WTB and For Sale rules

[Arnie]

There was one instance though of missing out on an Item I had put up a wanted ad for.
I usually visit Amibay, click on unread posts and see if anyone has sent a PM or posted on my thread.
On this occasion someone had posted on my wanted thread 4 days before, but no post came up on clicking 'unread posts'. I only found out by checking my thread about a PM from another offer.

 

[Zetr0]

Why not add the "notification based on keywords" feature to amibay? This would allow everyone to play with the same "advantage". Want to get notified when there's a C64 breadbin for sale? Just add it to your notification filter and get notified via email, sms, whatever... It would also remove the need for wanted posts...

This is exactly what I was getting at - thank you for putting it more succinctly

To be fair, I still think there would be a need for wanted posts as AmiBay does work slightly differently and allows for interaction from fellow members. Which can influence peoples wants / needs etc.

 

[vladimpaler]

I am new here, but I too have already noticed a small number of people who seem to be all over a good many adverts in minutes. Such a pity these people (if the bot is thing is true) have to spoil things for the rest.

There is such a thing as dealing with these people for breaking the spirit of the rules if not actually breaking them. I personally don't see any need for a major change. These people seem to declare on loads of things, and then withdraw 80% of the time, suggesting that a bot is posting for them, to keep their place when it sees something 'interesting'. If you can detect bot posts, you could simply ban bots, and ban any member if caught using them. Failing that, how about adding a small anti bot challenge when posting responses to adverts? If that is too cumbersome, how about banning responding to say, more than 5 adverts less than 20 mins after they are posted? That would mean that they would either have to add a 20 min delay in to their bot, or be much more careful with using it. Either way, it gives others a chance.

 

[Amon_RA]

If there really is such a thing as bots it might be easier to just count the amount of 'withdraw interest' posts, and set a limit (e.g. 5 withdraws per week). This would force bot users to buy everything, or just stop using them. You could also give users the ability to report suspicious activities if they notice that certain users are showing interest and withdrawing frequently. I personally wouldn't start bringing time into the equation because time is relative, and doesn't guarantee the usage of bots ;-)

 

[80sFREAK]

For those, who want "new tools" - instead of bringing ebay-style sniping bots here, make your WTB offer more reasonable. If you buy for yourself, couple coins will not bankrupt you. If you want to take advantage of Amibay prices to gain somewhere else... i feel sorry for you.

 

[vladimpaler]

If there really is such a thing as bots it might be easier to just count the amount of 'withdraw interest' posts, and set a limit (e.g. 5 withdraws per week). This would force bot users to buy everything, or just stop using them. You could also give users the ability to report suspicious activities if they notice that certain users are showing interest and withdrawing frequently. I personally wouldn't start bringing time into the equation because time is relative, and doesn't guarantee the usage of bots

A better idea than mine!

- - - Updated - - -

For those, who want "new tools" - instead of bringing ebay-style sniping bots here, make your WTB offer more reasonable. If you buy for yourself, couple coins will not bankrupt you. If you want to take advantage of Amibay prices to gain somewhere else... i feel sorry for you.

In don't think it is that. I think it is simply always having first refusal on anything at all that interests you.

 

[demolition]

I have replied to a sales ad within a minute or two before without using any tools to alert me to the new thread. It simply popped up on top when I clicked the 'unread posts' button, so just because someone is responding quickly it doesn't mean that they use 'cheating'. Other times I have been 2nd or 3rd in line but still managed to get the item since it seems to me that many people declare interest quite prematurely before checking the item properly and/or that they actually have the money for it. They declare interest 'just in case' and then investigate whether it is actually something they want or not.

Generally I think the rules work well here, and it should be up to the seller to offer an item to someone who created a WTB thread. Having the ability to 'trump' any sales thread will not be good and we will get people posting lots of WTB threads all the time.

 

[DonAmiga]

Maybe we could have a "wanted" supporters badge for members to sign up for, just to promote awareness? something like they have for eab supporters, which could include some sort of fulfilled badge with a number that would increase with every deal you complete. As a supporter and you do a normal sale thread out of courtesy you could mention that it was a UK only sale and all wanted threads where outside the UK etc...

Just an idea feel free to have your say and it doesn't stop everyone from abusing the wanted section.

 

[Allen1]

I have replied to a sales ad within a minute or two before without using any tools to alert me to the new thread. It simply popped up on top when I clicked the 'unread posts' button, so just because someone is responding quickly it doesn't mean that they use 'cheating'. Other times I have been 2nd or 3rd in line but still managed to get the item since it seems to me that many people declare interest quite prematurely before checking the item properly and/or that they actually have the money for it. They declare interest 'just in case' and then investigate whether it is actually something they want or not.

Generally I think the rules work well here, and it should be up to the seller to offer an item to someone who created a WTB thread. Having the ability to 'trump' any sales thread will not be good and we will get people posting lots of WTB threads all the time.

Same for me (the reply part), I did notice someone in the past declaring interest on quite a lot of occasions and later withdrawing interest but holding up the cue while doing so. There have been a lot of sales where interest has been declared and later removed (sometimes days later), I have done that myself at least once when I was down the list somewhat and found another alternative to purchase. That is something that shouldn't really be done very often if possible as it just mucks the selling process and the sales thread.

 

[ajk]

But what is the alternative? If you need to know about shipping costs or other details not mentioned in the initial post, but haven't declared interest, you have no claim to the item.

Also this is a bit off topic but I do wonder why sellers still sometimes reply in PM to questions regarding shipping costs or requests for photos. Surely them being public would benefit the entire thread, and there would not be as many "speculative" declarations of interest.

 

[AndyLandy]

Also this is a bit off topic but I do wonder why sellers still sometimes reply in PM to questions regarding shipping costs or requests for photos. Surely them being public would benefit the entire thread, and there would not be as many "speculative" declarations of interest.

I've often wondered similarly myself. There's a good reason why I try and always include postage and fees in my listing prices, any potential buyer knows upfront how much an item will cost them and it saves pointless PM swapping.

 

[Sardine]

^^^

its a sneaky free bump..

"pictures added as requested"

"pm replied"

 

[hese]

there are members (they know who they are) use an APP of some type that alerts them to sale threads,( the 1 minute responses says it all) this has been discussed in the staff area but no conclusion as yet as I think it's unfair and should NOT be allowed and members using such tactics should be banned.

Good that I'm not the only one who has seen this pattern for a long time. They're using some app to poll the threads and auto-declare interest when interesting keywords are found. Later when they are really online they either update their post ("PM sent", etc) or withdraw interest. Hopefully you can weed out this behavior somehow or let everyone use such apps freely.

 

[wmsteele]

It all makes sense now, I’ve noticed this as well but had just thought it was simply someone constant hitting the refresh button! To be honest it’s a bit underhanded/devious/sly but it’s not explicitly against the rules, although I would like it to be!