I responded to an ad on a gun site which read in part,"...mint condition with mint scope and extra mags. Pics available on request."

The following email communication recently took place between me and the seller.

ME: Do you still have the factory box? Can you tell me how many mags of what capacitiy, and which manufacturer? Also, please email me pics. Thanks.

RESPONSE: Are you interested in buying the gun?

ME: Yes, if the asnwers to my questions are in line with I am looking for. Please email pics and info on mags. Thanks.

RESPONSE: I don't have the factory box any more.

ME: How about the pics and mag info?

RESPONSE: I don't have any pics right now, but will throw in two extra mags if you buy it.

ME: Thank you, but I've changed my mind!!!

Why do I get the impression that all was not on the up and up?

Ever happen to you?

definatly some red flags there..

You shouldn't have to pull teeth to buy something.  The buy should come easily, if it doesn't, move on until it does....

I can't stand people like that... even if they are honest buyers/sellers.  It happens to me all the time when I'm buying or selling stuff online.  I ask questions about what they have, seller replys with about a half sentence that almost answers one question [rolleyes]

Red flags and/or massive stupidity on his part.

Reply to your post available on request.

It's reverse psychology.

j/k

Internet gun deals shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 emails to confirm and send payment.

email#1) still have xyz for sale and can you send pic?
email#2)yes.it is still for sale.pics sent.
email#3 got the pics.send payment instructions and ffl info.
email#4 got xyz.I love it.Thanks.Will leave feedback at xyz.com

I have done quite a few deals over the net and they shouldn't be so painful or aggravating.

I don't get it when people drag deals on for 20 emails.

If you're gonna sell something, sell it.If you want to play games go back to the playground.

When you deal with some of the good folks here at AR15.com, transactions run smoothly, right Ed?  [:)]

Until UPS almost screws it up.

[:)]

Be careful, I got KYed by some POS from Mansfield,OH for 6K over the internet off the Sturmgeweher board. Luckily I had enough evidence and the postal inspector was able to prosecute him for theft through deception. Luckily I got everything paid back.

If he didn't answer any of your first four questions then that should tell you right there somethings not right. If I'm selling I answer all and then some. If you don't buy no big deal. Needed to be done anyways. I can cut and paste for the next prospective buyer.

The goddamned photos (along with detailed descriptions) should be a requirement!  By the first email response to the buyer, seller should be giving out phone number and mailing address.

Seller should make every effort to make the buyer comfortable enough to send his money to someone he does not know. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes..

I've sold three through the internet and will go out of my way to make the buyer feel secure. It's just an honor and integrity kind of thing.

Definately bad juju. The only time I got burnt on an i'net purchase was in a similar exchange between the seller. I felt bad juju and I should have trusted my gut. Hope you did the same.

[b]stemcell[/b]:

I've been thinking about your problem, and I've decided that the entire incident is completely your fault.

1) You didn't immediately contact the seller to tell him that you can get one twice as nice for half the cost at Wal*Mart.

2) You didn't inform the seller that the scope is a piece of junk, and you're doing him a favor by even taking it.

3) You didn't inform the seller that your second cousin's next-door neighbor's babysitter's ex-husband's brother-in-law's dog groomer was a Delta SEAL Sniper Force Recon Corporal-Captain and used one just like that against the Krauts in DaNang in 1954, so you already know all about the gun anyway.

4) You didn't offer to trade some obscure piece of nothing that even you don't want for the gun.

5) You didn't use the magic phrase "cash money" when making your offer. That's how buyers know your for real. Of course, when it comes time to make the deal, put it on a credit card.

6) You didn't ask, "What's your bottom dollar?" followed immediately by, "Will you take less than that?"

You see, you broke several rules of engagement for a sucessful firearms transaction. I'm sure you caught the seller off guard by being upfront and honest. Hope you've learned your lesson.

You are right! I could learn much by sitting at the feet of you, the MASTER!!!

So YOUR the f***ing guy.

I told ya I'd find ya you SOB.

I'm coming over there right now. [:D]