john,
Great points.  When I first got my 81 westy, 4 years ago, I used one of the
list guys that sells a lot of parts on this and other vw lists for a few
items.  i sent my money up front, and waited one week, two weeks, three
weeks, 6 weeks..................after several emails, etc., I finally got my
stuff.  The excuse was that the parts selling was a hobby, and that the
stuff was at a friends place an hour or so away.  Taught me a lesson, and
quick.

Now, when I sell something on the list, I have the stuff ready to go.  When
I get the money it goes out, that day.  Nothing sucks worse than forking out
your dough and waiting forever for your parts....................

Adam P
81  Westy "The Brick "
70 Single Cab "Whitey"
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg
75 Campmobile "for sale'
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Brush" <jbrush@AROS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2002 1:39 PM
Subject: Selling on the list, revisted

> I didn't get into this topic when it was going around this past week,
> because I tend to get long winded and off the subject, but I would like to
> add a perspective that I think would help a lot, and could avoid problems
> that we have seen recently. In fact, I think I am in one of those
> situations right now......
>
> It is only common sense to wait till you receive the payment before you
> deliver the goods, but those of us who act in good faith by sending
> payment are entitled to a little courtesy and consideration from those to
> whom we give our hard earned cash.
>
> If you offer to sell something, and you receive prompt payment up front,
> then I think you have a serious obligation to get that product into the
> shipping lanes, and deliver it as promptly as you can.
>
> Now, we all know that  life sometimes gets in the way of this, but there
> is not one person on this list who would not understand a delay if the
> seller kept in contact, and explained that "his house burned down," or
> that he is "having a fight with his wife," or that "I forgot and that the
> package will go out tommorrow," or some other credible explanation for not
> shipping promptly.
>
> If you take a person's money up front, you are obligated to make sure that
> the transaction continues at a fair pace. Failing that, email is free,
> incredibly convenient and efficient, and should be used judiciously, to
> keep the buyer informed. It is pretty crappy to need a part, to pay for
> the part, and then get left hanging, wondering when you will be able to
> get your van back onto the road.
>
> List sales are a two way street for sure, and if you expect payment up
> front (which is certainly reasonable) then you ought to be willing to hold
> up your end of the bargain.
>
> Nuff said.
>
> Regards from Utah,
>
> John
>