Gumtree - how good are the conmen?

[albion]

I posted an item on Gumtree a few weeks back and had my 2nd reply yesterday.
With Gumtree it's only safe to sell local so it turns out the guy is in Brighton, I'm in Newcastle.

Now the item is specialist collectors item and unavailable anywhere near my price.
He keenly explains the fact that he is a student doing an MBA and collects this item type.
So he's painted a nice picture, is softly spoken and already has got some trust.

Anyway I explain the distance payment problem and that I also have it for sale on Amazon at the same price so for his and my protection it is the safe way to transact.
For some reason he said he would ring today which he has not so far. He certainly did sound accomplished but knowing the scheme if things I'm 80% certain he is a conman.

Any similar experiences?

 

[vernon]

It's all rather vague.

I don't think anyone reading your message can give you any worthwhile advice knowing so little.

The buyer might have other things on his mind that take priority. He might have forgotten. It's not unusual for potential buyers to fail to take proceedings any further.

Do whatever you think it takes to reduce/eliminate being conned should he contact you again.

 

[Maz]

Now the item is specialist collectors item and unavailable anywhere near my price.

What does this mean?

 

[vernon]

He has a stolen relic that he wants to sell at a knock down price?

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I live in worthing about 8 miles or so away from brighton...send it to me and I'll get him to come here with cash and i'll and forward it to you if you like.

 

[biggs682]

never had any issues wiyh gum tree , picked up a couple of bargains so good for me .

nice offer bigonabianchi

 

[Archie_tect]

Saw a red b.twin road bike for sale for £200 -an "unwanted present"???- now if that's not stolen... how do you report suspicious posts?

 

[mr_cellophane]

Saw a red b.twin road bike for sale for £200 -an "unwanted present"???- now if that's not stolen... how do you report suspicious posts?

Why ? The cheapest road bike Decathlon sell is £299.

 

[Archie_tect]

Thanks Mr Cellophane, doesn't sound so bad in that case! Wonder if they'd take £150...

 

[gavintc]

I had to furnish my Edinburgh flat before we left to allow me to rent it out. I purchased most of the furniture through Gumtree and in every case I got a very good deal on good quality stuff. Indeed, I will probably be selling it on Gumtree in May when we return.

 

[albion]

There was no contact from the would be buyer.
I guess is was just as likely he was a dealer looking to buy lower to sell on.

Gumtree is actually great for buying and getting rid of stuff locally.
They must have changed their system because the usual emails from people wanting me to post items to a relatives in Nigeria or India have disappeared.

 

[vernon]

C'mon then what were you selling?

 

[albion]

A clock. Its the Wind up type but I tried to keep the discussion about Gumtree.

The lad did ring tonight to try to cut a deal to suit 'his bad finances'.
I told him that if he emailed me his address details etc I'd reserve it for him for a couple of weeks so he could get the money together.