Date:         Sat, 7 Sep 2002 13:39:16 -0400
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Selling on the list, revisted
In-Reply-To:  <27381-3D7A5111-795@storefull-2357.public.lawson.webtv.net>

I didn't get into this topic when it was going around this past week,
because I tend to get long winded and off the subject, but I would like to
add a perspective that I think would help a lot, and could avoid problems
that we have seen recently. In fact, I think I am in one of those
situations right now......

It is only common sense to wait till you receive the payment before you
deliver the goods, but those of us who act in good faith by sending
payment are entitled to a little courtesy and consideration from those to
whom we give our hard earned cash.

If you offer to sell something, and you receive prompt payment up front,
then I think you have a serious obligation to get that product into the
shipping lanes, and deliver it as promptly as you can.

Now, we all know that  life sometimes gets in the way of this, but there
is not one person on this list who would not understand a delay if the
seller kept in contact, and explained that "his house burned down," or
that he is "having a fight with his wife," or that "I forgot and that the
package will go out tommorrow," or some other credible explanation for not
shipping promptly.

If you take a person's money up front, you are obligated to make sure that
the transaction continues at a fair pace. Failing that, email is free,
incredibly convenient and efficient, and should be used judiciously, to
keep the buyer informed. It is pretty crappy to need a part, to pay for
the part, and then get left hanging, wondering when you will be able to
get your van back onto the road.

List sales are a two way street for sure, and if you expect payment up
front (which is certainly reasonable) then you ought to be willing to hold
up your end of the bargain.

Nuff said.

Regards from Utah,

John