Gumtree time wasters- why?

[M0reGinPlease]

Why do people do it? Arrange a time to collect and then just not turn up and all of a sudden stop replying to messages. It's just so bloody rude!

I find this with Facebook buyers and even freecycle people who are getting something for free! So annoying. Ya definitely nbu.

Free cycle is the worst for this. Or you get given the runaround and then get asked if you can deliver it for free instead.

I was selling an item which a guy asked loads of detailed questions about, I've waited in all bloody morning and he just hasn't turned up, then rejected my phone call. If you don't want it fine just let me sodding know!!

Why would you want in all day? Next time arrange a time and if they don't show up or let you know they are running late just get on with your day and don't wait in

Same with facebook selling sites. If they have changed their mind fair enough (if slightly irritating) but it is the non-contact that is the big issue. Last item I relisted I put relisting due to rudeness. That raised a few laughs and hopefully got back to the rude person. I had been chasing her for nearly a week.

People are so rude!

I’ve started sounding really rude in my posts because I say ‘price is fair and set, do not negotiate. I will not hold items, the first person to show up gets it and I will remove the post when it’s gone.’

So sick of people saying they will come and buy it on Wednesday or whatever, expect me to hold it for them and then they don’t show up

Erm I contacted a gum tree seller about an item. Got told yeah it's still available. Great when should I come to collect it. They said just take it, I don't want anything for it.

OK, I said please give me your address and tell me when it would be convenient for me to come and collect it.

Total silence from the seller despite several follow up e-mails from me.

That was three months ago. So it cuts both ways.

I have sold loads of stuff on Gumtree (car, tumble dryer, kitchen stuff etc) but there has been the odd time waster amongst the genuine ones.

Not sure why but it tends to be people with weird user names, or maybe it's coincidence. The George's and Helen's of this world are real people interested in buying, the moubidoos and houbbars are just made up personas who may or may not be genuine. Thing is, it only takes a few seconds for them to send an email and arrange a visit - there's no real investment in their time. Hey it's all random!

Maybe they found a better deal, but couldn't be bothered to come back and let you know that. No point in trying to make sense of it, you'll eventually find someone who does want the item and does turn up on time.

I found this most annoying with facebook selling. Now I always say a time and day (even though I work from home so can really do anytime) and if they miss their window without letting me know if they are running late or whatever then I go to the next person and repeat. Most people are genuine and do come on time but you get the odd one who just wants to be awkward for the sake of it.
I had one woman tell me she didn't come pick up because her child was taken to hospital, I felt sorry for her and said I'd hold on to it (was a toy for said child) until she was able to collect. Found out through a bit of fb stalking the next day that she was lying to me and didn't pick up because she was nursing a hangover! Said nothing to her and just sold to someone else who collected the same day, never had a message off her after the hospital one so she clearly wasn't planning to get it anyway - but I just think how vile do you have to be to make up an excuse like that!

I'm bracing myself for this coming Wednesday. Someone said they are sending their mate who's a courier to collect the fridge we've been advertising (one of those Retro Gorenge ones).... I'm pretty certain they are genuine because they've given me their full address and their mate's mobile. And it's a lovely fridge for the money! We shall see.

The one good thing is they won't get the fridge until I have the money handed to me on the day. We didn't fall into the trap of giving bank details, it's literally cash on collection or no deal, so the worst that will happen is that the courier doesn't turn up and we have to keep advertising the fridge. I've learned to set my expectations low!

OMG Coffee that's appalling how low down can a person be.

Next time arrange a time and if they don't show up or let you know they are running late just get on with your day and don't wait in

I did arrange a time. I want it gone and I could do with the cash. It's jus basic manners isn't it, that if you say to someone 'I'll be there at 11am' to either turn up or let them know you won't be.

Of course it is. My point was don't wait in for them. If they don't show up when they are suppose to assume they no longer want it and offer it to the next person.

Can be annoying can't it. Sold lots of items over the years but had some oddities and time wasters. When I used to sell things through newspaper adverts with my phone number in, I swear some used to phone up for a chat.

Just a tip re Freecycle to save waiting in, leave stuff on door step.

Thing is M0re definitely don't let people know you're eager to sell. If I don't hear back from someone or they take too long to get a firm date/ time in the calendar, I'm back on to them cancelling the arrangement.

Not saying you were too eager, but there are ways people can sniff out a sign of eagerness to sell.

I did that with Mr moobidou (not his real username), there was some back and forth emails, but that person didn't get to the point of firming up, so I withdrew from the deal, told him I wasn't prepare to continue with him. It closed it off and gave the message I only want genuine buyers not time wasters.