Some of those selling parts are posting the same items across several forums, not just FEBO. And let’s not forget, we are all human. Ask the wrong question, or question something at all, and “the offer to sell to you” is withdrawn, as if they’re doing us a favor selling us a part we may not want or need. If they have a potential sale brewing on one forum, and nothing but questions on another, they may not feel the need to respond to the latter.
Some of those selling parts are selling numerous parts, as if it’s their pastime, hobby or side business. But again, we are only human. Don’t expect all sellers to act like they’re business owners, or have integrity like some business owners concerned about their reputation. I am often pleasantly surprised when I come across integrity, or sellers going out of their way to fulfill my requests. They rock. I wish there was a better rating system to track those who have done well by me.
If you want the part, be delicate and respectful. Otherwise, you may be ignored or incur the wrath of the seller in private message.
My wife makes a standing joke about our cats. When I keep calling them to jump onto my lap, and they ignore me, she says something like “they smell your desperation” and we laugh. But sellers, too, can simply switch off, when a seller hammers them with multiple messages. My advice, be patient, and willing to wait, and willing to not hear back at all from a seller.
I dislike sellers unwilling to have transparency. Some only wish to discuss a sale privately. Some will even, once an item sells, remove all content and evidence of the sale, as if they’re hiding something. I find the SOLD items, and the prices asked, very informative as to what an item may be worth. I dislike this being a public forum, but one where someone can hide things and be so private.
I do what I can to avoid unwanted attention. I’ve had things stolen from me, and I’ve been taken advantage of, when I wasn’t on the ball and keeping an eye out. Some of these sellers may be weary of similar pitfalls, or questions they deem necessary to complete a sale.
There is no real buyer protection among the market places on these forums. And as a buyer, those sellers unwilling to use PayPal is a big red flag. Most sellers unwilling to use PayPal may be doing so, because they were banned by PayPal and/or have a history of incomplete transactions. The fees they whine about are trivial, and there are work-arounds. Someone requesting a money order is an even bigger red flag. On one forum, it's even against the TOS Terms-of-service to publicly question a seller's claim about an item. Either take what they say at face value, or keep your mouth shut.
There is little accountability, here. Sellers can do (within reason) pretty much anything they want. So tread lightly. This isn't epay.
Take all of what I’m writing with a grain of salt. It is my own opinion.
There are many sellers doing a great deal for so little. Some post pictures and respond to trivial questions for a small dollar sale. To those sellers, I give my thanks and hold a great deal of respect.
