Why are you selling it?

lefty007 · #1 08-03-2007, 01:13 PM

This is a purposeless thread, but I was just thinking about this. . .

Why do potential buyers always ask sellers "why are you selling it?" (Be it here at the classifieds, eBay, or any other listings?)

That is like asking, "are you an honest person?"

If I'm honest, I would list any defects up front. If I'm dishonest, I would probably try to hide any defects or negatives, so if I'm asked that question I would obviously not answer, "well, it think this bass is a piece of dead lumber, and I hate how it plays and sounds. . . "

If I'm buying a bass, I would know what I'm buying and ask the seller specific questions, but what do I care why is he/she selling it?

99% of the replies are:

-I just bought another bass and can't afford to have them all,
-I'm getting maried, buying a house, or having a kid,
-I'm need to pay my debt.

But nobody tells the truth: I hate this bass and I need to move as quick as possible so I can buy the next thing in my G.A.S. list!

MJ5150 · #2 08-03-2007, 01:17 PM

Sometimes I will ask to find out what they did not like about the item. I never think it is because the seller is a lying thief.

I've never said "I hate this bass...yadda, yadda, yadda", but I have said "this bass is not what I was looking for, so I need to sell it".

-Mike

superbassman2000 · #3 08-03-2007, 02:33 PM

is it possible that those are actual reasons? I know that on many an occasion i will buy a bass or some piece of gear and have an unexpected cost arise, or heck, i might buy it knowing fully well i can't afford it!

NJL · #4 08-03-2007, 02:34 PM

next time i'm going to tell them, "to pay for my defense attorney"..

TrooperFarva · #5 08-03-2007, 03:14 PM

I only ask if the Ad is vague, like "Mesa 400+ for sale, $800." The Ad doesn't tell you anything.

Some people, myself included, respond in detail. Something to the effect of "The bass was too bright, and translated too much string noise. It could be solved with a different amp, but I'm more attached to the amp than I am the bass, so I'm going to replace the bass" So the buyer knows up front that the bass is bright, so if they have an amp that can compensate (Like a cab with no horn) or it's the sound they're going for, they can make a more informed decision.

There is the risk that the person could lie about the condition of the gear. But at least if you ask, and they lie, and you get something that's trashed, you have proof of them saying the item was in good shape, and you can hold them responsible. If you never ask, they could sell you crap, and say that they never claimed that the item was in good shape.

SuperDuck · #6 08-03-2007, 03:21 PM

I've been tempted to reply "Because I don't want it anymore", but then I figure I might lose a sale.