Sale Pending?

[kshapero]

I see "Sale Pending" often in the classifieds. What does this mean? Back where I come from, there is "looking" and "sold". Just cause someone says they are interested in buying doesn't mean anything in my mind until they pay. Or am I just being a cruel capitalist?🙄

 

[Papercut]

I see "Sale Pending" often in the classifieds. What does this mean? Back where I come from, there is "looking" and "sold". Just cause someone says they are interested in buying doesn't mean anything in my mind until they pay. Or am I just being a cruel capitalist?🙄

From a seller's standpoint, it can be tough to sell something out from under someone who has said they'll buy it but hasn't had the time to send the funds yet. I've had this happen with time zone differences between me and the buyer. Or if they ask a question (e.g., "Will it come shave-ready? If so, I'll take it," for a straight razor) but can't read my reply until they get off work or some such. There can be a time lag in communication and I personally would feel bad if I were to sell it out from under the person in such situations. No moral condemnation if a different seller made a different choice than I do, but this is why I have put "sale pending" on different forums in the past.

Also possible is lags due to different methods of payment: bank transfers, checks, etc. Though I suspect those are much less common.

 

[kshapero]

From a seller's standpoint, it can be tough to sell something out from under someone who has said they'll buy it but hasn't had the time to send the funds yet. I've had this happen with time zone differences between me and the buyer. Or if they ask a question (e.g., "Will it come shave-ready? If so, I'll take it," for a straight razor) but can't read my reply until they get off work or some such. There can be a time lag in communication and I personally would feel bad if I were to sell it out from under the person in such situations. No moral condemnation if a different seller made a different choice than I do, but this is why I have put "sale pending" on different forums in the past.

Also possible is lags due to different methods of payment: bank transfers, checks, etc. Though I suspect those are much less common.

Some good points, but I have lost sales due one or more of those situations.Sometimes you have to go, "first come, first served".

 

[Papercut]

Some good points, but I have lost sales due one or more of those situations.Sometimes you have to go, "first come, first served".

Indeed. There's no "magic bullet", and really no "absolutely right in all circumstances" choice either. Each seller has to decide what's right for them in any given situation.

 

[benmacphoto]

I usually give the person some time and change it to pending.
And if someone else is interested I try and get in touch with them if the first person backs out.

 

[jsrockit]

I think the situation would be that you've given your paypal info to the buyer, but the payment wasn't sent yet. It can take a few hours to get things done. No big deal... sounds like someone missed out on something? 😉

 

[filmtwit]

Keep in mind that not everyone sits online all day, so sales can go a little bit slow between "I'd like to buy it" and "paid for"

 

[Papercut]

... sounds like someone missed out on something? 😉

Same thought crossed my mind, but I self-censored. :angel:

 

[jvo]

yeh...

yeh...

you're just a cruel capitalist!!!😱

just kidding... i've always thought it was a sellers way to communicate - i got someone whose committed to buy and we're working out the details - shipping, payment details, etc. i see it as a courtesy to potential buyers essentially saying "it's probably a waste to consider this item further..."

occassionally the deal fails, i've always emailed the seller expressing my interest, should that happen.