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Audiogon has FINALLY GONE TOO FAR (part duex)
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Posted on September 25, 2014 at 06:38:41 | ||
Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes Joined: August 28, 2001 |
I was late to the " Audiogon has FINALLY GONE TOO FAR" thread (linked below) but, while I have been a long-time Audiogon supporter and user, with many sales/buys and perfect feedback, I must agree with the original poster that perhaps they have indeed gone too far. Unfortunately, to me, most of this is unnecessary because they are trying to solve a problem of their own making. If they would simply charge their fees up-front, such as a flat listing fee based on the asking price, instead of their stupid transaction percentage after the sale, there would be no need for credit cards on-file, since they could have their money before providing services, for membership fees, blue book fees, listing fees, and whatever else they want to charge for. Problem solved. I have serious concerns with their new "agreement" terms, including, - Having your credit card on-file - while not a deal-breaker for me, this is a concern because, as some pointed out, they do not have the resources of ebay, PayPal or Amazon so our information is likely to be even less safe from hackers, etc., - I absolutely do not like having as part of their "agreement" that you allow them to charge your card whenever they feel like it, and I do not remember another site I have signed on to that allows that (maybe PayPal). If things went south, I would still have the ability to block the charge and fight it out through my credit card company, but that would be a big mess because of the terms of the agreement and could potentially cause credit rating issues as Audiogon would declare anyone disputing their charges to be delinquent in their payment. Other "agreement" terms I don't like, include; - charging their percentage based on the asking price, not the selling price since, in that case, they could simply charge up front and save the hassle, - "that a transaction fee is owed upon acceptance of an offer," and not the conclusion of a transaction since we all know things can go bad, e.g., what if the buyer backs out after making their offer, do I have to relist and pay Audiogon again, which sucks since " transaction fees are nonrefundable," - "User will list only those items that you are offering for sale specifically at this website" - this is an interesting addition since it essentially means a seller cannot list an item on Audio Asylum if they list it on Audiogon, and this next item.... - "If it is discovered that User has conducted offsite activity related to your transaction listed through Site and/or completed your sale offsite, and a transaction fee is due," so...if you do in fact list an item on both Audiogon and Audio Asylum and your ad on Audio Asylum generates a sale, Audiogon is still going to charge your account the transaction fee, which of course, if you don't pay, or if you dispute when they deduct it from your credit card, you will have to fight it out with Audiogon, your credit card company/bank, and ultimately perhaps fight a bad credit rating when Audiogon declares you delinquent, - it is amazing to me that they have an "online resolution process," but "Company reserves the right to refuse consideration of any disputes filed, or to terminate accounts in case of unreasonable refusal to respond to a dispute," ...in other words, you are welcome to complain but, instead of a resolution you may hear, "off with their heads!" - by agreeing, you limit "Company's" liability, basically to the point where the user carries all the liability and they carry none, and finally... - they can "assign this Agreement," by simply sending an email. I get that Audiogon wants to protect themselves and make money but, even though I am a long-time user of their site, and have never had an incident of any kind either while trading or with Audiogon themselves, I will think hard before agreeing to their terms which, to me, at first look, seem to be a case of disparate bargaining power. Unfortunately, I actually feel compelled to consult an attorney before agreeing to their agreement. If any of you disagree with my concerns regarding the user risks associated with their new agreement terms, and believe their agreement is not so bad, and is typical of other agreements we explicitly or tacitly agree to these days (like when you purchase an airline ticket and by purchasing and using the ticket you agree to the terms in the fine print) please weigh in with specifics as I am sure at least some here would be interested. If there were ever a time for Audio Asylum to elevate its game with regards to the operation and appearance of Asylum Trader, now would be it. I am sure many would welcome reasonable fees if the terms were also reasonable. Just my two cents. |
I agree, I wouldn't consent to their new rules., posted on September 25, 2014 at 06:43:04 | |
Posts: 1266
Location: SE PA Joined: March 8, 2001 |
So I'm out. It was a fun 14 years, but F^ck Audiogon!! |
RE: Put 'Em In The Bread Line., posted on September 25, 2014 at 07:46:39 | |
If you believe that you have a serious case of conformism or some such. |
RE: Put 'Em In The Bread Line., posted on September 25, 2014 at 08:09:58 | |
Almost sounds like you're an expert on farts in the wind. |
Good! Maybe these annoying posts will stop...(nt), posted on September 25, 2014 at 09:59:28 | |
Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area Joined: April 22, 2003 |
(nt) |
Thanks for your insightful contribution...(nt), posted on September 25, 2014 at 10:11:39 | |
Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes Joined: August 28, 2001 |
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Gee willikers...., posted on September 25, 2014 at 17:39:54 | |
Posts: 1266
Location: SE PA Joined: March 8, 2001 |
....maybe one day I'll grow up and be just like your Dad. LOL! |
RE: Gee willikers...., posted on September 25, 2014 at 20:08:07 | |
+1... Pretty funny. |
RE: Audiogon has FINALLY GONE TOO FAR (part duex), posted on September 25, 2014 at 20:12:05 | |
Posts: 93
Location: Chicago Joined: December 20, 2005 |
I think that is enough for me as well. Tim |
RE: Audiogon has FINALLY GONE TOO FAR (part duex), posted on September 28, 2014 at 04:25:27 | |
No doubt coming from a member of Ford Nation, that is rich. |