Admin/Mods: Reviews/References Section?

[madelise]

Hi Admin:

Can we have a reviews/references section for sellers and buyers?
I think that would be beneficial for us who may be weary with online purchases.

 

[audball]

Good idea!

 

[minousbijoux]

I don't know, I guess I have mixed feelings about this. Occasionally over on the CS side of things, two members get into a dispute about a sale gone wrong, or a perceived discrepancy/slight/misunderstanding. When this happens, although both sides typically eventually work it out, its not before it might get mean. On the flip side, maybe airing it is what caused it to get worked out and otherwise the seller wouldn't be so willing to be compliant. I really don't know, but I just worry about potential damage to relationships (and to PS itself) if grievances were aired. On the other other hand, its great when we know that the seller or buyer we're dealing with has gotten good reviews from other PSers...I'd be really interested in what others think.

 

[missy]

I think reviewing purchases is a good idea. I had 2 amazing experiences with PSers and buying their preloved jewelry.

Have there been any issues?

 

[minousbijoux]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

 

[missy]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

Oh, I agree. I would hate to add more to the admin/mods workload and that just might jeopardize the preloved section as well. But, I do think reviews could be helpful though I feel pretty confident when buying from a (not new) PSer that the transaction will go smoothly.

 

[canuk-gal]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

This has a tendency to occur--and, IMHO, is unhelpful.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

My small complaint is that people go on a "for sale" thread and compliment the piece for sale. Why should there be a pump for the sale.
I have wanted to say I didn't think something was so great and I wouldn't dare. I once stated what I heard on Antiques roadshow the previous nite and I was scolded on the general forum, but i must say the seller didn't get annoyed. It was a genuine question.

I won't buy from the pre=loved because there are no returns. I have to see something in person.

i would probably support a reference review section-limited to the pre=loved. Some allowances should be made for novices.

Annette

 

[madelise]

UGH. I wrote a response right after Aud, and my response got eaten by PS when everyone was rushing to win the prize! WHATTTT.. It showed that it went through?!

Anyway, I think there just needs to be a separate area for the reviews/references. It would be odd to post it HERE, next to their ads. As for the dispute thing, definitely the reviews/references need to be moderated so that they're RESPECTFUL, like the rest of the whole forum. And sellers/buyers being reviewed can respond to the review-ees.

MB, I get what you're saying, that there are always sticky situations arising.. BUT, of course, we hope readers will take consideration into the multiple reviews and references the reviewed has, and take into consideration of WHOM is writing these reviews.

There has been a recent incident on another website, regarding a transaction and a backfiling of charges. The responsibility of all transactions should be 100% up to the buyer AND the seller, NOT on the medium (be it Pricescope, DB or LT) that connected the two.. BUT, I still think there should be a provided venue to express reviews. AFTER that particular incident, which I cannot link to since it's against PS rules, multiple PS'ers got to talking on another site, expressing their worries about even SELLING anymore. I, for one, LOVE the opportunity pre-loved provides. I love the merry-go-round of loved pieces. I love that my pieces are purchased at a discount from it being from the secondary market, I love that I know the HISTORY of my pieces… knowing whom owned it prior.. and I love that if I ever wanted to let go of a piece, it can go to another enthusiast. Call it jewelry sentimentality SO I'd love to protect the pre-loved section.. I guess I'm scared that if anything goes awry, that this section might be taken away.

I would hate to know that due to these types of incidents, or the risk, that people are less willing to buy or sell to each other.
Yes, it's always each person BEWARE, but sometimes we just really DON'T know.


AND, above it all, AFTER the situation, a few have stated that they were also faced with funky situations with the particular user in question. Had that been voiced prior, the seller could have had some inkling of a guide whether or not to deal with the buyer.

I definitely understand that this would be another burden on the administrators and moderators--- one that may not even be possible. But I'd like to know if this could be allowable, maybe sometime in the future? Or??? If it's in consideration??

 

[madelise]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

This has a tendency to occur--and, IMHO, is unhelpful.

Then maybe the review/reference section can rules-- the only people posting in the section are those who have had transactions. Like 1 post per transaction. The reviewee can have 1 response. Just like how eBay ratings work. No piling on comments from others.


ETA: Again, I know that this is A LOT of work to moderate, but if there's structure, and mutual respect, it can be done? I feel like our beloved PS, overall, is a wonderful and usually respectful place.. Do you think this might open doors for disrespect? More trouble than it's worth??

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the problem is that PS is not the place of the sale. That can be ebay, LT, DB, Craigslist, etc. I hear what you are saying totally, but I don't feel like PS would have the responsibility to do any kind of ratings since they are just being kind to let us link items for sale elsewhere. I have sold a couple of things with good feedback from the buyers and I have bought one thing that I can recall and it was also an excellent transaction. I guess if the original threads are left open longer, the buyers would have a chance to come back and say something regarding the purchase. That would be the easiest way to do it.

 

[minousbijoux]

You know, Diamondseeker, you raise a good point. And in the example I provided a few posts back, there was a negative feedback/review provided on the site at which the transaction occurred. So in a way, you are right that it would be weird to have a section for reviews of transactions that don't even take place on PS and it would be redundant, as at least DB has an already established and popular area for feedback on the buyers and sellers that use their platform to conduct their transaction.

 

[cm366]

I tend to agree with MB - a reviews and references section seems likely to produce more hurt feelings than effective feedback. There are already feedback mechanisms for most sites that allow private sales, and nothing's stopping potential purchasers from insisting that purchases be made by Paypal or other protected means of payment. Private purchases from PS members should be treated with the same care that you'd accord any transaction for hundreds or thousands of dollars.

I feel bad for those posters who, like me, have had awkward or unprofessional experiences with other members through DB or similar sites, but I realize that the tradeoff in saving money on the secondary market is that I'm not purchasing from established stores with brands to protect. PS doesn't require occasional eBay or LT sellers to declare themselves as trade members because it's recognized that they aren't professionals in the business.

Re: admiring posts on items for sale - I think as a community PS'ers do a lot of admiring, and it's not surprising to see that spill over into the Pre-loved section. I know I've seen lovely pieces that I coveted go up for sale but been unable or unwilling to fund them at that moment. That said, I've also seen pieces I thought were unlovely or overpriced, and I've seen at least a couple of the latter gently pointed toward price comparisons and pricing guides. If you think a piece is not as nice as it's been portrayed, please point it out, or at least ask questions! This is supposed to be a consumer forum, and those of us less experienced than the doyens of the boards would love to benefit from your eyes and perspectives! If you're afraid of goring someone's sacred designer, or getting yelled down because you can't stand unplated white gold, start up a thread and I'll chime in with you, we can have some fun ignoring the yelling and ripping the trends

Full disclosure - I mostly read CS, so you'll have to start it in there. But there's plenty of snark to be had!

 

[Skippy123]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

This has a tendency to occur--and, IMHO, is unhelpful.

I think people pile on too much too, so not a fan of that.

 

[ruby59]

People do pile on - remember that copper bearing stone?

Pricescope is only a link to your actual selling site. And on ebay and diamond bistro you can already leave feedback.

To be honest, I used to be a fan of Preloved, but not anymore.

 

[colorluvr]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

This has a tendency to occur--and, IMHO, is unhelpful.

I think people pile on too much too, so not a fan of that.

I agree. I have bought/sold on DB for quite some time (mostly good experiences) and am more than willing to provide names of people that have had positive transactions with me to the buyer/seller if they request it. I have also had new buyers/sellers that I have not dealt with before offer to give me similar information. I think that is more helpful to a potential buyer/seller than an open forum where random comments can be made. It can also become a nightmare for a moderator. I'm afraid it would take away from the pre-loved section, not add to it.

 

[Ella]

It is something we can consider for the future but we are unable to create a new system at this time. There are many logistics to consider.

At this time we recommend that users leave feedback for purchases on the forum where the sale takes place and buyers and sellers can ask for references if they desire prior to a sale.

 

[stci]

Problem is when the post is mark SOLD it close. Impossible to let a feedback.

 

[04diamond<3]

One of the ones I know about (not going to rehash all of them) is pretty recent, where a relative newcomer posted an item for sale, received the money from the potential buyer and then changed her mind and decided not to sell. I get the fact that it wasn't professional, and people have a right to know, but it felt like it got a little ugly with a bunch of people unnecessarily piling on - but then again, since we didn't have a separate section for references, it was posted on the main CS board so of course people would respond. If there is a way that it could be limited to those involved in the transaction only, and not others posting and taking sides, I think it might work...though more policing work for admins

This has a tendency to occur--and, IMHO, is unhelpful.

I think people pile on too much too, so not a fan of that.

Oh, I'm sorry I just did this won't happen again...