Agree with mofi, collect a non-refundable deposit before the audition. It is a must to be careful and not let "tire kickers" abuse you. I would give a close friend the audition, but with everyone else, it's strictly business.
Can a buyer back out with no penalty?
Hi members,
Last week I got an offer for a preamp on Audiogon which I am selling. The buyer offer cash local pickup and he required an audition before taking the preamp. It seems fair to me so I accepted his offer.
Yesterday he came to my house with another guy. They spent almost an hour to play through my system. Then finally they said they don't want to buy it with the reason "I don't like the sound". I tried to explain to him that after the buyers' offer is accepted that is a commitment to buy. Unless the product was not as described in the ads, he has to take it. They just left without saying anything.
My question is: what do we do with that kind of buyer, how to deal with this situation correctly?
Thanks,
Calvin
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- 30 posts total
+1 mofi. Leave negative feedback so others are aware of this "tire-kicker". I also like the $100 deposit to audition philosophy. As for accepting cash, I have always accepted cash. However, if it is from an untrustworthy source, I recommend having a Dri-Mark Smart Money Counterfeit Bill Detector Pen handy. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dri-Mark-Smart-Money-Counterfeit-Bill-Detector-Pen-for-Use-w-U.S.-Currency/14927993 |
When I started back in this 'hobby'. I was surprised that some people would allow me to come to their home and listen to equipment. I did so only to confirm that the equipment was functioning properly, not as an audition. I, too, would be put out if someone did that to me. Though, I have met some really nice people and gotten some really nice equipment. Another, +1 for the $100 deposit. |
There are fakes that only very good equipment can detect. Why take chances? I don't like deposit approach, that's too business-like and unfriendly. As for leaving negative or not, I decide on case by case basis. Even one negative feedback carries a lot of weight on Audiogon. In the OP's case I would not leave any feedback but would not deal with this person again. He did nothing terribly wrong. |
- 30 posts total