Donedeal's new feature a step backwards.

colm_mcm

I see donedeal don't include the sellers' phone number anymore and you have to click a link to reveal an image of the number (not text)

No more googling the phone number to reveal the string of cars that dealers posing as pirate sellers are shifting.

I see this as a major backwards step, there are a few free easy checks you can do online to get some valuable info as you narrow your search down (motortax.ie etc.) there are so many chancers on donedeal, its gonna be that bit harder to spot them now.

ba_barabus

I'd imagine it's to counteract nuisance calls but I agree.

It's a bad step but they will be under pressure due to a duty of care to their PAYING customers

MuppetCheck

Was wondering what was up this evening when I was having a browse. Could be pandering to customer complaints maybe?

colm_mcm

How would it stop nuisance calls?

dgt

Didn't realise it was an image.... I'll just switch between tabs and type the number

galwaytt

Still visible on their mobile app......

Del2005

Just means you need to ask about the car for sale when you ring. Shame is you now need to spend money to find out.

colm_mcm

dgt wrote: »

Didn't realise it was an image.... I'll just switch between tabs and type the number

Yes, but if you google it, you're not gonna find the ad.

Atlantic Dawn

To be fair you can type it in to Google instead to search.

My recent headwreck with Donedeal was the Ad highlights they were putting in with your search results. I think the main problem with Donedeal is they are constantly trying to improve and in most cases these improvements make a balls of things, possibly little market research, they just make changes and hope for the best.

<edit> now I see the problem, can't see previous adverts.

MugMugs

galwaytt wrote: »

Still visible on their mobile app......

Apps won't feed Google though.

dgt

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yes, but if you google it, you're not gonna find the ad.

Ah, I get you now... Arse to that! :mad:

I can't see it lasting if I'm honest

Mister Jingles

Del2005 wrote: »

Just means you need to ask about the car for sale when you ring. Shame is you now need to spend money to find out.

I tried this approach before and it didn't really work. You say I'm just ringing up about the car you have for sale and their reply is usually ''yeah''....

Senna

Mister Jingles wrote: »

I tried this approach before and it didn't really work. You say I'm just ringing up about the car you have for sale and their reply is usually ''yeah''....

...ok, tell me more about it? what's the engine/gearbox like? bodywork? etc etc I'll usually get them to say "which car" before they get it out of me.

colm_mcm

Click to show number!
Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
As usual, we’ve been working away in the background on cool ideas to make DoneDealing even safer. We’ve heard that some of our customers having been receiving some “dubious” text messages trying to get them to email people with more details. So we started working on a plan!

First of all, we encourage all our DoneDealers to take advantage of our safemail system when you want to corresponded via email. For safety reasons, you should really never give out your email address.

Secondly, we’ve just created a cool new feature will help protect your number from this type of activity. Browsers interested in your item will now have part of your number displayed and with one simple click will reveal the full telephone number to get in touch with you.

We’ve more plans in the pipeline so watch this space!

http://blog.donedeal.ie/topics/new-features/

keithsfleet

I might be the only person here but it genuinely doesn't bother me if someone flips cars for a living/on the side.
Regardless of what they do I'm still going to give the car the same 40 minute inspection I would if I was buying off anyone else.
So what if they are buying cheap, doing a little bit of work and selling for a profit.
I'm only going to pay what I think the car is worth and if it's over priced in the ad I wouldn't even bother ringing.

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

How would it stop nuisance calls?

Those annoying texts and calls from Nigeria

galwaytt

ba_barabus wrote: »

Those annoying texts and calls from Nigeria

..why, you think they won't click on the link to 'see' the number ?


I've dropped DD an email telling them I think it's a dumb idea: if anyone feels the same, do likewise: otherwise it's only hot air.

wonski

keithsfleet wrote: »

I might be the only person here but it genuinely doesn't bother me if someone flips cars for a living/on the side.
Regardless of what they do I'm still going to give the car the same 40 minute inspection I would if I was buying off anyone else.
So what if they are buying cheap, doing a little bit of work and selling for a profit.
I'm only going to pay what I think the car is worth and if it's over priced in the ad I wouldn't even bother ringing.

I kind of share your view on this, but some of this ads stated that car in family for 2 years, never gave a trouble, lady driving etc which was kind of pointless (not that I care what the reason for sale is- who cares anyway?)

But there is a difference buying car knowing someone actually owned it rather than from someone who just fixed few things and had it for a week.
Not to mentioned that even looking at the logbook won't give you a clue as they are smart enough to buy with logbook (well some are stupid enough to sell with logbook).
But you are right - buy based on condition and value, and none of this is a problem actually.

keithsfleet

wonski wrote: »

I kind of share your view on this, but some of this ads stated that car in family for 2 years, never gave a trouble, lady driving etc which was kind of pointless (not that I care what the reason for sale is- who cares anyway?)

But there is a difference buying car knowing someone actually owned it rather than from someone who just fixed few things and had it for a week.
Not to mentioned that even looking at the logbook won't give you a clue as they are smart enough to buy with logbook (well some are stupid enough to sell with logbook).
But you are right - buy based on condition and value, and none of this is a problem actually.

Very easy to find out if they only bought it for a flip though. Costs nothing to check if the car changed hands in the last 3 months.
Anyone mechanically minded can tell if a car has been well minded and serviced on time, any decent mechanic can tell if a car is worth what the seller is asking for (with a tiny bit of research)

Del2005

Mister Jingles wrote: »

I tried this approach before and it didn't really work. You say I'm just ringing up about the car you have for sale and their reply is usually ''yeah''....

Then your next question is what's the mileage, what colour is it etc.

keithsfleet wrote: »

I might be the only person here but it genuinely doesn't bother me if someone flips cars for a living/on the side.
Regardless of what they do I'm still going to give the car the same 40 minute inspection I would if I was buying off anyone else.
So what if they are buying cheap, doing a little bit of work and selling for a profit.
I'm only going to pay what I think the car is worth and if it's over priced in the ad I wouldn't even bother ringing.

It's grand for you or me that knows their way around a car but what these people are doing is illegal and also giving genuine dealers a bad name.

They are Dealing in cars so need to offer the customer support that goes with that. They are undercutting genuine 2nd hand car dealers, who pay taxes/wages/rent etc by selling cars from the side of the road with no customer come back if anything goes wrong.

The revenue also won't be too happy about them not paying tax, which means we all have to pay more.

ba_barabus

galwaytt wrote: »

..why, you think they won't click on the link to 'see' the number

They use programmes which search the web automatically for numbers and email addresses

ironclaw

ba_barabus wrote: »

They use programmes which search the web automatically for numbers and email addresses

This. You can very quickly skim the entire of DoneDeal for a few emails and phone numbers using basic scripts. I actually welcome the idea. Google-ing a phone number isn't a hard and fast way to determine if someone is shady. Its perfectly legitimate to be selling cars on the side provided your conforming to tax requirements etc etc. Its up to a buyer in all private sales to be fully aware what is going on and from whom they are buying.

Deliverance XXV

If someone was determined enough they could just harvest Donedeal for any images the exact size of the phone number image and get them that way.

For anyone who would normally Google search these numbers before following through with a sale can still do a reverse image search on Google Images, in conjunction with Google searching the text number too. This will search for replicates of that image with Google's image search algorithms.

Just download the image containing the number, open up Google Images and drag the image onto the search section. This will also work for fake/duplicated images/ads of stolen/damaged cars on Donedeal. It will take a while to populate Google with all the images though, but better than nothing.

Of course this can be altered in the future with different font families and captchas but you have what you have!

mullingar

Curious to see if its true.

First car for sale on donedeals website, only seconds old.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/peugeot-206-1-1-5dr-nct-03-14/5192491

Then a google of their number:

That exact car is on top of the google hit list, amongst many others.

Kenny Logins

The phone number is still there, it's just set to display:none.

djimi

mullingar wrote: »

Curious to see if its true.

First car for sale on donedeals website, only seconds old.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/peugeot-206-1-1-5dr-nct-03-14/5192491

Then a google of their number:

That exact car is on top of the google hit list, amongst many others.

They put the number into the notes of the ad, which is probably why the ad shows in Google.

ba_barabus

mullingar wrote: »

Curious to see if its true.

First car for sale on donedeals website, only seconds old.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/peugeot-206-1-1-5dr-nct-03-14/5192491

Then a google of their number:

That exact car is on top of the google hit list, amongst many others.

Rather annoyingly you can't just copy and paste the number

biko

A sad day indeed and a kick in the face of anyone who wanted to protect themselves from scammers.

ba_barabus

biko wrote: »

A sad day indeed and a kick in the face of anyone who wanted to protect themselves from scammers.

Here is the reply to an email about it:

DoneDeal wrote:

Hi,

Thank you for contacting us.

We are always looking for new ways to improve our site and this security feature was added due to feedback recieved from other DoneDealers.

Although it hides part of the number interested users can still see it by clicking on "Show number".

You can read more about this here: http://blog.donedeal.ie/topics/new-features/

Hope you like it!


All the best,
Lorraine

biko

Yes but it blocks google which was the whole point of googling dodgy numbers.
DD could just as easily have said "sorry but if you don't want people getting your number use the mail option only".

I think DD has done themselves a disservice (although I see where they come from) in the long run.

Kenny Logins

biko wrote: »

Yes but it blocks google which was the whole point of googling dodgy numbers.
DD could just as easily have said "sorry but if you don't want people getting your number use the mail option only".

I think DD has done themselves a disservice.

It doesn't - Google does index hidden divs.

http://seotesttool.com/blog/does-the-google-bot-index-css-hidden-divs/

djimi

biko wrote: »

Yes but it blocks google which was the whole point of googling dodgy numbers.
DD could just as easily have said "sorry but if you don't want people getting your number use the mail option only".

I think DD has done themselves a disservice (although I see where they come from) in the long run.

I guess its done to protect their customers, ie the sellers. They can only please one set of people (sellers or buyers) with this, and they seem to have (understandably) chosen the ones who pay them the money. Its not going to put the majority of buyers off from using the site, but if spamming was becoming a real issue for sellers then it might start to put a lot of them off using DD.

ba_barabus

biko wrote: »

I think DD has done themselves a disservice (although I see where they come from) in the long run.

I agree.

I love searching it to pass time but I've grown tired of actually using it. I'm hoping something new comes along.

It's getting a rep as being full of dodgy cars and sellers and dd seem to have just removed one of the easiest ways for a user to spot a potentially dodgy seller or car.

I'd be much happier if they put the time into coming up with some sort of guide to sellers to help them make an ad that can be read.

Kenny Logins

Hmmm, getting mixed results searching for recent ad phone numbers..

If this does block searching it's not good for buyers, and maybe DD need to do something about that, like 'other ads by this advertiser' or something..

ba_barabus

There you go:

Thanks for getting back to us,

I have never heard of users doing this ont he site to be honest, if you feel this way of vetting was removed intentionally it wasnt,

We dont know how you or other users search on the net, we are focused on making sure publishers on our site are safe from scammers,

This new step ensures that these scammers can no longer get your number to scam,

I know you feel strongly about this but Im afriad we will not be removing this feature from the site,

If you suspect a rougue trader please report to the Guards,

Sorry we cannot be of more help to you.

galwaytt

djimi wrote: »

I guess its done to protect their customers, ie the sellers.

Well I'm a seller on there, and have my car in it, and nobody asked if they could 'block' my number. At the very least, as a seller i.e. paying customer, this should be an opt-in / opt-out feature. They shouldn't assume what I want at all........

I emailed them and they came back with this:

"Hi,

Sorry you feel this way,

This was brought in for the security of you the seller on the site,

We’ve heard that some of our customers having been receiving some “dubious” text messages trying to get them to email people with more details.

This image will help protect your number from this type of activity. Browsers interested in your item will now have part of your number displayed and with one simple click will reveal the full telephone number to get in touch with you.

All the best, "

Getting dubious text messages ? then block their number on your phone. Or ignore them, then.

When I made the point that I had put up a comment on their front page to the effect that I thought the change was a bad idea, I noticed they didn't publish that comment..........so i emailed them again, and got this.......

"Hi,

Thanks for getting back to us,

That is correct, users positive feedback gets published on the site, users suggestions are placed elsewhere for our team to go through when changes are being made to the site.

There is no need to publish these as the majority are ideas we take on board, but take a while to implement on the site

I can assure you that we do not in any way shape or form, tamper with feedback comments to suit."



Judicious editing of comments maybe not. Just not showing any 'non-positive' ones then. Potato/Potatoe.:rolleyes:

ba_barabus

My comments are currently showing on their FB page if anyone wants to post there

aman23

galwaytt wrote: »

..why, you think they won't click on the link to 'see' the number ?


I've dropped DD an email telling them I think it's a dumb idea: if anyone feels the same, do likewise: otherwise it's only hot air.

i,ve done the same, the only people this is helping are the shady dealers, with ten phone numbers, and countless items for sale with no warranty and no comeback, even tho they are in fact dealers and not private sellers!

Toyotafanboi

aman23 wrote: »

i,ve done the same, the only people this is helping are the shady dealers, with ten phone numbers the same phone number, and countless items for sale with no warranty and no comeback, even tho they are in fact dealers and not private sellers!

fixed your post

biko

Kenny Logins wrote: »

It doesn't - Google does index hidden divs.

http://seotesttool.com/blog/does-the-google-bot-index-css-hidden-divs/

Yeah I was thinking the same but tried a couple number from ads that are two weeks old and they didn't show up on google at all.

Also sometimes Chrome will not show number when clicking Show Number, that will be an issue for about half of all users to donedeal (if general stats is anything to go by).

ba_barabus

biko wrote: »

Also sometimes Chrome will not show number when clicking Show Number,

I spotted that but thought the seller just hadn't put the number in

aman23

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

fixed your post

No! different car = different number, 10 cars for sale, same guy, 10 different numbers, when you ring about the CAR, he knows which one your talking about.
when its sold, the number is used again for another car, a couple of weeks later

Toyotafanboi

aman23 wrote: »

No! different car = different number, 10 cars for sale, same guy, 10 different numbers, when you ring about the CAR, he knows which one your talking about.
when its sold, the number is used again for another car, a couple of weeks later

or the much less complex, one man, one phone number, several cars for sale.

if i was selling 3 or 4 different cars at the once, it would be some pain in the sack carrying like 4 different phones with me and having to remember which phone is which car etc.

biko

ba_barabus wrote: »

I spotted that but thought the seller just hadn't put the number in

Rightclick on the ad and choose "View Source", then search for 087 or whatever number starts with. It'll show you the number, if it exists.

mloc123

The reason they implemented it is most likely so they can track calls to ads.

They will take a click to be a call made, which is a better metric for them to use than ad views alone. I'd imagine they are about to use the stats for a fee increase... but that is me being a cynic

aman23

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

or the much less complex, one man, one phone number, several cars for sale.

if i was selling 3 or 4 different cars at the once, it would be some pain in the sack carrying like 4 different phones with me and having to remember which phone is which car etc.

you don't have to carry them with you.
dual sim, call diverting, print your add, leave phone on it, if you have any missed calls or texts you call them back (due to work) its simples.
Or of course, buy a big bag and bring all the phones with you, like a muppet:P

wonski

aman23 wrote: »

you don't have to carry them with you.
dual sim, call diverting, print your add, leave phone on it, if you have any missed calls or texts you call them back (due to work) its simples.
Or of course, buy a big bag and bring all the phones with you, like a muppet:P

Too much hassle
We are talking about guys selling few cars for small profit, not drug dealers with cops on their tails...
Most would use 1 number, and ask what car when you call.

aman23

wonski wrote: »

Too much hassle
We are talking about guys selling few cars for small profit, not drug dealers with cops on their tails...
Most would use 1 number, and ask what car when you call.

guy in a council estate near me, has nearly €200,000 worth of cars and commercials sold on donedeal, in the last 2 years! not bad for a guy on the dole.
And he uses at least 10 different mobile numbers, and 3 different houses (family)
to store and sell from.
if you use 1 number and ask what car? your a dealer and a warranty is expected. so is vat. And unlike drug dealers, if you caught, sure its only a car or two.

ironclaw

aman23 wrote: »

your a dealer and a warranty is expected. so is vat.

If you expect a warranty from someone selling their cars (Not matter how many) under the guise of a private seller on DoneDeal then you need your head examined. Unless they are a legitimate, tax paying, legal entity of a business then you can complain and threaten about the Small Claims Court all your like. Your still going to be burned, either with the car or the expense of actually chasing someone legally.

DoneDeal = Buyer Beware, No comeback.

ted1

mullingar wrote: »

Curious to see if its true.

First car for sale on donedeals website, only seconds old.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/peugeot-206-1-1-5dr-nct-03-14/5192491

Then a google of their number:

That exact car is on top of the google hit list, amongst many others.

The add says to contact Belgard car sales, so its a commercial seller

moonship

Donedeal shame on you. You are going to the dogs.

Whats even more astonishing, how can people sell their cars with the logbooks to those criminals