September 08, 2008
Need to SALE?
I've been reading a LOT of motorcycle postings lately. Mostly on craigslist, some on ebay and even fewer in the local OKC rag (which is absolutely useless unless you want to buy someones used Harley--they should call it the Harley section, without a doubt). One thing I've noticed in all three venues is the use of SALE when the poster meant SELL. I have lost count of the number of posts which read something like "My loss is your gain, need to sale". This does not seem to be confined to the south-central part of the US, either. I've seen it in posts from DFW to PGH. While I don't expect perfect grammar--strike that--I don't expect 6th grade grammar when I'm reading through the CL, I would have thought, until now, that most folks know the difference between the verb sell and the noun sale.
Another practice which I would've thought to be de rigueur is a prompt, professional and courteous response to any and all questions asked by those trying to purchase your product. I am almost (notice I used "almost") amazed at the number of postings which read "great bike, email with q's. must sale quick so I can buy a car, baby on the way!" and nothing else. No phone numbers, no mileage listed, no title information nor even, in extreme cases, a year or model listed! One would think a person trying to sell something via the internet would check their email at least once a day, especially if that person directs interested parties to use the email link! I didn't think my standards are too lofty in this respect but it would seem so given the number of posters who have embraced this practice.
Obviously with craigslist, we are dealing with the unfettered, untrained masses with respect to internet commerce. I thought I had found a sweet deal on an older model GSXR 750 (which is probably the bike responsible for the repli-racer craze started back in the 80's) but the poster was obviously a younger guy, not yet familiar with simple concepts like manners, etiquette or even (dare I say it) common courtesy. I called him on Friday afternoon during a break at work. We had a horrible mobile connection and he stated he would have to call back because he gets (obviously) bad coverage at his location. No problem, I can understand that. When I got back to my desk, I realized the only number he had for me would be my cell, which gets equally bad reception inside our building. I call him from the land line and leave a message with my desk number. "No problem" I think to myself "I've covered all bases". After 5 hours had elapsed, I started getting that feeling. You know, the "something's up" feeling? I had a buddy call him during his break and the call goes straight to v-mail. Big surprise. The following Saturday, I get up early and call him from the house. SURPRISE! He answers then almost sounds like "oh, it's you. I thought I'd brushed off any interest you had last night by not returning your call." I clarify a couple of things about the title and ask when I can see the bike. He informs me that he is on his lunch break but gets off at 3pm and should be ready to show the bike by 4 to 4:30-ish. I tell him I'll call at 3:15 and get directions. He agrees and all is well. By now, you've deduced all was not well or I wouldn't be telling this version of the story. 3:20 rolls around and I'm helping a friend with a quick wiring issue on his bike. I call. I'm not surprised when, after listening to the absolute worst ring-back tone EVER, the call rolls to his voice mail. About 20 minutes later, I get a call from a number I don't recognize so I figure it's his land line and start preparing for the onslaught of excuses. NO SIR! Wrong number. That was a week ago Saturday and I still haven't heard from old boy, yet his bike is still listed. I tried to flag it, but I guess I've exceeded my "flags" from this IP or something because I'm getting no love, Dr. Jones. By the way, that is his correct cell number so feel free to call him at all hours of the day to ask if he has Prince Albert in a can.
Another practice which I would've thought to be de rigueur is a prompt, professional and courteous response to any and all questions asked by those trying to purchase your product. I am almost (notice I used "almost") amazed at the number of postings which read "great bike, email with q's. must sale quick so I can buy a car, baby on the way!" and nothing else. No phone numbers, no mileage listed, no title information nor even, in extreme cases, a year or model listed! One would think a person trying to sell something via the internet would check their email at least once a day, especially if that person directs interested parties to use the email link! I didn't think my standards are too lofty in this respect but it would seem so given the number of posters who have embraced this practice.
Obviously with craigslist, we are dealing with the unfettered, untrained masses with respect to internet commerce. I thought I had found a sweet deal on an older model GSXR 750 (which is probably the bike responsible for the repli-racer craze started back in the 80's) but the poster was obviously a younger guy, not yet familiar with simple concepts like manners, etiquette or even (dare I say it) common courtesy. I called him on Friday afternoon during a break at work. We had a horrible mobile connection and he stated he would have to call back because he gets (obviously) bad coverage at his location. No problem, I can understand that. When I got back to my desk, I realized the only number he had for me would be my cell, which gets equally bad reception inside our building. I call him from the land line and leave a message with my desk number. "No problem" I think to myself "I've covered all bases". After 5 hours had elapsed, I started getting that feeling. You know, the "something's up" feeling? I had a buddy call him during his break and the call goes straight to v-mail. Big surprise. The following Saturday, I get up early and call him from the house. SURPRISE! He answers then almost sounds like "oh, it's you. I thought I'd brushed off any interest you had last night by not returning your call." I clarify a couple of things about the title and ask when I can see the bike. He informs me that he is on his lunch break but gets off at 3pm and should be ready to show the bike by 4 to 4:30-ish. I tell him I'll call at 3:15 and get directions. He agrees and all is well. By now, you've deduced all was not well or I wouldn't be telling this version of the story. 3:20 rolls around and I'm helping a friend with a quick wiring issue on his bike. I call. I'm not surprised when, after listening to the absolute worst ring-back tone EVER, the call rolls to his voice mail. About 20 minutes later, I get a call from a number I don't recognize so I figure it's his land line and start preparing for the onslaught of excuses. NO SIR! Wrong number. That was a week ago Saturday and I still haven't heard from old boy, yet his bike is still listed. I tried to flag it, but I guess I've exceeded my "flags" from this IP or something because I'm getting no love, Dr. Jones. By the way, that is his correct cell number so feel free to call him at all hours of the day to ask if he has Prince Albert in a can.
Labels: Dazed and Confused
// posted by wayne @ 9/08/2008 09:18:00 PM 
April 13, 2007
Wha?
Just so I'm perfectly clear on this: Don Imus uses a racial slur and he gets fired. ANY ONE of the 3.2 million rappers out there do the same and they get a recording contract? Why aren't Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton all up in Snoop's grill? Where's the outrage/boycott over the 245 billion times women have been called hos and bitches in song? Or would that be "beyotches"?
Maybe if Imus had rapped his comments he'd still have a job.
Maybe if Imus had rapped his comments he'd still have a job.
Labels: Dazed and Confused
// posted by wayne @ 4/13/2007 06:01:00 AM
