FS/FT "Profiteering" - a new source.

[SunnyD]

First it was iPads, then Wii's, then TouchPads...

Meet our newest "profiteering" craze: The Google Offers Newegg Gift Certificate.

For those that don't know, earlier this week, Google Offers (similar to Groupon) was offering a $40 Newegg Gift Certificate for $20. I've been watching them start to get listed on other forums for rather ridiculous sums, and yes, they have crept in here as well.

Example 1.

Example 2.

Again, these sellers should probably get a lock on their threads as this is essentially the same situation as the previously mentioned "deals", a limited offer for a set amount. These individuals are selling these far above purchase value, making them run afoul of the reseller/vendor rule.

I bring this up simply for the sake of consistency across FS/FT with this rule. For the record, I was able to purchase one of the certificates directly through Google Offers, so I have no vested hatred for these individuals trying to resell them at a profit other than it runs afoul of accepted behavior for FS/FT.

 

[cganesh75]

both those examples dont show somebody selling a $40 gift card for anything more than $40. thats what happened with wii, ipad and touchpad, they were selling the items for much higher than retail price.

Anandtech fs/ft rules were changed on a short-term basis to ban the sale of wii/touchpad etc was not because of people making money, but a way to handle threadcrapping and constant bickering by those who dont want to pay the mark-up (or who missed out on the deal).

 

[SunnyD]

both those examples dont show somebody selling a $40 gift card for anything more than $40. thats what happened with wii, ipad and touchpad, they were selling the items for much higher than retail price.

Anandtech fs/ft rules were changed on a short-term basis to ban the sale of wii/touchpad etc was not because of people making money, but a way to handle threadcrapping and constant bickering by those who dont want to pay the mark-up (or who missed out on the deal).

Those certs were priced at $20, and there was a limited quantity available. They were also supposed to be limited to one per customer. The people selling them paid $20 for them, and they're selling them significantly higher.

But now I see that the mods really don't give a shit about the morality of these offers, but rather how much effort is involved in actually moderating the forum. I get the picture now - basically the whole reasoning for the touchpad ban was actually just a front to keep the mods from actually having to do work. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Gillbot]

I agree with Dan here, and I think we need to start looking for these newegg certs. When I see them, the threads are going to get a lock and comment about dealer type activity. Just my $0.02 on the matter. It's pure profiteering and IMHO falls under the no dealer rule.

 

[Gillbot]

There are no dealers allowed to sell here. If you acquire items with the intent of offering them for resale, you are a dealer under this rule.

Whenever someone violates one of the rules in the FS/T forum, we highly recommend that you review the rest of the FS/FT Rules in the stickies at the top of the forum. Multiple or repeated violations will result in infractions and may also result in posting priviledges being suspended for a short duration of time.

Warnings and infractions are tools of the vBulletin software so that 1000's of posters may be more easily tracked by the handful of volunteer moderators in this forum. The use of this feature allows us to more easily identify posters who have had many violations in the past such that we can take steps to protect the rest of our valued traders. Please don't take it personally.

If you have any further questions, PLEASE start a thread in the moderator discussions forum rather than replying to this PM. This will allow anyone on our staff of moderators who frequently view that forum to answer your questions.

Thank you,
Anandtech Moderator
gillbot

 

[cganesh75]

Those certs were priced at $20, and there was a limited quantity available. They were also supposed to be limited to one per customer. The people selling them paid $20 for them, and they're selling them significantly higher.

But now I see that the mods really don't give a shit about the morality of these offers, but rather how much effort is involved in actually moderating the forum. I get the picture now - basically the whole reasoning for the touchpad ban was actually just a front to keep the mods from actually having to do work. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

i was not even aware of such gift certificates were sold. i thought these were regular gift cards. but either way, i am fine with banning these.

 

[Gillbot]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2208768
$20 for $40 Newegg gift card, Tomorrow 11/28 only!! @ googleoffers **DEAD**
right from our very own hot deals section

 

[allisolm]

But now I see that the mods really don't give a shit about the morality of these offers, but rather how much effort is involved in actually moderating the forum. I get the picture now - basically the whole reasoning for the touchpad ban was actually just a front to keep the mods from actually having to do work. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

I'd dial back that attitude in a hurry, SunnyD. We're doing what we can here and YOU don't get to decide what gets limited, how it's done, what the sanctions are, what rules are being broken, or anything. You can report it and request we take it into consideration (and incidently the place to do that is NOT in PFI which is for problems you're having with your personal account.) But don't get all snippy because our thoughts and actions don't IMMEDIATELY completely agree with you. Mods work really hard in FS/FT to provide a safe place for transactions and succeed admirably without your snide comments and attitude.

 

[esquared]

Those certs were priced at $20, and there was a limited quantity available. They were also supposed to be limited to one per customer. The people selling them paid $20 for them, and they're selling them significantly higher.

But now I see that the mods really don't give a shit about the morality of these offers, but rather how much effort is involved in actually moderating the forum. I get the picture now - basically the whole reasoning for the touchpad ban was actually just a front to keep the mods from actually having to do work. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

What, you didn't read the my post in the HP thread?

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=32191121&postcount=13

You really don't think we work hard enough as volunteers to keep FS/T a safe place?

Before you start shooting your mouth off, why don't you have a talk with Gillbot and he can tell you how hard we FS/T mods work behind the scenes and how many thankless hours are put in so you guys have a safe place to trade.

No good deed goes unpunished.

BTW, that newegg certificate just started and ended. Next time post it in the proper forum, not PFI, and give us time to react to it.

 

[Gillbot]

I think this thread has run it's course.
AT MOd
Gillbot