Seller reneges...options?

ultrarunner · Apr 13, 2004

After looking for some time, I found the ideal, used, low hour tractor about 600 miles away. The seller and I agreed on price and delivery was set.

This morning seller emails and said that he is "sorry" because he just sold tractor to someone else for more money.

The experience has soured me on buying over the phone.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Did you eventually find what you were looking for?

Thanks

KiotiJohn · Apr 13, 2004

If this indeed happened to you, why not tell us who it was, so all can avoid dealing with the slime ball? Thanks, John

zuiko · Apr 13, 2004

It does suck when that happens but there isn't much you can do. Sort of like when you call someone up for details on an item they have for sale, drive a ways to go and look at it and it is not as they described. It happens.

BigAl · Apr 13, 2004

That's too bad . A man's "word" is his bond in my book . Unfortunately there are a lot of untrustworthy people like him in this world . If you did all your dealings over the phone , I wonder how truthful he was about the tractors condition ? I would chaulk it up as a lesson learned . Their will be another good deal to come along for you . The hard part is to be ready when it does . What kind of tractor was it ? My nieghbor has a very low hour Yanmar 755 with a bunch of goodies he is selling . Blade ,snow blower,plow,wagon.box blade,MMM, etc. He just wanted a bigger one . Anyone looking for a tractor that size would have a hard time finding one in better shape or lower hours . It is in Northern Calif.
Big Al

ultrarunner · Apr 14, 2004

I found the tractor in the TBN classifieds.

The owner was selling his property and no longer needed it. He provided about a dozen pictures and answered all of my questions.

It was a bigger tractor than the BX23 I have been looking for. I decided to go for it because of the low hours, factory Kubota Loader, Backhoe and after-market box scraper.

Junkman · Apr 14, 2004

Sure you agreed on the details, but no money had exchanged hands, so he was free to continue to look for buyers. I don't think of him as a "slime ball", but a honest person that told you the truth. What would have happened if you got there and decided that even though it was all that he said it was, that you didn't like the smell of the transmission oil and decided not to take the machine? That would have been your choice also since you had not made any financial commitment in the form of a deposit. He would then have to start looking for another buyer and valuable time would have been wasted. This buyer might have purchased something else and would have been lost forever. If this had been a local deal, then it would be a different. You would have inspected the machine, given him a deposit and both of you would have been committed to the sale. I doubt that he would have even considered selling the machine to another person, even if he could have gotten more money after you struck a deal and gave a deposit. Most people are honest, but most don't hold much faith in people that they don't know following through on a deal that they have not seen. If you had been talking a couple hundred dollars, he might have gambled, but a low hour tractor is in the thousands, and he didn't want to gamble that you might not come through with the money in the end. Long distance used tractor sales between individuals, like long distant romances rarely work out in the end. Next time, get on the plane or get into your car and go to where the tractor is. Inspect it, make the deal, and seal it with a deposit. If not, then put a certified check into a next day envelope and send it to the seller. That way, you will be assured that you will get the machine. You will also be assured that you won't get your deposit back if you don't take the machine once you get there if reject it.

KiotiJohn · Apr 14, 2004

Al, a Yanmar 755? Are you sure of that model number? I've never seen that one before. Is it 75 HP? On the three number models, HP is usually the first two. I think you need to check that please. John

GerardC · Apr 14, 2004

If that's what happened, then it was meant to be. Who knows if it wasn't a lemon? Maybe you'll get something at an even better deal. I'd keep looking and wouldn't get to discouraged.

BigAl · Apr 14, 2004

With all due respect , I still believe it was wrong . I think a phone call would have been in order before even thinking of selling to someone else . If delivery was set and the price was agreed that is a "commitment" to me . I would have honored it . It fact ,I did on a piece of property once . I listed two side by side pieces of property as one price . Later I realized that I could make 50% more money by listing them separately but had a gentleman who wanted to buy as I had first stated .No money had changed hands and no deposit had been made . I honored that deal and loss $45000. dollars in one clean sweep . But I slept just fine, that night , knowing my word is my bond .That fellow and me have become very good friends and now he is property managing for me when I am not around to take care of my place .
Big Al

BigAl · Apr 14, 2004

Hi John ,
Maybe I got that wrong /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. How about a JD755 . It is a Yanmar brand but made by JD and it is JD green /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. It is 20 horsepower .
I'm taking off early AM tomorrow John , I'll talk with you all when I get back .
Big Al