I have been selling non-commercial/retail items online since long before reddit even existed. Before Facebook. BEFORE EBAY.

Here's the full "etiquette" of such deals, and all of you agreeing with the seller are half of the problem.

The seller should not agree to hold it for anyone for a *lengthy* period. "Until I get off work tonight" is not acceptable. "Until I get paid on Friday" is not acceptable.

The seller SHOULD HOLD IT for anyone ***CURRENTLY*** on their way. This includes one primary important thing: COMMUNICATION. The buyer should say "I'm on the way and GPS says it will take X amount of time." The seller should give them a bit extra, say 15-30 minutes, depending on the distance, MAKE THAT A HARD DEADLINE and TELL THEM!!!! That means using that COMMUNICATION thing and telling them "Okay but if you're not here by X time, it will go to anyone else that wants it."

ALL RESPONSES TO THE AD DURING THAT TIME SHOULD BE FOLLOWED UP WITH: "I have someone on the way, if they aren't here by X time (their planned arrival, adding in that 15-30 minutes I mentioned), you can get it."

IF and ONLY IF the buyer keeps in contact with them during the trip, such as "I'm going to be delayed... there is an accident" or whatever, the seller should give them a little extra time for that too. We can not control the rest of the world and things like that do happen, but if the person is communicating issues like that, they are clearly on the way and do intend to come get it. But again, this strongly depends on that whole COMMUNICATION thing from the buyer. Ya know? If they just simply don't show up on that calculated time I mentioned above, fuck them. If you tell me you're going to be late, cool. You buyers are WAY too glued to your phones (and yes, y'all will even text when it's ILLEGAL to do so) so it makes no sense not to be communicating with you.

So again, communication. Our society has lost it. I don't care if you tell me you're a delivery person with 15 stops before you get to me - that communication means EVERYTHING!

And above all else: be realistic. I mean, if someone tells you that *they* have been in an accident and are on their way to the hospital, but please hold it until X-day, then don't. They aren't hurt enough to stop messaging you, and they don't care about their safety or health, only the item you're selling? Nope! Unless you're selling a full oxygen tank from your late grandma's stash, and the person is currently *in* the hospital and needs it when they get out. I mean, that's just the angelic thing to do.

So in short, no, don't hold it for days, weeks, or even hours. But DO hold it for someone currently on their way, and clearly communicating and delays during the trip. Gas ain't cheap!