Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Why are there so many time waster and scammers on buying sites?

5 replies

confusedlots · 02/06/2022 21:37

Eventually getting around to selling a few baby items on gumtree/marketplace. Prams, cots etc. One woman was interested in one of the items, she wanted it for less than I had advertised it, I offered a small discount and she agreed to it. Originally said she'd pick it up on a certain day, I said that was fine, let me know what time. Didn't hear back, messaged her the evening before, she said she couldn't do that day anymore, said she'd come a different day, I replied that day didn't suit me and gave options of a couple of other dates/times. No response, so I sent another message saying I'd appreciate if she could confirm as I had others interested if she didn't want it any more. No response. Why bother offering on an item and then wasting everyone's time?

Had a response from someone else, said I was waiting for original person to get back to me, but I would let her know if she didn't take it. Then she sent through a message saying she was busy in work but would sent a courier, so obviously a scam. Not a very expensive item, under £100.

What on earth? Is it not possible for people to just offer on items they actually want and then arrange to actually pick them up and pay for them?

OP posts:
Thewayshetalks · 02/06/2022 21:39

I have this loads, I give a lot away for free on sites and always put collection only as I don’t drive, constantly get asked to drop stuff, if I say no I get grief, I have had a load of abuse from people for saying something is already taken or if they don’t reply, I offer to another then 3 days later the original person comes back wanting items and I said sorry they are gone, I got told to go die last week because of this. I have also had lots of people try the PayPal and courier scam.

confusedlots · 03/06/2022 09:23

It is utterly frustrating. I don't sell much very often, so didn't realise it was so annoying, or maybe I'm just unlucky. On the few occasions I've bought things I have always responded quickly and organised collection as soon as possible.

OP posts:
PlantingTrees · 03/06/2022 09:26

It’s so annoying. Sometimes it’s better to say that first to collect can have it. I don’t understand it tho. People are so rude to be like that. Always makes me wonder what they’re like in their day to day lives and if they just live in chaos

LakeTiticaca · 03/06/2022 10:09

It's frustrating and I have learned to weed out the time wasters/scammers. As soon as they start messing about just block and move on. I think 24 hours is reasonable to come and collect.
Anything advertised free is collect today only

Northernsoullover · 03/06/2022 10:12

We have a hierarchy of Facebook selling sites where I live. The posh area I live in (I rent so am not posh 😂) is the best one. The town general one is a bear pit. Are there any smaller groups you can try?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread