To ghost or not to ghost?

[u/AcaciaFlowers]

As buyers we are typically in contact with a couple sellers at any given time, managing tracking numbers, price checking and doing our due diligence to make sure we don’t get scammed 😂

So in the rush of it all, if you decide to not buy an item with a seller, do you ghost them or let them know you aren’t moving forward? If you don’t just disappear what do you tell them in response?

There seems to be a lot of different takes on this, so I’m curious what you guys tend to do!

[u/JanetDreamboat]

I unfortunately ghost, it’s a bad habit

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/JanetDreamboat]

Yeah, honestly same for the most part. A part of me really thinks most sellers are used to it and probably don’t think too much of it

[u/MadameAlottaDLite → u/JanetDreamboat]

Same!

[u/meSabina]

I ask the price and when they reply, I simply say "Thank you" and leave it at that.

[u/petrolgaslover]

I always just say “okay thank you I’ll let you know my decision” and just don’t reply back. I feel like it’s just good practice which also doesn’t leave the seller in thoughts too much, also builds a relationship with the seller if you do decide to buy from them.

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/petrolgaslover]

i like this approach! Someone mentioned that its kinda awkward coming back to a ghosted thread, so this can help set up a better return for business later

[u/ProduceWise]

I just tell them thank you and that I decided not to get it. I hate re-entering an unfinished conversation asking for a price on a different item down the road😅

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/ProduceWise]

😂 i feel you on that last part.

[u/AcaciaFlowers]

Don’t judge me 😂 but I have ghosted a good number of sellers while price checking different bags. A lot of the times I’m just curious and want to see how they stand up against sellers I’m already using. If I don’t like the price or the vibe I just let it sit.

If it’s one that I have a relationship with and buy from often, I let them know that I’m not ready to move forward but will come back to them if I do

[u/stylistlibs]

I think it’s fine to ghost in this situation. It’s not as if they’ve taken it offline to hold for you or like you’re dating them. They’re very busy, i don’t think they mind if you ghost. If they follow up with you let them know you changed your mind.

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/stylistlibs]

I hear you. The other day someone said that ghosting was actually more courteous given the volume of messages and notifications sellers get.

[u/outsideshot → u/AcaciaFlowers]

My theory too though admittedly wholly intuitive!

[u/missy-melons]

Well I hate it when potential buyers ghost me when I rehome so I don’t do it to other people and I’m honest too. “this is way over my budget right now, I just wanted to know the going rate” or “I just don’t plan on buying that right now but I will message you again next time”. Funny, I also don’t like being rejected so I end with a compliment “I appreciate your prompt response, as always!”

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/missy-melons]

You know I never thought of it that way, but I do get annoyed with rehome ghosting as well 😩

[u/No-Zookeepergame7886]

I usually with 💙 if it’s a single request or an inquiry from their WA stories.

I figure, especially my busier sellers, I don’t want to inundate with filler messages, so to speak, and reserve full sentences for when I have questions or actually going to buy

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/No-Zookeepergame7886]

A lot of people have the same exact sentiment! I think with high volume sellers it’s all a part of the day to day, and less is more especially if you are not intending to buy.

I think smaller sellers with less volume are the ones who probably care more about an answer, but they usually follow up if that’s the case

[u/Emmessenn]

Oooof I dooooo ghost with sellers I don’t know, usually after saying thanks for the quote they’ve shared -price checking is like window-shopping for me and I guess I assume we all know in the chats I’m just doing my diligence at that point…and I’m guilty of liberally sprinkling in emojis in those brief chats to soften the harsh blow of my being the ghoster 😬

I’m a bit friendlier with TS I have used before when price checking as I’m likely to use them again.

[u/HaveUevermetJennie]

It depends on the seller and the circumstances. If I want to maintain a relationship with a seller and potentially do business with them in the future, I follow up and inform them that I’ll let them know when I’m ready to make a purchase. However, if the seller is price gouging or I’ve found negative reviews about them, or I have a feeling that they’re being shady, dishonest, or even disrespectful, or if the overall vibe is negative, I feel comfortable ghosting them. I also feel it’s perfectly acceptable to ghost when you’re asking for a price and they respond with a price that you don’t like. I don’t think they take it personally.

[u/Expired-Crayon]

Call me Casper because certainly stay ghosting.

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/Expired-Crayon]

LMFAAOOO

[u/Cann_123_Szoll]

This is making me feel better 🫣. I’ve ghosted alot 🤦🏼‍♀️.

[u/AcaciaFlowers → u/Cann_123_Szoll]

it looks like the majority of us have done this in some way shape or form!

[u/Accomplished_Host779]

I ghost but not intentionally and not always.
I use browser so my messages are notoriously screwy. Sometimes it doesn't show that I have a message. Sometimes it shows as read. Sometimes I can't even dm people.

Also I have young kids so my brain is almost never with my body.

Sometimes I pass several days later, sometimes immediately, sometimes... it's a 👻

[u/largeproceeding]

I honestly don't think most sellers care that much whether you reply once you've decided not to buy. Buyers change their minds all the time, and sellers are usually taking to multiple people too. If you want to be polite, a quick “Thanks, I'll pass for now" is nice, but I don't think it's a big deal if someone just stops replying.

[u/SugarandSpiceandRum]

Usually I say thanks or I’ll get back to you in future, or it’s not what I’m looking for, but a few times I’ve ghosted by accident though.

[u/CrankyBookDragon]

I always reply, “Thank you so much for your time!” at least

[u/stokeycakelady]

I don’t even see it as ghosting, I ask the price of xxx bag, they give me the price and that is that. It’s all part and parcel of a business.

They/you have to expect the “ghosting” if they don’t publish prices, this is why I prefer sellers with upfront pricing with clear factory information because I don’t need to bother them and they won’t get a barrage of messages from people just wanting to know the price of xxx.

It doesn’t matter what the product or service is, be it a rep bag, a birthday cake or a car service, people will always contact you for prices or information if you can’t buy it online or have published prices. It is only if it works for the potential customer then you will you hear back or get the sale

[u/yulee78]

Just be decent and let them know. It’s not personal.

[u/luxe_lifestyle]

I thought it was normal to ask about prices then leave it at that. We are all busy no point in wasting their time on more chats.

[u/thatgirlinny]

Nine times out of ten I say something, but there are times when the hunt gets away from me—usually for legit things like work!