PM sent vs I'll Take it

[CAguy]

"I'll take it" should win first. A public declaration should win, that person should also come through on the purchase or be called out. I don't particularly like this new school breed of "PM me" crap.

PM's are fine for clarifying poorly written sale adds but public declarations cut down on flakes and keep things fair/orderly.

I'll take it all the way!

[CAguy]

The first person with the money get the item and let the flakes weap.

This works if you have a really great deal. I did this with some C&R rifles that I sold at cost and it was bananas! People came out of the wood works and wanted to pay me more to hold them but it was posted in the add and I stuck to it. They had to come to me and fast but the price was worth it and I had cash in hand in about 40 min flat.

[Whiskey_Sauer]

Pm sent or I'll take means nothing. It's not a legal contract.

Good to know. If I ever sell something, and you respond, with "I'll take it," I'll be sure to note this.

[gotshotgun?]

The problem with ill take it is that these sales need several details worked out before anything is finalized, including time and location of transfer and method of payment. The seller not only owns the item for sale but he controls the terms of the sale, ie where and when he will sell it. Therefore, an initial ill take it is premature. The seller has every right to turn the offer to purchase down if it comes with ANY contingencies. That could even include the gun store to meet at, say the seller doesn't like a gun store for whatever reason, even if it's close to both parties, he is not obligated to meet there to convenience the buyer.

[67goat]

I have only bought on this forum, not sold. I have sold on other forums before. I have always handled sales on a first come, first serve basis. That has meant that I have settled for less that I might have gotten from pending offers that came later, but I'm not running an auction. Details have to be worked out, so I take each person in turn.

If a person has additional questions, and a reasonable (but not asking price) offer, I will respond to them and give them a specific timeframe to answer back (24 hrs max, usually less). If they don't respond, they drop off the list (or to the back of the line if they are late). If they only have a lowball offer, and no follow up questions about the product itself, I respond no thank you and move them to the back of the line. If they respond in a timely manner, I'll take their offer, even if there is a higher offer from somebody else I haven't contacted yet.

I realize that I am not running a business, and that online is not like FTF, but imagine if you were at the LGS and they had a used gun you were interested in, you had it in your hands, was asking questions about it, and somebody came up behind you and said "I'll take it." Would you be upset if the store grabbed it out of your hands and started the paperwork for the other guy? If you were that other guy, would you be upset if the store said you have to wait until this guy is done! While I don't think I could call either action "wrong", the first one would probably mean I wouldn't shop there again.

[Sticka]

This is Calguns. It doesn't matter who is first. The first 3 will probably flake anyway.

[CAguy]

The problem with ill take it is that these sales need several details worked out before anything is finalized, including time and location of transfer and method of payment. The seller not only owns the item for sale but he controls the terms of the sale, ie where and when he will sell it. Therefore, an initial ill take it is premature. The seller has every right to turn the offer to purchase down if it comes with ANY contingencies. That could even include the gun store to meet at, say the seller doesn't like a gun store for whatever reason, even if it's close to both parties, he is not obligated to meet there to convenience the buyer.

If the sale add is written correctly that should all be stated. (willing to meet between x and y)

[Chameleon Loco]

If i post pm sent on a item it means I am either asking the seller a question on an item sending them my offer. If I post I'll take it on a thread in the marketplace it means I will buy that item for the sellers asking price.

[Okami]

This.
An "I'll Take it!" Not only lets the seller know what your intentions are but also anyone else interested in the item. Pm sent could mean anything.

As both a buyer and seller I feel "I'll take it" should be the standard for determining a commitment to buy. "PM sent" only means to me a counter-offer over list or condition that the possible buyer is proposing.

F.A.S. Out

[CSACANNONEER]

To me, "I'll take it" means that the potential buyer has accepted all the seller's terms of the sale. Anything less is not a solid commitment to buy and should be considered an offer to negotiate. The same would apply to PMs.

[diverwcw]

I go with the first PM expressing a positive intent to purchase.

[roc_my_tims]

"I'll take it" should mean that you are paying the asking price and will meet in a day or two at the FFL preferred by the seller. Too often there's an "I'll take it" followed by PMs with an offer of $50 less because he has to drive an hour, and can we wait two weeks until I get my tax return?
Somebody that will meet 5 minutes away from my house, is paying full price, and doing the transaction today will always get first priority. I also expect sellers to use the same guidelines to me.

this answer is perfect

[bassbones]

PM sent means here is an offer that you eventually sell your item for only after weeks of flakes and wasted time . PM sent means let's cut the crap . I have cash in my hand here is my offer .
After telling me no , inevitably I will see your price lowered lower than my original offer ..

PLUS most of you think your "rare " LNIB firearm is with 25 to 30 percent more than what it's worth . Check Northern California vs Southern California prices . For what so cal leaves to be desired , at least they have a better grip on reality !

[Mitch]

Check Northern California vs Southern California prices . For what so cal leaves to be desired , at least they have a better grip on reality !

There's a far larger market in SoCal, so prices are going to be more competitive, for all kinds of things that can't be easily moved from one part of the state to the other.

Some years ago I moved to San Francisco and found the parking very difficult with my large cars. I decided to buy a Honda CRX. Prices were high in the Bay Area, and selection was low, so I spent a weekend at my parents' house in Orange County and bought one there. Saved some money doing that.

[SNCaliber]

As a seller and buyer, pm sent for me is first intent to purchase, and I will honor that.