PM vs Dibs (6 Viewers)

[Mangatang]

When responding to a for-sale classified ad, is simply saying, “PM sent” the equivalent of calling, “Dibs”?

I always say “Dibs” or “I’ll take them” in the thread, then follow up with a PM.

I’ve notice quite a few people just stating “PM’d” in the thread, and it always feels to me like angle-shooting. I imagine them trying to have the best of both worlds, holding first in line spot, but not committing to the purchase yet.

 

[Tonysquander]

I always take it as interest being expressed, not dibs, and/or they already bought them and are just posting to the thread so feedback can be left.

 

[iLogik]

I think it really depends if the sales add specifically indicates “dibs sale” or similar, but end of day it’s at the discretion of the seller to honor what they deem as fair play…

 

[krafticus]

Depends on the seller, really. Some make you post something then PM, some ask that you post dibs and they gauge interest.

 

[upNdown]

If I list something for sale, I'm usually going to sell to the first person who expressed interest, whether it was by posting something like dibs or whether it was PMing me a question. But nobody here has any obligations and there aren't any rules - we all can sell to whomever we choose.

 

[allforcharity]

"PM sent" and "Dibs" are not necessarily equivalent. The former is not (to me) an expressed commitment to buy. With the frequency I've seen the terms "I release my dibs", it seems the latter is not much of a commitment either.

 

[doublebooyah85]

I take it as dibs if the follow up questions by the buyer are agreed to by seller.

However, as the seller, even if I were to agree to terms, a dibs post “PM sent” may get my priority over “PM sent”.

If in doubt and u want them, always “dibs”.

 

[UniLover]

PM to me usually means interested but perhaps trying ask for more pictures, offering a trade, or offering a lower price than asking. When I'm a seller, public dibs trumps any question/trade offer/lower price offer. If PM just says dibs at asking then I would honor that.

 

[Winslow2918]

PM should indicate interest but further discussion of the details. Dibs is the (unofficial) equivalent of raising your paddle at an auction (dib=bid) or claiming an item.

 

[merkong]

I’m all over the place here but might ask the PM guy to go back and dibs in the thread for clarity to any other potential buyer. My stuff has a niche market so a person could probably PM and not worry about getting jumped in the thread.

 

[allforcharity]

Dibs with conditions isn't a dibs. I see "dibs if split, depending on price" and laugh. Asking for what's not on sale or not even making an offer on what is wanted.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Dibs if split depending on price and how this $1-$2 game is going

 

[AlbinoDragon]

I'll post "PM incoming" if I'm interested in part of a larger collection of items in a sale. I'll then message the seller with the thing I'm interested in.

I figure that clutters things less than "dibs one of the three barrels of the tertiary Club Unobtanium T3k chips".

If I want the whole shebang, it's going to be "dibs everything".

Needless to say, no matter the case, a prompt PM to the seller is the way to go. Don't leave them hanging and don't expect them to do the work for you!