Buyers Backing Down

Your friend sounds like a possible codependent in this gear love/hate relationship!

Advice: tell him nothing is for sale anymore --EVER!-- and then sit back and enjoy as he starts offering you lots more than you originally agreed to!

 

That does suck of course, and that particular guy would cease to be a buyer in my eyes after twice at the most doing that. I might still keep him as a friend though! Just depends.

Look on the bright side, now you've got the pictures so you don't have to take them for the next potential buyer that comes along.

 

I know that there are all sorts here on TGP, but for me, the more the person kicks the tires and asks super-duper detailed questions, the less I want to deal with them-- in fact I assume they won't buy what I'm selling.

 

Why are you trying to sell the item without having adequate pictures already in place?

 

I think he's talking about the guy who wants super detailed "extra" pictures for his own personal approval. Pickguard off, wiring job close ups on fuzz pedals, etc.. I hate that guy.

 

IMO you have a very simple solution - if you are selling something take an appropriate amount of pictures in advance - and list the specs and condition - that's it. Looky Loos who want to have a demo sale are given the pictures, specs and condition and that's it. Stop putting yourself out there to be abused. And BTW 'Friend' seems like a generous terms for your guy who ghosts you after you've helped him out. Be straight with him next time (if there is a next time) and tell him/her you aren't doing anything more because of the way they treated you last time. People who are sketchy dislike directness IME.

 

um, yeah. That's a clear indication they want you to just give it to them. The buyer must be willing AND able to purchase. See, that's a key little part of the phrase there.

 

And you're calling this person a "friend"? What are your enemies like?

With all due respect you're allowing yourself to be abused and you are the only one who can stop it.

 

Fair enough. I feel like I see a lot of ads for gear for sale for hundreds (or thousands) of dollars with one or two pictures, like they can't even be bothered. If I'm selling a $50 pedal I take at least 4 pictures. I want people to be happy with the gear they buy from me, because it saves me time and hassle in the end.

 

You're gonna be much happier from now on and also more cautious about who you trust as a friend. Believe me, I know. It's taken many years for some of the scars to heal.

 

This. I once took a photo of the backside of a les paul pick guard. It was black plastic. Just like the up side. Just like I told him.

Needless to say, that guy didn't buy the guitar either. Though it should be said that he took it for an almost three hour spin in my rehearsal space and tried to haggle to the point of utter nonsense...

 

Selling stuff is a huge pain in the @ss.
I hate it.
Then, after a ton of hassle you can end up getting scammed when you ship the goods to a complete stranger. I'm just waiting for the Paypal email every time.

 

Not sure if this was mentioned... I find when you start drinking beer (or whatever) and get tipsy, you get into the buying mode and want more gear... and then when you sober up, you have a change of heart. The guitar, amp or pedal seemed like a much better idea at the time.

 

One thing I've learned over the years, Lots of questions, typically leads me to think they won't be buying.

Seems those who are serious have already researched and know what they are looking for and what it's worth.