ORIGINAL: Volfy
2. Buyers MUST be encouraged to formalize an offer by registering it with RCU. The second biggest problem in my experience is people backing out of their offers - sometimes causing me to loose another potential buyer. I'm beginning to think some people do this on purpose - perhaps to keep you from selling the item while taking the time to decide whether they really want to buy or not. From now on, I am making it a rule not to accept offers unless it is registered on RCU. Then, if they do back out of the deal on their own volition, then I would like to be able to leave a negative feedback on them. If you're not serious about buying, don't offer.
I may sound harsh, but having stricter rules never impede the honest transactions that account for the vast majority of RCU Classified traffic. It does, however, help weed out the bad apples that sour everyone's taste for online buy & sell.
You can rate a seller who backs out as follows;
He makes an offer. You accept it (which marks it sold). Star appears so you can rate him within 30 days. He doesn't pay and follow through. You rate him negative for bailing on the deal. You then hit "renew" on the ad and it becomes active again in the system for the remainder of the 30 day ad period.