Why I hate WTB ads in the EE...

Claven2

Claven2

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After being on CGN since the first year of operation, I'm ready to give up on WTB milsurp ads. The frustrate me because;

1) when I want to buy something, I accidentally click on all the WTB ads before realizing I'm as big a l@ser as the guy posting the WTB ad and not finding what he wants either.

2) After literally dozens of attempts over the years, I have yet to actually have someone offer to sell me the item I am looking for for even "Collector's Source pricing". It's usually 200%-300% of the accepted going rate in the rare cases anyone even bothers to respond. (recent examples include $1800 for an average condition M1917, $3500 for a 1941 Portugese K98, $4000 for a WW2 refurb M1903 mixmaster and $3700 for a mis-matched turk refurb G98)

[/RANT]

So my question - is anyone else having luck with WTB ads? Or is it just that I don't ask for typical Enfield No.4's, SKS's or Mosin 91/30's and so I'm expecting too much???

I expect to pay a small premium over market rate (maybe 20%?) but some of these offers seem a little over the top. I've never once had a fair and reasonable offer that I can recall. As an example, going rate for a nice M1917 is about $550-600 without accessories, not $1800. I eventually found a nice one on my own, but I'd have been willing to pay up to about $750 to coax one out of the woodwork - certainly not $1800.

Curious as to others' experiences.
 
Hey Ron,

I agree with most of what you are saying. However, sometimes a WTB add pays off.

Currently I have an add looking for a collectible earlier P38 with matching numbered mag (shameless plug!) although I must admit I'm not having any real luck at all... Nobody has responded with what I'm looking for.

However, a couple years ago I was running an add looking for M1911A1's, and scored an awesome all original 1942 Colt for a very reasonable price from a member on here who was about to list it. Had I not run the add, I probably wouldn't have been able to buy the pistol. I also scored a nice M1 fixed bale helmet, and several other smaller items from WTB adds.

So I guess while 90% of the time a WTB add seems to be waste of time for me, occasionally I have gotten lucky and gotten some really nice stuff.

I've also on occasion sold to people with WTB adds.

-Steve
 
Yeah, now that you mention it I don't think I've ever had a successful WTB ad on the EE.... huh.
 
I've had pretty good luck with my WTB ads. I've managed to get quite a few small parts and project rifles. I've found fellow CGN'ers to be very helpful with my restorations and other projects.

I do find myself clicking on WTB ads once in a while though thinking it was actually a WTS ad.:redface:
 
I've had ok luck. A lot of offers, but I'm picky. But I've purchased a mismatch K98K and a matching Portuguese K98K both in response to my wtb ads.
Also got my first K98 a dou44 bolt mismatch from a little ad in my sigline. :)
I've always paid a fair price. No steals, or gouging.

But I can definitely see it.
 
An Old Timer told me it's best to lay low in the grass.
"When people know what you want, the price goes up".
I tend to agree with him.
 
WTB

I'll be honest, the last time I answered a WTB add my inside voice was saying 'how bad does he want it'. Human nature's a ##### eh...
The buyer paid me the same as I paid for the gun, but I overpaid a little. I believe his perception of the deal was 'score' and mine was 'whewww'. Anyways I agree, those prices are stoopid but the buyer saw a rifle like his;) being auctioned on TV for big $, and that's how it's justified. :rolleyes:
 
I've had pretty good luck with the WTB ads; I scored a nice Ross sporter for $100,comparable ones I have seen cost at least twice that. Also, I have picked up various charger clips for a song as well....
 
I have had really good luck on the WTB. I have even had great CGNers who have seen my WTB, and pointed out to me via PM when something I am looking for pops up with another seller!
 
blaxsun said:
I think the success of a WTB ad really depends on what you're looking for. I've had good results when it comes to black rifles, but this isn't necessarily indicative of WTB ads overall.
Click to expand...

In honesty, I've had good luck with non-milsurps as well. Usually I get good responses with fair offers on things like AR's.

It seems to be exclusive to milsurps that I either get no hits or ridiculous ones...?
 
Most of my WTB ads have been answered. Most have been fair prices too actually.

First one I had answered was a qve45 K43 in 2004. Fair price was offered. (retail value)

I've bought K98 stocks, Milsurp rifle parts... Also got a nice Norwegian Refurbed WW2 German M35 Stahlhelm from a WTB ad... :)

Had a couple laughable offers on certain items, $750 for a beat up Ljungman, and $500 for a badly sporterized Turk Mauser... :rolleyes: but then again, those were not in response to WTB ads... :redface:

I have responded to WTB ads with about 50% success. Some are very easy to deal with and pay the asking price or haggle to a decent agreement, some want matching K98's for $100... :onCrack: Don't we all! :D
 
I've always paid what I felt were reasonable prices on the items bought through WTB ads. I've found a lot of people genuinely want to help. Like ArtyMan, I've had people pm me with a heads up regarding WTS ads on the EE and with items for sale elsewhere.

I try to be helpful with other's WTB ads as well. If I know where they can purchase the item, I let them know.
 
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