eBay/Craigslist Craigslist Deal

[OrangeGuy]

Last week I responded to a Craigslist WTB ad looking for an Allis Chalmers 82S side mount mower for a D17. I have one I purchased about 15 years ago that I used up to a few years ago for cutting road ditches, water ways and a meadow (10 to 15 hours per year). I purchased a NH 451 a few years ago so the AC sat stored in my shed. The buyer sent his 75 year old retired farmer father to look at it. I showed him the mower, explained how I used it, and generally said I believed it was in good condition for a 40 year old mower (relatively new sickle, excellent belts, all shields and mounting parts, swathboard, operator manual and a 3x8 hydraulic cylinder thrown in for good measure). After careful examination, the father said his son had been looking for months for this model mower and would purchase mine. We agreed to a price of $500. I helped him load the mower on his trailer and off he went.

That evening I got a call from the father. He says his son wants to talk to me. Since I had offered to help explain how to mount the mower, I expect questions along this line. However, the son proceeded to tell me the mower was in such poor condition that it would require several hundred dollars in new parts to make it operational to cut pigeon grass. He tried to negotiate a lower price. Finally, I told him to just bring it back and I would give his father his check back. I felt like I was being accused of taking advantage of the old man. He is a diehard Allis fan like me so we got along well.

My question is...Did I do the thing? This was an "as is where is" sale with no warranty implied or given so I suppose I didn't need to offer to take it back. Was I taken advantage of? What should I have done? The father is bringing the mower back on Monday so I probably could still process a different outcome.

OrangeGuy

 

[ultrarunner]

You probably saved your self some grief.

The problem with a check is that it can be stopped in an instant and then you would have to expend effort to go after them.

If it was a cash sale with a bill of sale stating AS-IS... I would have stood firm...

I think you did the right thing...

You did tell them of your 10% restocking fee... right?

 

[NSBound]

You probably saved your self some grief.

I agree with Ultrarunner. The way this gut dealt with you, if you didn't do what you did, he probably would have taken you to small claims court. Even when you're right and win in such situations they are a very large PITA.

 

[Travelover]

I think you would do the right thing by giving him his money back. I'm sure this guy's dad is embarrassed for his son's behavior and if nothing else, you'll help him save face. To me it just wouldn't be worth the hassle for a few bucks - I'd just turn the page and move on.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

You didn't do anything wrong. However the guy complaining should never have sent his father if he didn't trust his judgement. I doubt his dad is ever going to do this for him again.

I would do the same as you, offer them their money back when they return the mower.

 

[johng52]

Make sure it's in the same condition it left in.
...he may have just needed parts for his.

 

[claridon]

I think you're going in the right direction. The dad has to feel like he's being put in the middle by his son. You're helping him by taking it back. The son sounds like a jerk to use his dad that way.
I'd also check it over carefully when taking it back.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Thanks for the responses. I felt I was on the right track by offering to take it back. The father was such a nice guy. You have confirmed my instincts. I will check it over carefully when he returns it.

OrangeGuy

 

[newbury]

You should let us know the son's name,

 

[Stimw]

#1- NEVER take a check, COD!
#2- I would tell the son next time buy your own implements and get what you want.
#3- My refund policy is written on my boot heal.
Craigslist brings out the craziest and dumbest people I have ever met. I can't understand how they even have Internet access! I always post my phone number and they continue to email me for information about ads and too often offers that are ridiculous.
When did it become acceptable to try to negotiate on price before looking at an item? The proper way is to ask "Is the price firm?" .
Oh, and my favorite is I have a $1000. item for sale and they call or write "I only have $600. would you take that?"
I have no problem being rude to CL buyers who try to insult my intelegence and No Refunds!