Grr: Scam poor mouth car buyer - tire kicker - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #1 05-24-2013, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwerty

a) A good negotiator doesn't walk away.

b) A good negotiator would much rather be negotiating the price up than have the other party in control and negotiating the price down.

In this case:
A sale is NOT a negotiation, unless the seller (ME) ALLOWS it...

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Brian Carlton · #2 05-24-2013, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

In this case:
A sale is NOT a negotiation, unless the seller (ME) ALLOWS it...

.

Most successful sales are done via negotiation. Unless you're buying beer at the local supermarket, that's just how it's typically done.

You can always fight the commonly accepted practice and issue a FIRM price, but this is rarely a successful tactic. A buyer needs to be convinced to purchase your vehicle at the price you are asking (typically at or above market). He's not going to hand you your asking price because of your good looks.

barry12345 · #3 05-24-2013, 03:35 PM

Distract the buyer if it is a quality item. Simply by using your knowledge. Price can become a secondary consideration by the buyer if you are skilled. I will not sell junk anyways.

whunter · #4 05-24-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Most successful sales are done via negotiation. Unless you're buying beer at the local supermarket, that's just how it's typically done.

You can always fight the commonly accepted practice and issue a FIRM price, but this is rarely a successful tactic. A buyer needs to be convinced to purchase your vehicle at the price you are asking (typically at or above market). He's not going to hand you your asking price because of your good looks.

I am not selling the 240D, unless they meet my FLAT price !!!

This is my DAILY DRIVER, I have zero interest - motivation for negotiation or compromise..

At the moment I am BUSY, and unwilling to waste precious time negotiating or building a replacement car.

Every time I hear "commonly accepted practice", I think of Lemmings.

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97 SL320 · #5 05-24-2013, 09:19 PM

A .. . Umm . . You are asking for and deserve any abuse you get from someone given the train of posts listed below. My comments below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 1

I have been out driving this car many times, and frequently have random people ask how much would I sell it for.

SOLD: 1980 Mercedes W123 240D – China blue
Usually I say $3.5K, they either walk away or start poor mouthing and knit picking, trying to claim it is only worth $1000.00 USD.
This happened three times TODAY!!!
These idiots where demanding I sell instantly at their price, after becoming verbally abusive toward me!!!
********************************
Honestly; Their opinion is irrelevant to me, and I can't see why they feel I should care.
**********************************
This may seem harsh.
My rule of thumb for vehicle sales:
* If I don't want to sell, quote a price at least three times my replacement cost.

So a random person asks you if the car is for sale, you reply with an outrageous price. This leaves the random person to do what? Of course they are going to pick it apart. If you don't want to sell, don't tell the person that you are willing to sell the car!

Cars priced 3X over realistic value on Craigslist have their own thread on this site. . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 15

Hmm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In each case:
Their concept of negotiating was to DEMAND that I accept less than 1/3 of asking price, while becoming verbally abusive toward me.
Perhaps I am too sensitive, but the key points (for me) are:
#1. This car is my daily driver (near perfect) = not interested in selling below my asking price.
#2. Cursing/abusive language causes me to walk away.

Point 1 from post 15 brings the previous 3X price back to market value.
Point 2 is valid no matter the situation, but if one values their item 3X market, expect some pushback.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 39

I am not selling the 240D, unless they meet my FLAT price !!!

This is my DAILY DRIVER, I have zero interest - motivation for negotiation or compromise..

At the moment I am BUSY, and unwilling to waste precious time negotiating or building a replacement car.

So, at the moment you are unwilling to sell the car but you tell people that the car is for sale. Why not tell the person that you don't want to sell because you would just have to turn around and buy something else?

In other words, don't tell someone that the car is for sale , don't give a 3X price, don't be surprised when someone pushes back if you ignore the former.

satyr · #6 05-24-2013, 10:39 PM

Hey Roy, I know how you feel. But one time, I was fueling up the 190d at a pump in the suburbs of chicago and an an "interesting" character, reeking of cologne and with big clunky jewelry on, approached me and asked "how much you want for that mercedes?" I looked down at the car, and looked back and said "Sorry, it's not for sale." He seemed put-out. "What do you mean? Everything has a price." I responded with "Not this one. Not right now." He even got a little huffy "What, you don't think I'm good for it or something? I got money, and I can pay cash." I told him "Sorry, this one's not for sale. You might check online or ebay and see what turns up." He walked off mumbling something about "Stupid blah blah blah." I thought it was hilarious. BUT the point to this post is to tell the story about a guy in San Antonio.

Before we moved up here, we had to sell the wife's 1989 Honda Civic. There was a big open parking lot where people put cars with for sale signs in the windows. So, I typed up a nice description of all the major work that had been done on it (timing belt, water pump, brakes, battery, tires, tranny fluid and filter, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, etc. all in the last year or two.) And it only had 100K on the clock, and was in great shape. We looked up the blue book value, checked pricing for similar cars online and at local lots and decided on a price (I think we listed it for $1750 firm- an excellent price, but we didn't want to deal with tire kickers for very long. We got lots of calls, and most wanted to haggle. I said "we're firm on that price" before even going out to test drive it with people. Some asked "hey can I write you a check for it?" Answer "No." Tire kicker: "How about I give you $500 now, and the other $1000 over the next 2 months. Answer "No." Tire kicker "aw cmon man, what if I trade you $500 and my beanie baby collection, and give you the other $500 next month. Answer "No."

But the guy that took the cake said on the phone he wanted to "buy the car." We ask if he's sure, and he says "You can cancel all the other appointments you have because I just want to check it over briefly and buy it." So we actually DID cancel one appointment because this guy had actually called first, but told the girl who called that we would call her back if this guy didn't buy the car. So, we go meet the guy, and he shows up with a 3-ring binder and a book that says "how to make money dealing cars" or something like that- not kidding. He looks it over, takes notes. He checks the ac, he checks the heat, he tries the wipers, and all the light bulbs, he crawls around under it, he has us pop the trunk- he rolls around in there. He stares blankly at the purring motor and flips the pages in his book. He stares into the tailpipe. He flips around in his book some more. Then he starts asking absurd questions. Tire kicker: "How much rust has it got?" Answer: "None, as you can see. We're here in south central Texas and the car has never seen salt." Tire kicker: "You SAY that you put new tires on it, but these have some wear." Answer: "Here's a penny, go check for yourself. They have less than 10K on them, and we told you that you're getting receipts for all service done." He looks at the penny, and hands it back to me. I show him the tread depth. This goes on for 2 hours. He took it for a test drive, and then insisted we drive it while he sits and listens for noises, and another hour ticks by. Finally, I take him back to his car and say "Well. If you have the $1750 we can sign the title for you and call it a night." His response "Uh." Flips the pages in his book... "I'll give you $850 for it." I about tore his ****** head off. "What?!" I TOLD YOU we were firm on that price!" You have just wasted 3 hours of my time, and you're going to low ball me. His response was "OK, OK, uh... I'll give you $900." As we walked back to my car, I said "It's 1750 or no deal." His response "OK, I'll call you tomorrow then." I told him not to bother. The next day, we met with the college girl who absolutley loved the car, even my (then girlfriend's) peace decal on the back windshield, and couldn't stop hopping up and down over how much she liked the car. Her parents and older brother drove over to meet us, cash in hand. My girlfriend rode in the car and we drove back to her college dorm in a short convoy. As we drove off the girl was literally hugging the Civic and taking pictures of it with her phone. As we pulled up in our driveway at home, my girlfriend's cell phone rang, it was notebook boy, who said he was calling to offer $1000. She told him we had sold it to someone for $1750, he asked why we ddn't call him. He then offered $1850 for the car. We told him the car was sold. He offered $1875. We told him the car was sold and she was hanging up. He kept talking and she hung up on him.

So- I think Roy's method would have been helpful in that situation, and would have put the tire kickers off. Everyone wants a "good deal" but wasting people's time is not acceptable.

gatorblue92 · #7 05-25-2013, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

Hey Roy, I know how you feel. But one time, I was fueling up the 190d at a pump in the suburbs of chicago and an an "interesting" character, reeking of cologne and with big clunky jewelry on, approached me and asked "how much you want for that mercedes?" I looked down at the car, and looked back and said "Sorry, it's not for sale." He seemed put-out. "What do you mean? Everything has a price." I responded with "Not this one. Not right now." He even got a little huffy "What, you don't think I'm good for it or something? I got money, and I can pay cash." I told him "Sorry, this one's not for sale. You might check online or ebay and see what turns up." He walked off mumbling something about "Stupid blah blah blah." I thought it was hilarious. BUT the point to this post is to tell the story about a guy in San Antonio.

Before we moved up here, we had to sell the wife's 1989 Honda Civic. There was a big open parking lot where people put cars with for sale signs in the windows. So, I typed up a nice description of all the major work that had been done on it (timing belt, water pump, brakes, battery, tires, tranny fluid and filter, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, etc. all in the last year or two.) And it only had 100K on the clock, and was in great shape. We looked up the blue book value, checked pricing for similar cars online and at local lots and decided on a price (I think we listed it for $1750 firm- an excellent price, but we didn't want to deal with tire kickers for very long. We got lots of calls, and most wanted to haggle. I said "we're firm on that price" before even going out to test drive it with people. Some asked "hey can I write you a check for it?" Answer "No." Tire kicker: "How about I give you $500 now, and the other $1000 over the next 2 months. Answer "No." Tire kicker "aw cmon man, what if I trade you $500 and my beanie baby collection, and give you the other $500 next month. Answer "No."

But the guy that took the cake said on the phone he wanted to "buy the car." We ask if he's sure, and he says "You can cancel all the other appointments you have because I just want to check it over briefly and buy it." So we actually DID cancel one appointment because this guy had actually called first, but told the girl who called that we would call her back if this guy didn't buy the car. So, we go meet the guy, and he shows up with a 3-ring binder and a book that says "how to make money dealing cars" or something like that- not kidding. He looks it over, takes notes. He checks the ac, he checks the heat, he tries the wipers, and all the light bulbs, he crawls around under it, he has us pop the trunk- he rolls around in there. He stares blankly at the purring motor and flips the pages in his book. He stares into the tailpipe. He flips around in his book some more. Then he starts asking absurd questions. Tire kicker: "How much rust has it got?" Answer: "None, as you can see. We're here in south central Texas and the car has never seen salt." Tire kicker: "You SAY that you put new tires on it, but these have some wear." Answer: "Here's a penny, go check for yourself. They have less than 10K on them, and we told you that you're getting receipts for all service done." He looks at the penny, and hands it back to me. I show him the tread depth. This goes on for 2 hours. He took it for a test drive, and then insisted we drive it while he sits and listens for noises, and another hour ticks by. Finally, I take him back to his car and say "Well. If you have the $1750 we can sign the title for you and call it a night." His response "Uh." Flips the pages in his book... "I'll give you $850 for it." I about tore his ****** head off. "What?!" I TOLD YOU we were firm on that price!" You have just wasted 3 hours of my time, and you're going to low ball me. His response was "OK, OK, uh... I'll give you $900." As we walked back to my car, I said "It's 1750 or no deal." His response "OK, I'll call you tomorrow then." I told him not to bother. The next day, we met with the college girl who absolutley loved the car, even my (then girlfriend's) peace decal on the back windshield, and couldn't stop hopping up and down over how much she liked the car. Her parents and older brother drove over to meet us, cash in hand. My girlfriend rode in the car and we drove back to her college dorm in a short convoy. As we drove off the girl was literally hugging the Civic and taking pictures of it with her phone. As we pulled up in our driveway at home, my girlfriend's cell phone rang, it was notebook boy, who said he was calling to offer $1000. She told him we had sold it to someone for $1750, he asked why we ddn't call him. He then offered $1850 for the car. We told him the car was sold. He offered $1875. We told him the car was sold and she was hanging up. He kept talking and she hung up on him.

So- I think Roy's method would have been helpful in that situation, and would have put the tire kickers off. Everyone wants a "good deal" but wasting people's time is not acceptable.

This is a prime example of the kind of person I sell a car to. Whenever I have sold any of my past cars i name a price and am firm on it and will not budge unless the buyer is a genuine person who will love the car as much as I have. I think all of the cars I sold went on to college kids as their first or second car.

97 SL320 · #8 05-25-2013, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

. . . But one time, . . ..

. . . at band camp. . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

I was fueling up the 190d at a pump in the suburbs of chicago and an an "interesting" character, reeking of cologne and with big clunky jewelry on, approached me and asked "how much you want for that mercedes?" I looked down at the car, and looked back and said "Sorry, it's not for sale." He seemed put-out. "What do you mean? Everything has a price." I responded with "Not this one. Not right now." He even got a little huffy "What, you don't think I'm good for it or something? I got money, and I can pay cash." I told him "Sorry, this one's not for sale. You might check online or ebay and see what turns up." He walked off mumbling something about "Stupid blah blah blah." I thought it was hilarious.

A Conservative would call this person a drug dealer, a Liberal would call them a disenfranchised urban youth looking to turn his life around. Either way I try to steer clear of these people. ( Or say I just stole the car. . . )

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

BUT the point to this post is to tell the story about a guy in San Antonio. . . .

. . . .So, we go meet the guy, and he shows up with a 3-ring binder and a book that says "how to make money dealing cars" or something like that- not kidding. He looks it over, takes notes. He checks the ac, he checks the heat, he tries the wipers, and all the light bulbs, he crawls around under it, he has us pop the trunk- he rolls around in there. He stares blankly at the purring motor and flips the pages in his book. . . .

Te hee, see also, " How to flip houses, read all about our flippin formula"

" How to pickup hot chicks in your area, they are waiting for you. " ( on the phone at $ 9.95 a min)

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

Tire kicker: "You SAY that you put new tires on it, but these have some wear."

I can just see his eyes narrow like he is some sleazy lawyer trying to get OJ off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

The next day, we met with the college girl who absolutley loved the car, .. . . . ... As we drove off the girl was literally hugging the Civic and taking pictures of it with her phone.

Sounds like a car commercial . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

As we pulled up in our driveway at home, my girlfriend's cell phone rang, it was notebook boy, who said he was calling to offer $1000. She told him we had sold it to someone for $1750, he asked why we ddn't call him. He then offered $1850 for the car. We told him the car was sold. He offered $1875. We told him the car was sold and she was hanging up. He kept talking and she hung up on him.

A half hour after I bought my house at auction a person that lived across the street ( in a rental ) whom was at the actual action, offered to " . . take it off my hands for what I paid for it." ? ? ? ? they upped the offer by $ 500 then $ 1,000.

whunter · #9 05-25-2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

A .. . Umm . . You are asking for and deserve any abuse you get from someone given the train of posts listed below. My comments below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 1

I have been out driving this car many times, and frequently have random people ask how much would I sell it for.

SOLD: 1980 Mercedes W123 240D – China blue
Usually I say $3.5K, they either walk away or start poor mouthing and knit picking, trying to claim it is only worth $1000.00 USD.
This happened three times TODAY!!!
These idiots where demanding I sell instantly at their price, after becoming verbally abusive toward me!!!
********************************
Honestly; Their opinion is irrelevant to me, and I can't see why they feel I should care.
**********************************
This may seem harsh.
My rule of thumb for vehicle sales:
* If I don't want to sell, quote a price at least three times my replacement cost.

So a random person asks you if the car is for sale, you reply with an outrageous price. This leaves the random person to do what? Of course they are going to pick it apart. If you don't want to sell, don't tell the person that you are willing to sell the car!

Cars priced 3X over realistic value on Craigslist have their own thread on this site. . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 15

Hmm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In each case:
Their concept of negotiating was to DEMAND that I accept less than 1/3 of asking price, while becoming verbally abusive toward me.
Perhaps I am too sensitive, but the key points (for me) are:
#1. This car is my daily driver (near perfect) = not interested in selling below my asking price.
#2. Cursing/abusive language causes me to walk away.

Point 1 from post 15 brings the previous 3X price back to market value.
Point 2 is valid no matter the situation, but if one values their item 3X market, expect some pushback.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Post 39

I am not selling the 240D, unless they meet my FLAT price !!!

This is my DAILY DRIVER, I have zero interest - motivation for negotiation or compromise..

At the moment I am BUSY, and unwilling to waste precious time negotiating or building a replacement car.

So, at the moment you are unwilling to sell the car but you tell people that the car is for sale. Why not tell the person that you don't want to sell because you would just have to turn around and buy something else?

In other words, don't tell someone that the car is for sale , don't give a 3X price, don't be surprised when someone pushes back if you ignore the former.

What outrageous price???

Have you read through the thread documenting this car?

Fresh rebuilt engine, perfect interior with new springs and padding, etc.

The current market value on this 1980 four speed manual (condition) as is = $3.5K.
After a few more items are dealt with, the asking price will be $5-7K...

Perhaps I should become preemptively rude = do you see a for sale sign you idiot??

.

Brian Carlton · #10 05-25-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Perhaps I should become preemptively rude
.

I believe that would be impossible for you.............

whunter · #11 05-26-2013, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Perhaps I should become preemptively rude
.

I believe that would be impossible for you.............

It would be painful for me to try..

******************************

??? Signs in the windows "NOT FOR SALE" ???

.

97 SL320 · #12 05-25-2013, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

What outrageous price???

Have you read through the thread documenting this car?

Fresh rebuilt engine, perfect interior with new springs and padding, etc.

The current market value on this 1980 four speed manual (condition) as is = $3.5K.
After a few more items are dealt with, the asking price will be $5-7K...

Do I don't know the history of the 1980 car in question, I'm only using the info in your posts.

Using your own words from post 1

" This may seem harsh.
My rule of thumb for vehicle sales:
* If I don't want to sell, quote a price at least three times my replacement cost. "

You admit to giving a "buyer" pricing 3X replacement cost, how is that not outragous? ( Replacement cost being market value. )

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Perhaps I should become preemptively rude = do you see a for sale sign you idiot??

.

I didn't say I saw a "For Sale " sign, but when you give a person a price that signifies that the car is for sale. ". . Usually I say $3.5K, . . . "

Making a personal attack on a forum member can get your post deleted.

eatont9999 · #13 05-26-2013, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

I didn't say I saw a "For Sale " sign, but when you give a person a price that signifies that the car is for sale. ". . Usually I say $3.5K, . . . "

Making a personal attack on a forum member can get your post deleted.

The way I read it was that he intends to be more aggressive towards prospective buyers; not attacking any forum members. Maybe some quotes or a better situational explanation is missing.

I highly doubt Roy would call any member of the forum an "idiot."

whunter · #14 05-26-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Do I don't know the history of the 1980 car in question, I'm only using the info in your posts.

Using your own words from post 1

" This may seem harsh.
My rule of thumb for vehicle sales:
* If I don't want to sell, quote a price at least three times my replacement cost. "

You admit to giving a "buyer" pricing 3X replacement cost, how is that not outrageous? ( Replacement cost being market value. )

I didn't say I saw a "For Sale " sign, but when you give a person a price that signifies that the car is for sale. ". . Usually I say $3.5K, . . . "

Making a personal attack on a forum member can get your post deleted.

Here is the link to the car, also in post#1 and $3.5K is reasonable for the current condition.
SOLD: 1980 Mercedes W123 240D – China blue
3x the current value would be $10.5K...

Quote:

Perhaps I should become preemptively rude = do you see a for sale sign you idiot??

That is serious QUESTION of how I should respond to these unwanted random tire kickers, in no way personal to you...

.

whunter · #15 05-28-2013, 04:27 PM

I spent some of my weekend dealing with tire kickers from craigslist...

Here is the 24 foot twin axle car or equipment trailer I am selling.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/338913-sale-24-foot-twin-axle-car-equipment-trailer.html

The average was 15 minutes each to look it over.
Try to guess what the average offer was.....

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