I’m not experienced at all with buying/selling on Gumtree and similar, and really confused about an exchange I had with a buyer:
They seemed very interested and enthusiastic about an item I am selling. We arranged this morning that they would come to collect at noon. I got a text at 11am that they are running a bit late and it’s likely be 12.30. I replied ‘no problem’. I got another very apologetic text just before 12 that they have missed their train but are on the next one now and ETA 13.15. I again said no problem.
Then nothing…I texted at 13.45 to ask if they have any trouble finding the address. Then at 2.30 again also with my phone number. Again at 3.30 to tell them that I need to hear from them by 4.30 or otherwise wouldn’t be able to wait any longer. So now it’s 4.30 and I’ll finally head out and enjoy the rest of the sunny afternoon after I spent almost all day waiting for them.
What I don’t understand is…I get that people change their minds and are not polite enough to cancel, but this person presumably was already on the train and on their way, and texted twice to update me on their delays. You wouldn’t change your mind when on the train already, so why pretending you’re on your way to collect an item when you actually have no intention to do so? What’s the benefit for them?