Classified Etiquette

Over the last year of personal downsizing, Castanet’s Classifieds have been a great local platform, though what should be a satisfying mutual transaction (we offer something you might appreciate) has not been without challenges (read: frustrations):

First there are those people who make initial counter offers way less than the asking price, BEFORE they even check out, in person or phone, what they would be getting for their hard-earned money.

Now I understand that we’re all out bargain hunting, but believe us, we’ve done the research, know what the item’s worth, how cheaply you could get it on sale, and we have no intention to rip anyone off! Bartering is fine, but why don’t you politely inquire whether there’s room for negotiation? And no, before I give away a clean $400 dollar carpet for $20 I much rather donate it so someone really in need gets it.

What, above all, has irked us repeatedly, is the ‘no shows’. After a friendly phone conversation a time is mutually agreed upon and we ask that if you change your mind or can’t make it to let us know. So we’re home, phone close by, and wait for the potential buyer. And wait, and wait… Sometimes I would call the person back to see whether they have forgotten, but that’s just me being naive, because the truth is: There is a tremendous lack of e-trade etiquette, of fundamental courtesy and of, yes, let me say it: personal accountability.

So whether it is the sense of overall anonymity (still, I’ve got your names and numbers, y’all!) or plain absence of manners, it comes down to this: I waited for you and by not showing you show that you don’t value my or my family’s time.  And that is just rude.

Ilona Peet and family