It happened again. Last week my wife posted something for sell on Facebook marketplace. Fortunately, the patrons and buyers of Fakebook did not disappoint. This was not the first item which she had attempted to sell on the platform. Our past experiences were beginning to illustrate a pattern of behavior which seemed odd to us both. That was until I figured out what was actually occurring.

If there is one word which can be used to describe the average buyer (I use that term lightly) on Fakebook, it would be “Flaky.” Yeah, flaky…just like a good pie crust. Why do I cast such a judgment? Well just consider my anecdotal evidence.

– One buyer agreed to meet me to acquire an item…I was still setting in the parking lot an hour later before I had to leave. – Multiple buyers give ridiculously unappealing offers…then even when agreed too, make no arrangements to purchase. – Multiple buyers inquire concerning availability, express interest in the item, then give no response-even when prompted! – Multiple buyers have been leery of accepting cash, preferring electronic payments over cash. Oh no, not that scary paper stuff.

It has really been amusing to experience.

This weekend, my wife and I were discussing this very topic when all of the sudden, it hit me. I know what the problem is.

This younger generation never attended auctions!

Yes, that is my main thesis. Allow me to put some flesh on it.

When I was young man in Kentucky, I attended auctions, trade days, swap meets, flea markets, private auto purchases (owner-to-owner), etc. These were a staple of my childhood. My wife too was privy to such dealings when she was a young girl. However, I suspect the majority of these young folks on the internet today do not understand anything beyond a credit card and an Amazon delivery vehicle. This has been their experience. Private transactions with strangers are something to be scared of. Is the act scary? In some cases it is, but the majority of the issue stems from a lack of experience and familiarity.

This is why someone will express interest in an item…and then never attempt to suggest a time or place to meet. They literally have no idea what the next step is. Why? is it because it requires more than clicking a mouse or swiping a thumb? No, it is because it requires the ability to make decisions in a confluence of seemingly unlimited options. We are all inclined to succumb to that weakness.

What is to be done?

I guess everyone below the age of 40 and living in America could just be written off as poor buyers, but that would be false and extreme. I think the burden has to fall on the seller. The burden of the transaction has to fall on me.

My suggestion to those of you still reading this article is to be more descriptive in your item postings. Answer all objections and questions before hand, in the posting. Basically selling and marketing 101. Here is an example of a common post I see on some selling platforms.

Computer Thinkpad X230

Good computer..local pickup only. $75 Firm

Here is a better posting

Computer Thinkpad X230

I bought this computer second hand back in 2019. Since then, it has been used mainly at my house and work. I updated the hard drive to an 500Gb ssd. Other than that, everything is stock. Please view the pictures and feel free to ask any questions you might have. It comes with windows 10 installed and the full office suite.
I am able to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the hours of 5pm to 7PM
The meet location will be at the Shell station at 2467 Bigdeal Rd in Cowan, Ky
Please contact me if you are willing to purchase, no alternate offers will be accepted. Cash only.

The more you tell, the more you sell!

The next time you get ready to sell any product, give no quarter to ambiguity. Detail every thing which should occur. My second post above is still poor and should be greatly improved, but it is far better than the original.

People need to be told ahead of time how the transaction will occur. You being the seller, it is your responsibility to set the terms? Why? Because you own the product! So set the terms of the transaction and make sure they are known and clearly stated!

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