[BrokenHill]

What is it with people using this site to buy stuff. Usually get loads of emails or calls for people to coming to check out the item(s) and then nobody shows.

Common courtesy people!! If you can't make it at least call or if you aren't sure you want it in the first place why waste both our time.

[mountainwiccan]

I know that feeling... when I was selling my bike most potential buyers wanted me to transport it to them 35-40 miles away for free. Lots of enquiries with promises to turn up and then nothing....

Mind you I have to say that I'd take a genuine enquiry [even if the person is rude by not showing] any day of the week over a person trying to scam me!

[Applet]

I have the same, but then I don't expect people to always turn up. Fact is, in life, if you run a business that is dealing with the public this is normal!! The way I do it is "first come first served" ie make it clear that whoever actually turns up first, gets the goods. Obviously you don't tell two people to turn up same time, and have one waste the journey, balance it so you are fair, and if they forget or back out, it's no inconvenience to you. That way you don't end up waiting around.

Other way is to make sure communication is good from the start, swap numbers, get them to ring you, or get them to meet you at a time you'd be in anyway and don't wait about. If it's something small, meet them at a cafe locally you were going to go in anyway on a saturday morning or something, and if they don't turn up, no big deal! Also request before they leave, to ring you first, that way if they don't ring, you can always email / text them and say you've got to go out now. And ask lots of Q's!

People who are serious about turning up will give you more information, because they're serious about your item. First name, dates, times, where in London they're coming from, where they're going to meet you and when, when they're leaving and mobile #.