What's with all the secrecy in classified ads?

[LDO]

I don't get it. Someone needs a steering wheel for a 1962 Snoozemobile and gets "PM sent" replies. Should I go dig through my stash, or would it be a waste of time? Same thing with people offering up multiple items. "PM sent". Why not say "I want the Dewey, Cheatham, & Howe dragster"? Let other people know what is spoken for or found. It's kind of weird.

[BigTallDad]

"PM sent" is shorter and easier to type.

[LDO]

They'll be sending a PM with more typing. 

[Casey]

PM sent, Lee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mikemodeler]

I try to be specific when typing up my "PM sent" messages, especially if the OP has multiple wants or trades listed.

I get what you are saying, some people are more paranoid than others.

[Rob Hall]

'PM sent' is the standard response for private transactions.   Signaling they will conduct their business with the seller/sender via private message. 

Edited December 2, 2017 by Rob Hall

[Casey]

53 minutes ago, LDO said:

Let other people know what is spoken for or found. It's kind of weird.

That's the key-- to edit your post promptly after something you are looking for has been found, or to PM Mike or Dave asking them to delete your post entirely.

Even worse are the "LONG SHOT!..." requests. One of these days, someone will actually be looking for this...

Edited December 2, 2017 by Casey

[unclescott58]

I didn't know there was a problem. 

[LDO]

What?! A Monza with IMSA-looking fender flares? Awesome! PM sent.

FWIW- the op is just a minor thing. If I were to place an ad looking for a cool old kit and someone offered me a good deal via PM, well..DUH, a deal will be worked out.

[Daddyfink]

I don't like to air out my laundry in public. I like to keep my deals on the "PM" side. 

Plus it makes it easier to keep track on who is trading what with you. 

Edited December 2, 2017 by Daddyfink

[Xingu]

I always thought that "PM Sent" was used to scare off any other potential traders. Shorter than typing out "Back-off, it's mine". Obviously, that isn't always the case.

I generally just send a PM without announcing it, I figure it is the OP's responsibility to let folks know when something is gone.

[mikemodeler]

5 hours ago, Casey said:

That's the key-- to edit your post promptly after something you are looking for has been found, or to PM Mike or Dave asking them to delete your post entirely.

Even worse are the "LONG SHOT!..." requests. One of these days, someone will actually be looking for this...

I have searched high and low for that Casey and you have had it all this time? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOL.

[Tom Geiger]

24 minutes ago, Xingu said:

I always thought that "PM Sent" was used to scare off any other potential traders. Shorter than typing out "Back-off, it's mine"

That's kinda how I take it.  And when someone needs a part I can help with, there's that "PM Sent" and you don't know if the guy ever got the part.  I've had people do it to me, and never respond whether they can send me the part or not.  And nobody else will reply at that point.

And I get a chuckle out of "Long Shot Request"  and it turns out to be a simple part...  

The other bit I always hated was someone asking for a tiny part and the first clown posts "Model Haus has it".  (although no longer!) and that would stop the responses.   What if the OP didn't want to cobble together a minimum order for one friggin tail light lens?

 

 

[Erik Smith]

59 minutes ago, Xingu said:

I always thought that "PM Sent" was used to scare off any other potential traders. Shorter than typing out "Back-off, it's mine". Obviously, that isn't always the case.

I generally just send a PM without announcing it, I figure it is the OP's responsibility to let folks know when something is gone.

I always took it more as a courtesy to the poster to let them know to check their messages. Also so it’s doesnt look like a post is totally ignored.

[martinfan5]

6 hours ago, Erik Smith said:

I always took it more as a courtesy to the poster to let them know to check their messages. Also so it’s doesnt look like a post is totally ignored.

Same here.

[1930fordpickup]

I just figure if someone types pm sent I do not have to see if I have the part unless the OP responds still need this. 

[highway]

In my opinion, that is not as bad as the vague "Part Needed" or "Looking For" titles for threads. If you don't have the time to specify in the title what you are looking for such as "Windshield needed for 29 Miniwheat" or "Need a steering wheel for 1839 Pizzamobile", I don't have the time to read the post to see what you really need.