So you see a 1960's Ludwig bass and floor tom on craigslist. You call the guy and he says someone already said he would buy it and is on his way.
Do you?
A. Offer the guy triple what he already sold it over the phone for?
or
B. Let him know if the guy never shows up that you would buy it?
Just curious what everyone would do.
B. for sure. That A guy drives me nuts.
B. But I would expect the same from the seller. There have been times where I've made that request in that situation, only to have him turn around and say "make me an offer." I don't want to deal with people like that: He and the "A" guy are made for each other.
Al
sorry...I just had to vent....I'm new to the vintage drum scene and this is the first time this has happened to me. I have made several calls to people and had them tell me someone is already on there way, and i would never have thought to offer them more....i guess there are rude people everywhere.....even in the vintage drum group......sorry again for venting
As a Craigslist seller, I have learned that promises over the phone are worthless.
Half the people who say they are leaving now, and are on their way, never show. Half the people who promise more money also never complete the purchase.
First one who shows up with cash, and willing to pay the asking price wins!
As a buyer, I would go with option B.
I have been the guy that called first, and was "on his way", only to get there and find someone else loading up the item because they offered more money. I will bet that both the seller and the other buyer still remember me and my reaction., and it is not a fond memory for either.
It's craigslist! Hope for the best but expect the worst as both a buyer AND seller.
I have had a few experiences like that, I answered an ad once for a Vintage Ludwig...obvious they did not know it's true worth...I was the first to call, they accepted the offer, I told them I would be there after I dropped my kid off at practice. An hour later I call, let them know I am on my way only to be told someone offered more..I offered to match...they demurred, claimed that it was just sold. I was a bit annoyed. Oh well.
I will also add that I have had far greater amount of "successful experiences" than the one I just described. That includes both Buying and Selling.
I had a complete vintage 50's kit with cymbals and hardware secured. did everything the clist seller asked me to do. gave him one final email to verify since it was a bit of a drive. "had a couple of guys get into a bidding war and I sold it to one of them". good to know everyone has a price on their dignity. I had planned on giving him a little more when I picked them up that day. oh well..
I also once found a complete kit for sale very cheap on clist. included all cymbals and hardware and a snare. snare was a heavy shell brass 20's Ludwig. I was honest about what the snare was and bought it outright for almost what he wanted for the whole deal. he was happy and I was happy.
mike
mike
I had a complete vintage 50's kit with cymbals and hardware secured. did everything the clist seller asked me to do. gave him one final email to verify since it was a bit of a drive. "had a couple of guys get into a bidding war and I sold it to one of them". good to know everyone has a price on their dignity. I had planned on giving him a little more when I picked them up that day. oh well..I also once found a complete kit for sale very cheap on clist. included all cymbals and hardware and a snare. snare was a heavy shell brass 20's Ludwig. I was honest about what the snare was and bought it outright for almost what he wanted for the whole deal. he was happy and I was happy.mikemike
You're a good man, Charlie Brown !!
