Rant Therapy....grrr

[Steve C]

Maybe some smooth talker comes along after you give a deposit and tells the seller, 'I'll give you another $50 over what the other guy offered.' He probably already weasled out of the seller what it (supposedly) sold for.

Could happen that way too.

Dave.

Yes I know what you are saying. I am just always suprised when somebody treates me differently than I would treat them. My word is my word. It is the most valuable thing I have. A couple bucks one way or another isn,t a big deal but if I say I will sell it to you, it is yours. If somebody offers me twice the price I will ask your permission and split the profit with you. If you don't want to do that, it is still yours. Either way I am a happy camper.

 

[Heavyduty]

I think greed may drive these people. He knew you would buy the tractor at the price he had stated, so somebody else calls, he tells them he would sell if the $$$ is over the asking price. Why else would he not honor his word with you?

I sold things a little cheap before and was offered more, but I never back out to make more if my word is invovled. I think it has to do with the way you were brought up. If your pops was a used car dealer, well never mind......

 

[ultrarunner]

I think greed may drive these people. He knew you would buy the tractor at the price he had stated, so somebody else calls, he tells them he would sell if the $$$ is over the asking price. Why else would he not honor his word with you?

I sold things a little cheap before and was offered more, but I never back out to make more if my word is invovled. I think it has to do with the way you were brought up. If your pops was a used car dealer, well never mind......

I grew up around the family automobile business... in the same location since 1942 and founded back in 1920... My Grandfather's Handshake was his bond.

Never failed... a car could be sitting on the lot for weeks with not one looker... as soon as one person was interested... several more would be too and offers would sometimes ensue... didn't matter, nobody was rushed or pressured.

Grand Dad said it is easy to sell a car, the hard part is building the business with repeat customers and that doesn't happen if they feel pressured...

 

[Bird]

Yep, my Dad & I were the same way. Once a deal is agreed to, there's no changing your mind. Your word has to be good.

Another lesson I learned when my Dad & I opened the little town's first auto parts store was when a customer came in and asked for a new generator for his car (before any ever heard of alternators). And we had the right generator in stock, but Dad asked what was wrong with the old one. Naturally, the guy didn't know; just that it wasn't working. Dad looked at it and told the guy all he needed was a set of brushes. So we made a sale of a few cents instead of several dollars. And Dad said, "Yep, but he'll be back and he'll tell his friends how we saved him some money." That was a lesson I never forgot.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yep, my Dad & I were the same way. Once a deal is agreed to, there's no changing your mind. Your word has to be good.

Another lesson I learned when my Dad & I opened the little town's first auto parts store was when a customer came in and asked for a new generator for his car (before any ever heard of alternators). And we had the right generator in stock, but Dad asked what was wrong with the old one. Naturally, the guy didn't know; just that it wasn't working. Dad looked at it and told the guy all he needed was a set of brushes. So we made a sale of a few cents instead of several dollars. And Dad said, "Yep, but he'll be back and he'll tell his friends how we saved him some money." That was a lesson I never forgot.

I wish that there were auto parts stores still around that were like what you and your dad had. Now all any of them want to do is sell a replacement assembly. Nobody repairs anything, it's all replacement assemblies. There is only one independent auto parts store left in our county that is not a franchised place, and I try my best to get what I need from them.

 

[jinman]

I was once going to buy an old Allis backhoe/loader from a guy who had worked for my father. The deal included a trailer to haul the tractor and he agreed to haul it to my place on a Saturday. Late Saturday afternoon after he had not shown up, I called his house. His wife answered the phone and I asked about where her husband was and if he was possibly having trouble delivering the tractor. She told me that her husband had been called into work that day and the tractor was loaded on a trailer at their house. She also said that the tractor and trailer belonged to her instead of him and that she knew nothing of his offer to sell it to me. Uh-oh! When he called me later that week, I had to tell him I was no longer interested in the tractor. I wouldn't tell him that I'd talked to his wife, but rather I just told him I had considered and thought better of the deal. A month later, he moved out and they got divorced. I'm thinking I was very lucky not to have been in the middle of that deal. Whew!. . .

 

[buffalohunter]

I was raised your word is your bond, if you can't keep it you aren't much in my book.

buffalohunter

 

[ultrarunner]

I was raised your word is your bond, if you can't keep it you aren't much in my book.

buffalohunter

I've always been fortunate around those that know me...

When I was still in school, around 21... I had steady part-time jobs working for 2 different bosses...

There was a Real Estate Auction coming up for a fixer home/shack that I knew all about and was very interested in... I mentioned it to my Boss and was asked if I was serious about it and how would I pay for it... I told him I would pay for it working for him...

At the end of the day, as I was leaving he presented me with a $10,000 Cashiers Check made out to me to take to the Auction... I didn't know what to say.

The bidding the next day was fierce and it went for way more than I was willing to pay...

Monday morning I returned the check with a note of Thanks... I told him and his wife how much I appreciated it and they both said they knew I was good for it...

Sure gave me a boost that changed my whole outlook on things...

 

[dave1949]

At the end of the day, as I was leaving he presented me with a $10,000 Cashiers Check made out to me to take to the Auction... I didn't know what to say.

The bidding the next day was fierce and it went for way more than I was willing to pay...

Monday morning I returned the check with a note of Thanks... I told him and his wife how much I appreciated it and they both said they knew I was good for it...

Sure gave me a boost that changed my whole outlook on things...

Wow, I've only known two people in my life that would do that. Your boss was a one of a kind for sure.

Dave

 

[kasch_hunter]

I have often heard it said and I agree that your reputation is like your virginity--once you lose it you can't get it back.

 

[Builder]

Steve,

That's too bad. A man should be able to keep his word. I've been through the same thing and it stinks, but it might be fate that you'll find something even nicer or cheaper.

People want the sure thing and when someone shows up with money in hand its sold. I saw a old Ford 5' Bush Hog sitting in a guys yard along with a 8N for sale 3 miles from my house 4-5 years ago. Anyway I called the guy and he said it was still for sale. I only wanted the Bush Hog so I jumped on my Jinma and drove over to get it. He wanted $150 which was fair. I hooked it up and was ready to leave when he informed me he has some other items for sale.

He showed me the 8N, which I was not interested in.

He showed me a Boom Pole. I did not need with a FEL and a Post Hold Digger that doubles as a Boom Pole.

He showed me a 5' King Kutter Box Blade. Not happy with KK mower I owned so I was not really interested in.

He had a Ford 2 Bottom Plow that I did not need but I wanted the matching 6' 3 Point Disc.

Then he showed me a 30' conveyor that was on wheels and pto drive. It was in perfect shape, stored in the barn and only used once a year to put up hay for the winter. I wanted it for a roofing project.

Anyway he said I could have it all, including the 8N for $3000. I left a $100 cash deposit. I rushed home with the BH, talked to the wife, went to the bank, and was back in 1 hour. It was sold and 1/2 gone. I had even came back with my truck, trailer, and a buddy to pull the conveyor home with my other truck. He did give me my $100 back but I was p'd. I could have keep the disc, box blade, and conveyor then sold the tractor and other stuff on Ebay or CL and came out $500 to $1000 a head in under a week.

I have learned dealing in boats to show up with Cash! I bought a 37K boat for 28.5K just a month ago because I waved the money in front of him. I also take a big buddy and my 380 on these deals.

Chris

Anyone shows up on my property where my wife & children live to buy something I'm selling with a handgun and/or a "big buddy" and they can just take their business elsewhere. Most likey they'll be getting in their truck with my size 11 steel toe boot up their rear ends, too.

 

[stevem5215]

I've had this happen twice !
Once we went to look at a Grandam for my son. The lady wouldn't let us meet her at her house for some reason so we met her at a Mc D's. (1st warning shot) We looked it over and told her we'd take it. Asked if she wanted a deposit to hold it. She said no that was ok she'd just take cash at time of sale. So we went back home got the cash out of the bank and called her. She told us she sold it to her neighbor ! I asked her why and she said that she had previously told them she'd sell it to them but they never responded on the couple of phone calls she made to them. (probably didn't have the cash) and then when she probably told them we were buying it they "suddenly" came up with the money. We were used. I was pissed and told her I was very angry with her for doing that and it wasn't fair to us. I did call a attorney about that one. They asked if we had anything in writing... hmmm.... no.. ok he said no deal. Live and learn. I should have had her sign a bill of sale. I won't make that mistake again. It was a primo deal car too. low miles excellent condition and good price.
2nd one was on Craiglist. I was the first to call the guy he told me. I said I would take it sight unseen. Asked if I could come over immediately.. He said no he was going out of town till thursday afternoon at 5pm and gave me directions to his house. I said 5pm on thurs I'll be there. So I show up at his house 5pm on the dot on Thurs... he says he sold it on Thurs afternoon at 3pm. I tell him he's nuts and I'm really pissed for that one. He says guy came with cash and took it. No apology, nothing. I was ready to scream at him for that one... looked around at the redneck kinda place he owned and thought twice about it. I'm too civilized for a confrontation with that type and it wasn't worth it. But, I'm glad to be able to rant on here about it.

Steve (who's been burned more than a few times.... and I got other stories like these... these were the best ones)

 

[Steve C]

I've had this happen twice !
Once we went to look at a Grandam for my son. The lady wouldn't let us meet her at her house for some reason so we met her at a Mc D's. (1st warning shot) We looked it over and told her we'd take it. Asked if she wanted a deposit to hold it. She said no that was ok she'd just take cash at time of sale. So we went back home got the cash out of the bank and called her. She told us she sold it to her neighbor ! I asked her why and she said that she had previously told them she'd sell it to them but they never responded on the couple of phone calls she made to them. (probably didn't have the cash) and then when she probably told them we were buying it they "suddenly" came up with the money. We were used. I was pissed and told her I was very angry with her for doing that and it wasn't fair to us. I did call a attorney about that one. They asked if we had anything in writing... hmmm.... no.. ok he said no deal. Live and learn. I should have had her sign a bill of sale. I won't make that mistake again. It was a primo deal car too. low miles excellent condition and good price.
2nd one was on Craiglist. I was the first to call the guy he told me. I said I would take it sight unseen. Asked if I could come over immediately.. He said no he was going out of town till thursday afternoon at 5pm and gave me directions to his house. I said 5pm on thurs I'll be there. So I show up at his house 5pm on the dot on Thurs... he says he sold it on Thurs afternoon at 3pm. I tell him he's nuts and I'm really pissed for that one. He says guy came with cash and took it. No apology, nothing. I was ready to scream at him for that one... looked around at the redneck kinda place he owned and thought twice about it. I'm too civilized for a confrontation with that type and it wasn't worth it. But, I'm glad to be able to rant on here about it.

Steve (who's been burned more than a few times.... and I got other stories like these... these were the best ones)

Thanks for taking the time to share them with us........it helps to know that we are not the ones who are nuts.....

 

[ultrarunner]

I've had this happen twice !
Once we went to look at a Grandam for my son. The lady wouldn't let us meet her at her house for some reason so we met her at a Mc D's. (1st warning shot) We looked it over and told her we'd take it. Asked if she wanted a deposit to hold it. She said no that was ok she'd just take cash at time of sale. So we went back home got the cash out of the bank and called her. She told us she sold it to her neighbor ! I asked her why and she said that she had previously told them she'd sell it to them but they never responded on the couple of phone calls she made to them. (probably didn't have the cash) and then when she probably told them we were buying it they "suddenly" came up with the money. We were used. I was pissed and told her I was very angry with her for doing that and it wasn't fair to us. I did call a attorney about that one. They asked if we had anything in writing... hmmm.... no.. ok he said no deal. Live and learn. I should have had her sign a bill of sale. I won't make that mistake again. It was a primo deal car too. low miles excellent condition and good price.
2nd one was on Craiglist. I was the first to call the guy he told me. I said I would take it sight unseen. Asked if I could come over immediately.. He said no he was going out of town till thursday afternoon at 5pm and gave me directions to his house. I said 5pm on thurs I'll be there. So I show up at his house 5pm on the dot on Thurs... he says he sold it on Thurs afternoon at 3pm. I tell him he's nuts and I'm really pissed for that one. He says guy came with cash and took it. No apology, nothing. I was ready to scream at him for that one... looked around at the redneck kinda place he owned and thought twice about it. I'm too civilized for a confrontation with that type and it wasn't worth it. But, I'm glad to be able to rant on here about it.

Steve (who's been burned more than a few times.... and I got other stories like these... these were the best ones)

I've done the heavy lifting too many times... come in and spend the time to arrive at a fair price that is agreeable and then have someone come in for a few dollars more...

It used to bug me... but I decided there is always something better down the road... what goes around comes around...

 

[brin]

What goes around does come around...I have a friend who missed a deal several years ago on a F-350 it was advertised for about one third of what Kelly Blue Book had it valued..and had only 10,000 miles and was still under waranty...he mentioned it and told an aquaintance of his he was looking at buying it and mentioned where it was..that fella he mentioned it to went and bought that truck...made my friend so mad...but here is the rest of the story...turns out the truck had been stolen and the VIN had been changed with one from a salvage yard and had a clear title ..but when it went in for service the dealer caught it and the police became involved and the fella that bought it had to convince them not to charge him with recieving stolen goods ...he ended up losing the 20K he paid for it and the truck....what goes around comes around..LOL

 

[Builder]

Here's my prediction of what happened in most of the cases where you missed out on a great deal:

1.You phoned or went to the seller's house and struck the deal of a lifetime.
2.The seller sensed your excitement and thought "maybe I made a mistake and asked too little for what I am selling???"
3.They continued to market the item for a little longer, but at a higher price.
4.Another buyer comes along and agrees to buy for the higher price.
5.Seller is too greedy to admit their pricing mistake and blows you off to get more money.

The old saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" can work for both the buyer and the seller.

 

[AlanB]

I had a similar thing happen with a house we had a signed contract on. Kind of taught me a lot about those contracts.

We agreed to full price etc. they repair the "small tear" in the pool that was covered and we were unable to see. Their offer comes back that we needed to take it with the tear, I say, OK, when can we look at the tear, they say Sat at 1300 but we must have an answer by 1400, I say OK, no problem, see you Sat at 1400. Fri night get a call that they backed out of the contract and sold to someone else...........

Pissed is not the word for it.

Call the guy at his house, get the you cannot speak to me, my realtor said it was legal etc. etc. crap, I said it may be legal but that still does not make it "right"

Was bent for a while on suing etc. but after speaking with my sister (lawyer) for a while she said I would probably win, but in the end would come out behind financially more then likely and should probably just let it go, so I did.

On the other side, I have been the guy holding the item for someone, had several folks offer to purchase it while they were getting the money, truck whatever, then they never showed back up or wanted to come back and dicker the price or something again.

Now days I usually just tell them the first person here with Cash gets to be the owner.

 

[dodge man]

Some people have no ethics. I have story about a 68 Road Runner that I was going to buy in the late 1980's, but I see red every time I tell that one. There are some people in this world I don't like, but that person is one I actually hate. I just can't find it in my heart to forgive him.

 

[ultrarunner]

I had a similar thing happen with a house we had a signed contract on. Kind of taught me a lot about those contracts.

We agreed to full price etc. they repair the "small tear" in the pool that was covered and we were unable to see. Their offer comes back that we needed to take it with the tear, I say, OK, when can we look at the tear, they say Sat at 1300 but we must have an answer by 1400, I say OK, no problem, see you Sat at 1400. Fri night get a call that they backed out of the contract and sold to someone else...........

Pissed is not the word for it.

Call the guy at his house, get the you cannot speak to me, my realtor said it was legal etc. etc. crap, I said it may be legal but that still does not make it "right"

Was bent for a while on suing etc. but after speaking with my sister (lawyer) for a while she said I would probably win, but in the end would come out behind financially more then likely and should probably just let it go, so I did.

On the other side, I have been the guy holding the item for someone, had several folks offer to purchase it while they were getting the money, truck whatever, then they never showed back up or wanted to come back and dicker the price or something again.

Now days I usually just tell them the first person here with Cash gets to be the owner.

I've been in a similar situation with a neighbor.... he came knocking on my door with a cold one and said his he and his wife just made an offer on a home in suburbs to get the kids in a better school district... he went on to say that he knew I was interested in his place and thought I should buy it... the only kicker is the deal would have to be done in 21 days...

I told him he would have my answer by the end of the day... I said yes and opened Escrow, ordered a pest control report and filled out a loan app the next morning.

His Realtor started calling me every other day saying her client could loose the house if I didn't perform... she really called me all the time as did her broker and the agent of the home he was buying... I had no business relationship with any of them...

To make a long story short... the Bank was dragging it's feet and the clock was ticking... the home had some termite work that needed to be completed and signed-off before it would fund... I mentioned it to my Boss and he offered a swing loan for up to 6 months so I could close AS-IS and do the work myself and then pay him off when I got my loan... we deposited are funds in Escrow and the Day of Signing... my neighbor refuses to sign???? He says everything is going to fast and doesn't like the pressure being put on him... yes there was a lot of pressure... all from his side... his Agent, Broker and the other Broker...

I had spent nearly a $1000 dollars and I was not going to just walk away... I discussed things with his mother and wife and the next day I get a letter from an Attourney telling me not to speak with his clients and anything I have to say must be in writing and sent to the Lawyer...

I went to a lawyer who told me I have a solid case... but it would cost $10,000 in legal fees to go to court on a $105k home... so I dropped it... I was only interested because the property was adjacent to mine... it was not priced under market and I was buying AS-IS

It's been 15 years and we have not said two words... his wife left him a couple of months after the botched sale and was later committed to an institution...

I still feel set-up and used... but, I'm more glad logic prevailed and decided to save my money and not pay it too lawyers...

A year later another neighbor asked me to buy their home and the transaction was as simple as could be... she even offered to carry the note for 15 years at 6% interest... which was very competitive at the time...

What goes around comes around...

 

[ovrszd]

On the other side, I have been the guy holding the item for someone, had several folks offer to purchase it while they were getting the money, truck whatever, then they never showed back up or wanted to come back and dicker the price or something again.

Now days I usually just tell them the first person here with Cash gets to be the owner.

Yep, my Son's frequently sell stuff on Craigslist. They say it takes ten "inquiries", "I'll take it", "coming by tomorrow to get it" phone calls to get one solid buyer. They always tell potential buyers first cash wins.

As a buyer I never go look without the money in my pocket.