Seems to me that a non-confrontational post, public, on the list ("Paging John Doe -- John, email doesn't seem to be working, haven't been able to reach you, I hope that the package / tires / fiftieth anniversary group has arrived successfully. Have you had a chance to send off payment yet?") is perfectly appropriate, and may discretely alert others, as well.
I had one unhappy list transaction -- I WTB'd onlist for a pair of 700c ModE's; I received an offer offlist, and when they arrived, they were not 700's, they were 27 inchers (well, it says so, in legible type, right on the label, doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell the difference!). A rather well known, maybe even notorious, seller, who was not interested in making the deal good. I had to be quite persistent, including phoning. Eventually it worked out, but it left a sour taste.
Cheers,
Peter Bridge (long memory in) sdcausa
-----Original Message----- From: wheelman@nac.net To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Thu, 18 Aug 2005 23:26:55 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [CR]No honor among CR members
Over the last two years I have really come to know many of the CR members and a good deal of them personally. That is why I though about sending this message for some time. Although we are a loose confederation of like minded enthusiast I believed it to be a bit more than that. I actually considered it a trustworthy group of people that I would and could extend a courtesy to when dealing with any fellow member. Well that has ended so far as I am concerned. After two different bouts with fellow members where they avoid contact after I extend a courtesy has opened my eyes. That is sad as I thought of this group as a cut above the normal eBay fader of scammers and petty swindlers. Sorry to say I was wrong and will now deal with those I do not personally know as if they were just another eBay seller. Shame as it is really small potatoes by comparison but it speaks volumes about a person and can turn an otherwise favorable opinion into one like this. Some believe these people should be outed but that is not and never will be my style. I just will have to be more careful in the future and make note for any dealings with those people.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ