gauging interest and FS...
 

...wondering the difference?

gaugint interest just means someone wants to know if there is a market for what they may sell if they find the interest is big enough for them to get a fair price or find a good buyer.
The item isn't for sale, but may be soon and it's an opportunity to be first in line if the seller does decide to sell.

For sale is for sale, you got money, you can buy it as soon as you can meet up and get er done....

so gauging interest is just a way of asking for best offer and similiar to e-bay 'buy now' post

essentially.
some people have a value in mind and something simply isn't worth selling without it being met.

I hate the gauging interest crap, its just someone trying to find the highest bidder. I believe that everything in the buy/sell forum should have a price.... or FT.

I agree, it is a little annoying. I have stuff in the classifieds and I have asked what I think is a fair price, if I get no pm's, then I can assume no one is interested.
The only time I think that this is useful is if someone is parting out/dismantling a tank, then you would want to make sure that most of the stuff is going to sell

edited! =P

I don't know why it's *so* annoying. I wouldn't necessarily want to pull out my reactor/skimmer/lights/pump/etc. and spend the time to scrub it down for sale if no one wants it.

People sure do seem to get worked up over these things. I don't know why "gauging interest" translates into "cheap bastard jostling for the highest price".

And I'm sorry...but I have to point out: you hate the "gauging interest crap" but you continue to offer chewing gum in trade for expensive equipment?

I don't find it all that annoying, but if you're thinking about selling, it's because you're not using it and probably are pulling and scrubbing anyway.
And you don't need a lot of interest, if you post something for sale, you need only one buyer.
If you post something for sale, and get no response, maybe post with a question on why? Price too high, nobody wants to buy a one eyed fish with no tail, etc.
I don't see it as trying to get top dollar though, just maybe inquiring as to wether or not someone should bother even offering for sale an item that may not have a market. I know, not lots of work in doing that, but whatever.

Ya, maybe let's stop with the gum stuff, it's been chewed to death. :)

haha agreed, and i have to say i did say i found it annoying but come to think of it you do need to find a buyer before you start to tear down i mean you could just post FS and then say there will be a specific amount of time before the actual product you are selling is ready. I say we just dont worry about it and let it be in the end it doesnt really hurt us does it?

My take on the guaging interest theme is that possibly the person is thinking of upgrading a piece of equipment (or an entire system) but only if they can offset the cost by selling the current one. If they can locate a willing buyer that will pay a fair price, then they can make up the difference to purchase the new gear. Without a pending sale, the full cost may be too much. They may not want to or be able to part with the old item until they have the new one secured and in place.

Under these conditions, I don't find it unreasonable to ask. If your just trolling for the highest bidder, then be honest and post it as such.

+1 :mrgreen:

I welcome anything that creates discussion, debate or interaction of our members...

Asked as see more and more posts in the FS section are "gauging interest" was wondering if I was missing some net-etiquette type thing.

Now that +1 thing... :wink:
(well okay a little)