Gotta question for you fine hf folks....how do you deal with people who message you wanting a deal?  I just rec'd one from someone who hasn't even been a member for a week asking me what shape my books are in because she wants like new conditions and wants a 2 for 1.  I 've never been that ballsy and emailed someone I DO know asking for a deal.  I do run deals every now and again but am at zilch credits right now and can't afford to do any wheeling and dealing til I have more credits handy. 

Was the message I rec'd a lillte presumptuous?

Yeah, I'd say asking for like-new books at 2-for-1 prices is a little "ballsy".  But, you need only reply, "sorry, not interested" without giving a reason.  Never hurts to ask, as long as you're willing to hear "no".

Cheers,

Catt

I have PMed people before asking if they were willing to make a deal if I order several books from them. I HAVE been turned down too.

The rejection replies I have gotten have never been rude. The member usually just lets me know that they are not currently running any deals and are trying to save up credits themselves. I would just reply with something like this:

Hello Xxxx,

Thanks for your interest in my shelf, but I am currently running low on credits myself and am not able to offer any deals at this time.  Then just go from there.

I generally ask people for deals if I am looking at three or more books on their shelves, and I only ask for a 3 for 2 or something like that. I have seen this discussed on the forums before and it seems that most people don't mind having others ask for deals. As for me, I guess it would just depend on what they were wanting to request and what kind of deal they were wanting. A 3 for 2 would be ok with me, but probably not a 2 for 1. That's why I never ask for anything better than 3 for 2 myself.

See, it doesn't really bother me when established members ask for something..not someone who joined 4 days ago.

I would be suspicious about such a request too. 4-day member + like new condition + deal = bookseller to me.

Even before I started announcing deals in my sig line and my profile page, I had several requests for deals. The request itself never bothered me, but I never received one with the tone of your requester. In fact, I think asking about condition is out of line on PBS since there are condition guidelines and a way to reject books that don't meet those conditions.

I'd send a polite negative and forget about it.

Genie

I'd add one thing to Jennifer's response (which was great....)

Thanks for your interest in my shelf. All of my books meet PBS guidelines.  I am currently running low on credits myself and am not able to offer any deals at this time. 

Genie said:

<<4-day member + like new condition + deal = bookseller to me.>>

Oh, yes, I'd be very suspicious ... 4 days ... but I do like the suggested response about all of your books meeting PBS guidelines.  If they're truly just a misinformed newbie, perhaps that will get them on the right track.  If they provide other info that suggests they may be selling books, report them to feedback, since that's against the rules.

Cheers,

Catt

Well gee whiz...I took Jennifer's advice and wrote a note very similar to what she suggested and she wrote back she still wants to know the conditions of the books.  Sigh.

LOL: Michelle. I like what Marci said. Just write back letting her know that they all meet PBS guidelines and be done with it. That seems firm but not rude, polite but no grovelling. I think I agree with everyone else that it seems a bit suspicious.

Amen. If  "All of my books meet PBS Guidelines" isn't clear enough, you may have to look for a brick....

I agree with everyone else.  Just respond as suggested and after this attempt, ignore the person.

I have asked at times the condition of a book since I may be needing to use them as prizes for our library's summer reading program.  Do you people think that is out of line as well?  I always tell the sender the reason I am asking and no one has ever been upset.

Pam

I wouldn't have the same reaction to a request that explains the book is for a library event, or any other worthy non-profit venture. I think it was this newbie's approach that was offensive.

re: condition...Maybe she still wants to order the books from you even without a deal?

Interesting...this person is no longer an account holder.

Hmmmm,... that is VERY interesting.   I wonder if she was spamming that deal request message to multiple members and got kicked off because it of?

Pamela,   I have no problem with people asking for like new books if it is for a gift - or a charitable donation - or for their keeper shelf even.  It's the people always want like new books as a matter of course that rub me the wrong way. 

I don't know. I do know for what little time she was here she was a chronic thread bumper and had lots of complaints about it.  Glad I didn't send her any books.  I think she was really young, just a hunch.