclose something: "i'm selling this for a friend, who is the wife of the only doctor in this tiny town, and she's trying to leave him and the money from this sale will help her with that." doh! ;)That's a case where it's even more important to state the reason. That way, if it happens to be that very doctor who is thinking of making the purchase, he'd have a chance to reconsider whether to make the purchase that would finance his wife's getaway! ;) back atcha