A note about buyers, sellers, and WG culture

[ITSec]

I'd like to draw attention to something that many of us assume, or perhaps something we don't but might consider.

In the past several months, I have had reason to deal with several different members of the forum in purchasing various items they mentioned here. Without fail, they have been successful transactions - I got what I expected, I paid a fair price, and I received the items in a timely way. It speaks well of our community, since the sources for these purchases included both longtime members and relative newcomers.

Thanks to all of you for this. While it can take just one bad experience to sour the feeling, I think the majority of us can rely on having a positive experience in dealing with the others here.

Now, there's someone I still owe a box of books - but I'll console myself about being tardy since they're going out free 

[Luap McKeever]

I'd like to draw attention to something that many of us assume, or perhaps something we don't but might consider.

In the past several months, I have had reason to deal with several different members of the forum in purchasing various items they mentioned here. Without fail, they have been successful transactions - I got what I expected, I paid a fair price, and I received the items in a timely way. It speaks well of our community, since the sources for these purchases included both longtime members and relative newcomers.

Thanks to all of you for this. While it can take just one bad experience to sour the feeling, I think the majority of us can rely on having a positive experience in dealing with the others here.

Now, there's someone I still owe a box of books - but I'll console myself about being tardy since they're going out free 

Ditto. Never a bad transaction thus far.  Speaks well for everyone here.  Good people...these Guzzi riders I tell ya.

[Lannis]

Probably because WG folks are a subset of the Guzzi universe, and THOSE are all good folks.

My last eight Guzzi transactions (five purchases, three sales) were all via guys in the MGNOC club, and none of those were posters on WG.   Except when Greg Field was on here, and he "brokered" my Eldo purchase from the West Coast and had it delivered to the East Coast.   But the other eight folks involved were all folks I knew through MGNOC rallies. 

But regardless of whether the "networking" is face to face at a rally, or virtually via WG postings, for me it's the ONLY way to buy or sell a bike.   No worries about people doing "runners" with your money, or selling you a pup, or offering Nigerian oil shares in the purchase .....

Lannis

[JJ]

I'd like to draw attention to something that many of us assume, or perhaps something we don't but might consider.

In the past several months, I have had reason to deal with several different members of the forum in purchasing various items they mentioned here. Without fail, they have been successful transactions - I got what I expected, I paid a fair price, and I received the items in a timely way. It speaks well of our community, since the sources for these purchases included both longtime members and relative newcomers.

Thanks to all of you for this. While it can take just one bad experience to sour the feeling, I think the majority of us can rely on having a positive experience in dealing with the others here.

Now, there's someone I still owe a box of books - but I'll console myself about being tardy since they're going out free 

Agree 100% - - and I have had nothing but positive transactions and interactions with WG folks on this forum, and I always seem to learn something along the way!   Also, I would have no problem buying a Guzzi from the classifieds here either!  :1:

[Gusable]

The guzzi world is a special club for sure.  I wish I would have gotten here sooner!

[Carlo DeSantis]

In addition to the buying and selling, there's a bunch of loaning and just giving happening in the Guzzi community as well.

It is indeed a good place to be.

Best,

Carlo

[Tom H]

I was looking for some spare body parts for my EV. They were listed here. After some better pics and working with boxes and shipping we came to a deal, I think a fair deal for both. It took a few weeks as we had more important things to take care of in life than bike parts at the time, but we both knew that there could be a bit of a delay.

I was very happy with the deal!!!

Tom

[blackcat]

Saints compared to the classic car parts world.

[kidsmoke]

hear hear!!

Nothing but Farkles for me, but lots of them, and nary a glitch. Bags, crash bars, head guards, windscreens, some sent before payment was received, no doubt due to  the premise of this very thread.

and don't even get me started on Kiwi Roys electrical council and parts sourcing!

[Lannis]

Saints compared to the classic car parts world.

Never have dealt with classic car folks.   I know that the classic British bike folks are a pretty good crowd, never had any real problems with them myself.

There was a fellow some years back trading as "British Parts Chicago", named Marshall Hagy, who did a lot of mail-order and swap meet business.   I never had anything but good transactions with him, but a lot of people HATED him and slanged his name up street and down alley, claiming they'd been cheated, he'd stolen their money, etc.

Matter of fact, when his name came up and I would mention that I'd gotten some good deals from him and always been happy, people would get mad that I wouldn't take up a torch and pitchfork and join the mob ... He was an abrupt Type A personality, which I can work with, so maybe that was part of it.

Marshall's gone now, but what do you suppose it is about the classic car world that makes it so much tougher to deal with people there than, say, classic bikes or Guzzis?

Lannis

[old as dirt 2]

I 2nd the thoughts on the character of folks here.

I am also a member of modern vespa and we also have a great forum with the same results of folks over there.

So maybe it is a Piaggio thing, LOL.

[Groover]

 :1: to all. This is a great place loaded with great people.

[blackcat]

Marshall's gone now, but what do you suppose it is about the classic car world that makes it so much tougher to deal with people there than, say, classic bikes or Guzzis?

Lannis

Most of the larger suppliers are fine. Replacement parts are always questionable in terms of fit, with some suppliers better than others so it's best to find original parts if possible depending on price.  I have  had problems on the forums with individuals selling parts, so I've steered clear of that route. And forget out of town Craigslist purchases.

[Lannis]

Most of the larger suppliers are fine. Replacement parts are always questionable in terms of fit, with some suppliers better than others so it's best to find original parts if possible depending on price.  I have  had problems on the forums with individuals selling parts, so I've steered clear of that route. And forget out of town Craigslist purchases.

The replacement or reproduction part thing is a problem everywhere.   For old Brit bikes, there are several kinds of parts for which the reproductions are JUNK, and everyone know it, but no one is manufacturing any good ones.

Maybe that's partly the fault of the buyers, who seem to be driven totally by cost and will always buy the cheapest bit, even if it's trash.   Kickstart cotters made out of what appears to be hard cheese, fork gaiters that come apart within months of installation, and gas tanks with fillers and tap holes misplaced by an inch or more, and won't even fit over the top frame tube, are prime examples.

We have a guy in the BSA club that runs off some nice steel cotters every once in a while and passes  them out to us, we modify BMW gaiters to work, and we hope that if the Indian guys get the message that no one will buy their tanks UNLESS THEY FIT THE BIKE THEY'RE MADE FOR, they'll start using their skills to do it right rather than just send crap out the door ....

Out-of-town Craigslist - nope!

Lannis

[kingoffleece]

I've done both side of a deal here.  Plenty of you folks have my 3D decals and seat covers.  I've purchased parts and last week bought a Jackal!

It's all been 100% good on both sides of the counter.

[AH Fan]

Yes would very much agree.
have purchased machines from numerous members with no issues at all. One of the few places that individuals are good upfront honest folks. 
Very glad to be apart of it.   
Ciao

[Testarossa]

Occasionally big vendors come up backordered, but I've had only one disappointment with a private seller -- a set of 83mm jugs claimed to have iron liners turned out to be chrome. Worthless.

On the other hand, members here have loaned me tools. Amazing.

Entertaining ideas of what I can build with four chrome cylinders.

[Huzo]

Yeah, I'm fairly new, but it's not just about bikes, I've noticed.

[RinkRat II]

[Entertaining ideas of what I can build with four chrome cylinders.
[/quote

        The largest windchimes in your neighborhood


           Paul B

[inditx]

Ditto and hear hear to what everyone has said.
Great, folks, great bikes, great site!
Cheers!

inditx

[Demar]

In addition to the buying and selling, there's a bunch of loaning and just giving happening in the Guzzi community as well.

It is indeed a good place to be.

Best,

Carlo

 :1:  Not only free parts but free information as well and sometimes that's more valuable than parts. I appreciate all those who share advice.... thanks.

Rick

[lti_57]

I have dealt with a few people here and on other Motorcycle sites.
What i have come away with is this. In general Motorcycle people, obviously are different we treat each other different.
I can not remember a bad deal when i have dealt with another Motorcyclist ever.
On the other hand, Car guys I have dealt with seem to be border line criminals.
constantly back stabbing each other. and this on a E30 forum its crazy.
Good Job Laup keeping the place civilized and for all who do their part as well
 

[blackcat]

I purchased my 1000S from a guy in Wisconsin from the MGNOC classifieds back in 1996 from three photo's he sent me. I send him a check and a couple weeks later the bike arrived as described and not looking much different than the photo's. Similar stories with the CX and SPIII I purchased sight unseen.

"The replacement or reproduction part thing is a problem everywhere."

True. The replacement hood I purchased for the el Camino doesn't exactly fit right, but a decent GM hood is extremely expensive given its worth next to a Chevelle of the same year (1970) so it will have to do until one either falls into my lap or they can improve the fit in the aftermarket world.

[Shorty]

This is a great bunch of people.    It defies all the stereotypes: "Would you buy a used motorcycle from that person?"                 "Of course."   

[PJPR01]

Have to concur...all transactions here, buying or selling have been very pleasant...definite ly a good trustworthy community.

[jumpmaster]

It could very well have a lot to do with the size of the groups involved.  It's hard to be an anonymous cheater/swindler when you have a relatively small audience with a good communication network - such as with MG, Norton, etc. - even, to some extent, the BMW crowd.  On the other hand, a good friend who was also an independent Harley repair shop owner who also sold bikes on consignment, said "There are a lot of dirtbags in the Harley community."  Said after the THIRD potential buyer in a row of my 90 Softtail Custom couldn't garner enough credit for a $6K loan, along with other difficult business experiences he had over the years .  That's not intended as an overall slam on Harley owners, more of an observation that the Harley world is MUCH more populated and, as a result, is somewhat anonymous on an individual level and tempting for those with challenges in the honesty department to try to get away with stuff.  Even in this discussion group, I think there have been "alerts" about some questionable ebay and craigslist offerings over the past couple of years... but it makes my point that these attempts are aired in public very quickly.

[PJPR01]

I've done both side of a deal here.  Plenty of you folks have my 3D decals and seat covers.  I've purchased parts and last week bought a Jackal!

It's all been 100% good on both sides of the counter.

I'm thinking that I can test the Seat cover under extreme conditions here during Hurricane Harvey for a ride around the block.  The Norge will need to float a bit if we get a few feet of water here, but at least the seat will be dry!!  :)

[redrider90]

And remember Joe Eish who sent everything I ever ordered with an invoice. He was trustworthy and honest.

[KiwiKev]

Occasionally big vendors come up backordered, but I've had only one disappointment with a private seller -- a set of 83mm jugs claimed to have iron liners turned out to be chrome. Worthless.

On the other hand, members here have loaned me tools. Amazing.

Entertaining ideas of what I can build with four chrome cylinders.

Add a glass top and base to make a nice coffee table / conversation piece.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chuck in Indiana]

And remember Joe Eish who sent everything I ever ordered with an invoice. He was trustworthy and honest.

Ida Mae still does..