Who polices the classified ads?

[Rog0525]

There is a 2005 Safari 25FB 25' listed in the classifieds. 2 of the exterior images in the photo link appear to be exact copies of a 2007 Safari 25’ taken from Airstream’s web site.
Airstream :: Safari

[Janet H]

I'll take a look at it.

[Rog0525]

Janet, just to clarify, here are links to the 2 images I’m referring to:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/fred.h.../Curb-Side.jpg
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/fred.h...Entry-Door.jpg

You will find both of these images on Airstream’s web site by looking at photos of a 2007 Safari 25 foot Front Bedroom.

[Janet H]

Thank you - just working on my first cup of coffee...

[Rog0525]

My bad. I didn’t know it was ok to list a used trailer for sale with a link to copied images of a brand new trailer and represent them as images of the listed trailer. I thought we were supposed to post our own photos of the trailer we are trying to sell.
The image of the dining/sleeping area of this coach is also exactly the same as the image on Airstream’s web site.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/fred.h...o-sleeping.jpg
It is a bit difficult to judge the condition of the used trailer by looking at images of a brand new trailer.

[john hd]

Who polices the classified ads?

well rog,

it looks like the membership does! if you folks see anything that looks amiss please bring it up as you would in any other post on the forum.

if things like this get reported by the membership we all can help to make this the best site possible.

it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes to spot problems.

john

[Rog0525]

Thanks, Janet and John. That ad is listed twice. 3/26/07 and 4/27/07.
I'm a bit surprised it wasn't removed. The seller may be a really nice person but it's deceptive IMHO to advertise one trailer and post a link to pictures of a different one.

[Janet H]

It's OK to post a link to a picture even if it's not yours. It may be deceptive, but it's legal. What's not OK is uploading a photo as part of the ad if you don't own the image. It's a copyright violation and we pull em when we find em.

[craftsman]

Don't they call that "bate and switch "in retail sales. Legal but ethical??

[azflycaster]

You can always post a reply to the asking the seller for more information as well as comment on the pictures. Other members will see these posts and take note. Look at the comments on this one: http://www.airforums.com/classifieds...ct=3521&cat=14

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

You can always post a reply to the asking the seller for more information as well as comment on the pictures. Other members will see these posts and take note. Look at the comments on this one: http://www.airforums.com/classifieds...ct=3521&cat=14

yep. and that was exactly the intention.

fwiw, I don't think a true "bait-n-switch" is legal. but its hard to prove.

I worked at a large car dealership many years ago, and we got accused of that all the time, even though we weren't doing it. ads go into the newspaper way in advance of their publishing date. lots of times, by the time the ad-cars hit the paper, they'd already been sold. people would come in clutching the newspaper ad looking for this fabulous deal, and we'd have to say, "sorry, that car was sold...but we have this other one that is very much like it..". and the customer would be going .."sure, you do".

[Lumatic]

Using photos for an ad that are not of the actual unit IMHO is at best confusing and at worst dishonest. I would support a policy to prohibit that practice.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Marshall

. . I would support a policy to prohibit that practice.

I agree. It would be ok to use other photos if they are clearly labeled.

eg: "These pictures are of another unit because mine has a big gash down one side"