Even though I've been a member for quite a while, I've only recently begun utilizing all the functions of this Site (which I LOVE).  Not long ago I started to place an order for a book, and noticed the member had other books I would enjoy reading.  Instead of placing my order, I pm'd the member and explained, then asked if this member would be interested in doing a "deal."  This was two weeks ago, and I haven't heard anything from the member.  Is this kind of request a gaffe?  I would have completely understood if the member had pm'd saying "No" to the deal; I was just surprised not to hear anything at all.  I'd like to hear what other members think about requesting a deal without waiting for it to be offered to you.  If it is considered rude, I certainly won't do it again; I was just thinking that it wouldn't hurt to try, and the worst that would happen is that the member would say no.  Now I know that it's worse to get no response at all!

I don't think it was a 'gaffe'.  Some people never read their PMs, so it's possible it hasn't been read yet.  If you want to check go to PERSONAL MESSAGES at the top of your MY ACCOUNT page.  Click on FROM ME then UNREAD.  If the person hasn't read the message yet there will be a check mark in the box to the left of the subject.  If there isn't then they've read the message and apparently have chosen not to respond.  HTH.  Pat

It's possible that they were inactive. If you had gone ahead and ordered the book it may have timed out. 

No harm in asking for a deal.  But if you haven't heard back in a day or two, assume they aren't interested and let it go.  Not everyone wants to take the time to answer PM's if they aren't going to do the deal.  It's not rude for you to ask and not rude for her to ignore the request.  IMO

It's not rude to ask, but it is rude to ignore.  All you can do is figure they're not interested.  I have PM'd a lot of people that post in the book bazaar that they're looking for a deal on something in particular.  They are asking for PM's, and I still get ignored.  Nothing you can do about it.

I would be thrilled if someone PM'd me and asked for more than one of my books.  And if someone requests a book from me through FIFO, I try to check that member's WL to see if I have anything else on there. 

I'd just order the book from someone else -- hopefully a member who keeps on top of their account.

If I see something else on the members shelf I want, I don't have a problem asking for a deal.  If I don't hear from them in a couple of days, I go ahead and order the book.

-RD

Julie is right.  I was looking for a couple of large series children's books for grandchildren, and found several people that had more than one, and wrote them asking about deals, and they were baffled.  Didn't have the slightest idea what I was talking about.  After explaining about 5 times and not hearing back, I don't ask about deals anymore.  Pat

Thanks, everyone.  I never considered that maybe the member just didn't know what I meant.  I'll just move on to the next book and keep on looking for deals (as well as giving them)!  I feel better now that I know I probably didn't offend anyone.

Pat, thanks for the info about checking to see if my pm had been read...I didn't know how to do that, and it's a great little tidbit.

I've run into a few folks who also have no ideas about deals. I explain it and the advantages (shipping costs, getting rid of books etc etc). Some warm to the idea while others are pretty adamant about parting with two or three books and only getting one credit.  Some think I'm trying to pull something on them.  I don't take it to heart or worry about it; I just move on.

-RD

As a Tour Guide, I've had members contact me, reporting other members for trying to make a deal. 

The couple times I've asked, the other people assumed I was trying to do something against the rules and freaked out. I don't ask any more.

Agree, that if the member is new or not active on the forums, they may think you are trying to scam them by asking about a deal and might even report you to PBS. (I remember someone saying that this had happened to them some time back.)

Also, do look to be sure that they don't have a blue header on their bookshelf--some people have one stating they will do deals and what they want (3 for 2, 2 for 1, whatever) or like me, state that they DO NOT do deals. I don't think a polite inquiry is amiss if they don't indicate either way, but I have gotten a couple of requests for deals which ticks me off because I specifically state that I don't do them.

Cheryl