VRCC Community Standards Question

[westsidevalk]

I purchased an item through the VRCC Classifieds that was significantly not as described, as well as being charged double for shipping.
I emailed the seller with specifics, no reply.
Before I take action, I am asking the VRCC community what the protocol is for holding other members accountable for poor selling behavior.
I could have bought a similar item, new, on Ebay, but I wanted to support the Classifieds.
I do not want to make it a public issue, I would like to work it out with the seller.
I just would like to know an effective course of action that holds the seller accountable, and that informs others of potential selling behavior from this individual if the do not deal in good faith.
Thanks

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Let me guess...The seller had 1 post...I've had many dealings with the VRCC members but I'd never trust someone who jumps on the classifieds to sell something .Another site I'm a member of will not let you use the classifieds unless you have 50 post's... Hope it was a rear tire you got cause you sure need one...Is that a Dunflop D206  ? Not seen one of those in 10 years or better.

[3fan4life]

My experience with buying, selling or trading things with other members on this board have been nothing short of EXCELLENT !    


I'm betting that Joe is right about the person in question not really being a member of our VRCC community.

[X Ring]

Let me guess...The seller had 1 post...I've had many dealings with the VRCC members but I'd never trust someone who jumps on the classifieds to sell something .Another site I'm a member of will not let you use the classifieds unless you have 50 post's.

I completely agree with Joe on not allowing Classifieds posts till you have 50+ posts.  In fact I've emailed Willow and Scott suggesting it.

Marty

[old2soon]

I dealt with a board member on a used armored mesh jacket.  I could not be any happier with the outcome of said transaction.  The price was right as was his description of the jacket.  A 50 post minimum makes sense.  RIDE SAFE.

[X Ring]

My experience with buying, selling or trading things with other members on this board have been nothing short of EXCELLENT !    


I'm betting that Joe is right about the person in question not really being a member of our VRCC community.

I'll have to say my experience selling through the Classifieds has been different.  I've found I've gotten jerked around by other members.    If you tell a seller you want what they are selling without any negotiation and they take it off the market waiting your payment, you have in effect entered into a verbal contract to purchase the item at the price and terms posted.  When you try to change the terms after that, you are attempting to break that contract, don't be surprised when they don't sell it to you.

My deal with Paxton was a breath of fresh air.  He's a money talks, bs walks kind of guy and I am PROUD to call him my friend!

Marty  

Marty

[westsidevalk]

Let me guess...The seller had 1 post...I've had many dealings with the VRCC members but I'd never trust someone who jumps on the classifieds to sell something .Another site I'm a member of will not let you use the classifieds unless you have 50 post's... Hope it was a rear tire you got cause you sure need one...Is that a Dunflop D206  ? Not seen one of those in 10 years or better.

When I bought her in 2008 she only had 6,000 miles, and the original tires still had life in them...I think that picture is from early 2009. I have to say, she is a reallly really sweet and well taken care of bike, She was built in August 1998, the 37th GL1500CT built that year, according to the VIN.
I have Metzlers on now,  Passenger seat, stock pipes are back on...guess I should update the sig pic..

[Reb]

Where I'm from a handshake or verbal agreement means everything as far as trust. Sad to hear something like that happened on the VRCC classifieds.

[westsidevalk]

I am displeased as well.

and yes...the individual has single digit posts...

 

[Jabba]

Every deal I have ever done thru here is with people whose names I know or I ask around first.

I just shipped a guy my old saddlebags before he paid me for them.  Frankly... I have had many guys do the same for me.

When I see a classified add with low post count... I don't even read it.  Didn't I see a Valk on there a week or so ago for like $14K?  Good luck with that...

That said... $14K would NOT buy mine.  Not because it's worth more... but mine is MINE.  And she's always gonna be.

Good luck dude.

Jabba

[solo1]

I've had nothing but good luck in dealing with the VRCC classifieds, both selling and buying.  However, I also watch the number of posts and try to deal with people that I know.

[Bark2]

"She was built in August 1998, the 37th GL1500CT built that year, according to the VIN."

Thought I would offer up a (IMHO) great site that offers a lot of information/history on our Valks. If I understand it correctly your bike would have been the 37th one built of that particular color scheme.

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/Valkyrie%20Genealogy.html

 

[hubcapsc]

I was just fooling around the other day.

I saw a classifieds ad whose author had a single digit post count.

I hit "show last posts of this member" and there were none, just the ad...

I guess people can run up their post counts artificially by posting some
empty posts and then deleting them... ?

"real" VRCC members are outstanding... every dealing I've had has been
great, either direction...

-Mike

[ricoman]

Not sure if there is an "effective course of action".
I hope the mods have some ideas.
You could post the sellers name and forum handle to try to embarrass him/her into doing the right thing.
Sadly, liars and cheats seem to be immune to embarrassment. You may derive a good feeling from calling him/her out for what he is.

[Jess from VA]

Caveat emptor.

Caveat venditor.

[Ice]

I too have had issues with individuals selling something and not meeting the agreement.
As Joe stated a minimum of 50 + posts would be a good thing.
I remember the VRCC changed the clsssifieds to avoid scammer and spammer which has worked to a point but there are still way too many 1 posters out there that are difficult to trust.

[Black Dog]

I've been around here quite a while, and have sold and purchased many items, while making the beast mine... 

I have always sent the item I was selling, prior to getting paid.  I have also spoken to the buyer/seller on most occasions, before the deal was finalized.  I sold a helmet not too long ago, and didn't expect the dude that purchased it to buy it before he knew it fit.  Key here is that I recognized his name/handle, from many posts in the General board... 

I think, because of the low post count of your seller, it should probably be chalked up to 'fool me once'...  After all, how can you shame someone that really is not a contributing member of this forum?

Hope it wasn't big $$$, but live and learn.

Black Dog

[f6john]

   Well given the single digit post count, how about more details, Who,what, when, where, how?

[Scott in Ok]

I wish I had the magic answer.  But I do not.  A couple of thoughts however.

Its obvious there are plenty of folks who sign up here to sell something on the classifieds.  Most of them are members who used to be on the old board, or members who used to be familiar with the VRCC but hadn't been around in a long time.  Remember there are many, many people who read the VRCC board but never sign up or post.  We hear from people on a daily basis who say things like:  "I haven't been on the VRCC for 4-5 years, I would like to list my Valkyrie (Or something related to their Valkyrie) on the classifieds, how do I do that?"   

I have always taken the stance that participation on the message board is not a prerequisite to being a part of the VRCC or the services we offer to our members.  Some of you have post counts in the 1000's.  It might be odd to you but not every member or Valkyrie Rider has an interest in engaging on a message board.  In relation to the old classifieds, where there was no way to verify who people are or if they were even members, we do have that ability here.  Each person that signs up has to verify their email address, and we look at each registration to see that its not coming from China or some other location know to be spammers.

So how do you ensure that every person who buys and sells on the classifieds is honest, and will keep his or her end of the bargain 100% of the time?  Will forcing someone to have a post count of 50 or more accomplish that goal?  No, in my opinion it will not.  All we would accomplish is discriminate against some good honest members who just want to buy or sell Valkyrie related things and care not for participation on the message board.  Not to mention the amount of emails we would have to answer asking why they can't post on the classifieds.  Heck, some of you can't even follow the guidelines we've clearly listed in the classifieds area since day one.

Buying or selling things over the internet inherently has it challenges on both ends.  I am of the opinion that its up to you to decide to do business with someone you don't know.  If someone has a post count of 1, maybe you should look really close before doing business with them.  Engage them.  Ask to speak on the phone about the items(s).  Ask for their VRCC number.  If you can't verify that number, let us know and maybe we can verify that they are a member and they are from where they say the're from.  If someone has treated you really unfairly, and continues to sell things in that manner on the classifieds, let us know.  We can't fix your bad deal, but we can keep someone from doing it again.

I got the shaft by a very prominent member here on the board quite a few years ago, via the classifieds.  In the end it was my fault because I took their word that the item was what they said it was.  It wasn't however, what I thought it was.  I didn't ask to see pictures or ask enough questions.  I took my lumps and went on about my business, learning a lesson in the process.

-Scott

[GiG]

How does one become a "very prominent member"?
By posting 1000s of times?
Just curious.

[Scott in Ok]

How does one become a "very prominent member"?
By posting 1000s of times?
Just curious.

If I were to say that person's handle, 90% of the people on the board would know who I'm talking about.  That's all I was referring too.  Doesn't matter who it was.

I have no idea how ones becomes a very prominent member.  I care not for such things.

-Scott

[glideman]

I like what Scott had to say. I've been a member of VRCC for several years, on the board for much less, and kinda hide out reading what others say. However, I don't post a lot. I just enjoy reading what others say. When I feel like it, I'll stick my two cents in. That doesn't make me a dishonest person. I just don't spend all my time tapping on my keyboard. When I have free time, I like to spend it out riding or doing something a little more constructive. I will tell you one thing, I still believe in someone giving their word and sticking to it. There's no better sign of respect than being an honest individual. Not a lot of people know me, but that doesn't mean I'm any less of a person. That being said, I think my post count is in the 30's. If I ever list anything or wish to purchase from another VRCC member, you can trust that I will follow through. Now, let me get off my soap box.

[Scott in Ok]

I like what Scott had to say. I've been a member of VRCC for several years, on the board for much less, and kinda hide out reading what others say. However, I don't post a lot. I just enjoy reading what others say. When I feel like it, I'll stick my two cents in. That doesn't make me a dishonest person. I just don't spend all my time tapping on my keyboard. When I have free time, I like to spend it out riding or doing something a little more constructive. I will tell you one thing, I still believe in someone giving their word and sticking to it. There's no better sign of respect than being an honest individual. Not a lot of people know me, but that doesn't mean I'm any less of a person. That being said, I think my post count is in the 30's. If I ever list anything or wish to purchase from another VRCC member, you can trust that I will follow through. Now, let me get off my soap box.

 

[westsidevalk]

Still no response from the seller.....so.....

Name is Maddog5050 with 7 posts.
Item was a Kuryakyn  Brake Pedal Pad 4025  in like new condition for $15. $4.50 for Shipping.

Item arrived...Prominent scratch on the top, bottom was marred in some spots...and to top it off...it is missing one of the small set screws.

Anybody know where I can get these parts:

2 Socket Head Cap Screw #8–32 x .313”
2 Setscrew #10–32 x .250”


I could have got this item new for around $25 on eBay.

I would describe the item he sent me as in fair used condition with scratchs and incomplete


He is also selling a $500 CB for interstate....

[glideman]

Head to your local True Value. You can probably find those parts there. Some of the big box stores (Lowes, Home Depot) carry them, but I've always had better luck in the little True Value stores. Most of them are more like Mom and Pop stores and seem to carry a little better selection of the odd stuff.

[f6gal]

Head to your local True Value. You can probably find those parts there. Some of the big box stores (Lowes, Home Depot) carry them, but I've always had better luck in the little True Value stores. Most of them are more like Mom and Pop stores and seem to carry a little better selection of the odd stuff.

Ha... that's funny, my Pop owned a True Value store... but Mom didn't have anything to do with it.

[X Ring]

I like what Scott had to say. I've been a member of VRCC for several years, on the board for much less, and kinda hide out reading what others say. However, I don't post a lot. I just enjoy reading what others say. When I feel like it, I'll stick my two cents in. That doesn't make me a dishonest person. I just don't spend all my time tapping on my keyboard. When I have free time, I like to spend it out riding or doing something a little more constructive. I will tell you one thing, I still believe in someone giving their word and sticking to it. There's no better sign of respect than being an honest individual. Not a lot of people know me, but that doesn't mean I'm any less of a person. That being said, I think my post count is in the 30's. If I ever list anything or wish to purchase from another VRCC member, you can trust that I will follow through. Now, let me get off my soap box.

That's the rub.  You ask us to trust you when we don't know you not due to any action on our part but a lack of action on your part.

Marty

[Jess from VA]

For some of the exceedingly tiny screws/parts, I have had good luck calling Kuryakyn and asking for them.... some free, some paid.

[KSDragonRider]

I have purchased several things off here, and for that matter off craigslist. Some times you get burnt some times you feel like you took advantage of the other person as the item was so nice.

Most of the time when im looking to buy something from someone on here, i look through their posts, 1 or 10 or 1000, just give the rescent ones a go over.   On other boards i have seen guys talk about wrecking something, and then wait a month and post "good, great shape" parts for sale.

Ask for lots of pics and know what you are sending money for.   If they are honest, they want to help you make an informed buy. if they are crooks, screw um.

[glideman]

That's the rub.  You ask us to trust you when we don't know you not due to any action on our part but a lack of action on your part.

Marty

I just don't always think that every little comment that people place on this thread needs a response. I like what a lot of people say, but just don't necessarily think that I have anything to add to the conversation. However, based on how many post you have, I guess you have a lot to say about everything huh?

[glideman]

Head to your local True Value. You can probably find those parts there. Some of the big box stores (Lowes, Home Depot) carry them, but I've always had better luck in the little True Value stores. Most of them are more like Mom and Pop stores and seem to carry a little better selection of the odd stuff.

Ha... that's funny, my Pop owned a True Value store... but Mom didn't have anything to do with it.

I wouldn't doubt that she didn't want too much to do with it. It's one of those businesses that either you love or you hate it. I've found through experience that there are few owners that fall in between.

I used to work for a company that supplied all the nuts and bolts to True Value (at least in my area). We also supplied them to Lowes, 84 Lumber, and Tractor Supply Company. I found that True Value had the best selection of the little oddball fasteners. They had a bigger assortment of the drawer goods and that's where that stuff is located. I never tried to get any little parts from Kuryakyn, but I've purchased from them quite a few times and they are a stand-up company. They may be willing to help if you can't fine the parts anywhere else.

[MNBill]

I have sold items on the board to members. I have shipped and put the receipt for shipping in the box. I have not been burned, always got a money order in the mail a few days after delivery for the price plus shipping.

[BF]

westsidevalk......

You should be able to find those at any Ace Hardware.  Or online......McMaster Carr or Grainger. 

As for buying and selling......

I've bought a bunch of stuff....on both the old and new classifieds.  Have had good luck so far...and scored some $eriou$ deals on the old classifieds.  I've also sold some stuff here also.  Whenever I did offer something for sale, I've given them plenty of pics because I want them to know exactly what they're going to get.  I'll only accecpt Paypal....it offers protections for both the buyer and the seller....and I ship through the Post Office with a Delivery Confirmation number.  If it's something expensive (over a 100 bucks), I'll buy the shipping insurance too. 

So far, I think folks that have bought from me have been happy.  I know I've been happy with the items I've bought from folks here. 

[X Ring]

That's the rub.  You ask us to trust you when we don't know you not due to any action on our part but a lack of action on your part.

Marty

I just don't always think that every little comment that people place on this thread needs a response. I like what a lot of people say, but just don't necessarily think that I have anything to add to the conversation. However, based on how many post you have, I guess you have a lot to say about everything huh?

Actually, no.  There's times I go days even weeks without posting.  The reason my post count is high is I changed to the new board as soon as it happened.  I don't post on threads unless I have something to say.  You told us to trust you.  I was simply pointing out that you haven't made an effort for us to know you to build that trust.

Marty

[Stanley Steamer]

I don't trust myself and will NEVER sell anything to me!!......

[Gear Jammer]

I've had several dealing here, from both ends.  When selling, I give the potential buyer some names of those to whom I sold before, so he can ask them how their deal went.  I assume they've all been satisfied, as nobody has backed out of a deal,,,knock on wood 

[Willow]

...  You told us to trust you.  I was simply pointing out that you haven't made an effort for us to know you to build that trust.

Marty

Truthfully, Marty, he didn't tell us to trust him.  His exact words were, "... you can trust that I will follow through."  He told us we could.

I see your point.  There are those I know well enough to trust without further investigation.  There are those I do not.  Most of the ones I do not trust are truly trustworthy, but I don't yet know it.  Some of the ones I trust are not trustworthy, but I don't yet know it.

Buying and selling without a face to face transaction is inherently risky.  When I do business that way I usually do what I deem reasonable to mitigate that risk.  Sometimes what I do is accept that I can live with a total loss in the exchange.

I've come out on the better than fair end more often than I've been victimized.  The good news is that I have yet to be fried and eaten for dinner.     

[Detn8er]

...  You told us to trust you.  I was simply pointing out that you haven't made an effort for us to know you to build that trust.

Marty

Truthfully, Marty, he didn't tell us to trust him.  His exact words were, "... you can trust that I will follow through."  He told us we could.

I see your point.  There are those I know well enough to trust without further investigation.  There are those I do not.  Most of the ones I do not trust are truly trustworthy, but I don't yet know it.  Some of the ones I trust are not trustworthy, but I don't yet know it.

Buying and selling without a face to face transaction is inherently risky.  When I do business that way I usually do what I deem reasonable to mitigate that risk.  Sometimes what I do is accept that I can live with a total loss in the exchange.

I've come out on the better than fair end more often than I've been victimized.  The good news is that I have yet to be fried and eaten for dinner.     

  The good news is that I have yet to be fried and eaten for dinner.   

Careful there Carl......I know for a fact that Motomama is quite the cook and could maybe even turn you into a tasty meal..... 

[Skinhead]

Check the classifieds, I have 2 exhaust systems for sale.  I can provide references if you'd like.

I've had people on this forum GIVE me things free of charge.  I've sold things for 1/3 of what some folks were asking simply because I didn't think they were worth that much.  I could probably have gotten it, but I would not have felt right about it.  Life is full of risk, I would be a lot more cautious in a >=$500 transaction and not worry so much about the $25 ones.  (cheap SOB that I am)

[Buda]

I've had good luck on the couple of deals I've done thru this board.