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How do you respond to this guy?


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Responses to this true scenario solicited from experienced sellers at swap meets:

30-ish guy approaches; asks price of nice 20s Model T roadster door at space ($50). Begs for price to be lowered: cites hardship, dying father's project, etc. I feel for the guy, accept $15. Guy gratefully takes door, then yells: "SUCKAH!! I'm gonna sell this ____ for $75; I know a guy wants one bad!"

How do you experienced folks respond at that point? (Feel-good retorts especially welcome.)

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Don't tell him that you actually sold him a door from a '71 VW "Thing"

Have your big ugly biker friend follow the scammer around, and mention to his buyer that the door he is planning to buy for $75 was stolen from your booth and that the rest of the members of the MC Club are gathering to come and find who has the door and "square things up"

Discreetly write "Thief" on the trunklid of his car with brake fluid.

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I'd rip the door out of his hands, throw the $15 on the ground and tell him you changed your mind & don't want to sell the door to him. If he challanges you, tell him you'd be happy to go to court over this. Tell him you'll also be contacting his local newspaper & TV station. I'm sure the media would rip him apart. There are laws about lying about hardships to get favorable treatment. Look up the stories about people lying about their kids having cancer when the really don't to get money & the like. You can get prosecuted for it.

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Guest Skyking

RV, like West mentioned above, let it go.........unfortunatly, we live in a sometimes cruel world. I know of some people who act like that person, but in the end, (not that I wish them any), they have some really bad luck.

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This sort of reminds me of a carb deal I made (or was made on me) at Hershey a long time ago. I needed a carb for my wife's '27 Little Marmon and knew the Schebler model. Found one for $5 that looked correct but turned out to be the wrong "series". Found a man with a basket of that model carbs. He wanted $75 each, but was nice enough to send me to a neighbor who had the books to identify the proper series. That man told me the proper number I needed and told me that what I had picked up was for a '27 Bugatti. Went back to the first man and he readily agreed to trade two correct ones for my car for the one I had. By the look on his face I could tell he would probably make a bundle on the Bugatti carb. On the other hand I would get two $75 carbs for the one I paid only $5 for. Years later I ran into the man on an AACA tour and we recalled our earlier meeting. Indeed, he made much more than $150 for the Bugatti carb, but I was still satisfied. There was no name calling or bragging and certainly no lies about hard times and all that BS. Just two men making a deal. I had what I needed and that was all I was looking for in the first place.

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I try not to respond to offensive people I feel sorry for unless there's something to say that might help them. </div></div>What a crock.

He needs to be taught basic respect for others, and a "crash" course is the only way to go.

Drag him out of sight, punch him in the face, take the door, and stuff the fifteen dollars in his pocket.

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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Rv

There is always one in the crowd spectator or even a person showing their car. My wife and I went to the Annual Fathers Day Car Show put on by the Greater Illinois Region of the Classic Car Club of America. There was a gentleman there with a 1930 Packard Sedan that he had moved from one spot to another (it was roped off in the original spot). While he was preparing the car an older couple walked up to look inside the car (he had the doors opened) and he says to them do you mind stepping back away from the car in a very mean tone of voice. At this time I was speaking to his very pleasant brother about some parts on the car compared to my ?31. I am a young Adult (41 now) and when I see and hear people talk and treat people like that it bugs me. I know this is only one bad apple but that sets a tone on the younger generation looking in at the Antique car world. There was another incident with this same gentleman and an older frail man that had his dog there. The dog was no where near the car. I heard the whole thing but my wife didn?t and I told her later about it she said if she heard it she would of told this man with the car how she felt. Okay I will get off the box now.

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Guest Randy Berger

I watch very carefully the dumb people who bring a dumb animal to a car show. I have seen dogs jump up on cars scratching paint, lift a leg on whitewalls and leave their droppings in the middle of where people are walking. It's the dumb animal on the other end of the leash who is at fault. I tell people with dogs to please stay away from my car. I try to use an even measured tone, but I bet they can hear some hostility in my voice. Maybe the guy had some previous bad experience with someone's dog.

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Randy,

He probably has but he did have to be so snobbish and rude about it. Once he did that I walk away and didn?t even bother going back to look at his car anymore. The gentleman with the dog did tell him why do you bother coming out to these shows if you talk to others that way. Good for him.

My dog takes a rides with me all the time but I won't take him to shows thou because I understand how others are with their cars and respect that.

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Skyking, I have let it go; it didn't ruin the meet or anything close to it. Clearly, the whole transaction revealed more about him than me (at least I think so), his epithet to the contrary. It's just good to sort of talk it over with the bunch of you.

Second time it's happened, BTW. Another guy responded to an ad I'd placed in a magazine and begged me to let the merchandise go for about a third of it's value because it was "for (his) club to have on hand." I gave in, but my suspicions were aroused when he complained bitterly about a very minimal cosmetic defect on one component. Next month, he's advertising my same stuff (personally--not in any way for any club--for more than I was asking for it originally.

I know, I know--"...twice, shame on ME."

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What a crock.

He needs to be taught basic respect for others, and a "crash" course is the only way to go.

Drag him out of sight, punch him in the face, take the door, and stuff the fifteen dollars in his pocket.

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Amen, absolutely and twice over if it was on Sunday.

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Guest De Soto Frank

I think I would've handed the guy his money back, then taken the nearest heavy object and destroyed that door right before his very-wide eyes, then inform that jack-[censored] that the same would happen to him if I ever saw him again !

People like that don't deserve to live.

It's one thing to wheedle a deal... but you don't go a pull a stunt like that right in front of the seller... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I would have blackened both his eyes and relieved him of a few teeth !

Sorry to hear you had to go through that.

That's the kind of behavior that makes people mean...

Another possible response... take a picture of every customer ,"for your scrapbook"... then we could put these bozos up on the AACA "Post-office wall"... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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Guest De Soto Frank

( Grrr...)

How 'bout another category for "beating the stuffings out of the fool?"

Personally, I suffer fools more gracefully if they're at least "polite"...

This experience that RV related is another symptom of the deterioration of our society... once upon a time, there would probably have been very real & possibly painful CONSEQUENCES for the behavior exhibited by RV's "customer" and his gloating... that's one of the problems in todays' society ( as I see it): there are no "consequences" anymore... at least not for the wrong-doer...

People should get "called" for bad behavior.

Okay - Looks like I'm headed down the slippery slope to Rant-ville... guess I'd better just get back in my '60 Windsor, point 'er West, and start looking for "Radiator Springs"... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

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Don't argue with him, just push him in the nearest porta-potty and have a coupla guys knock it over. Serves 'em right! And as for it happening to you twice, well in the words of our illustrious leader " Fool me once , shame on me, fool me again and I'll fool me ...........er .....somehow? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

...........Steve

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">that's one of the problems in todays' society ( as I see it): there are no "consequences" anymore... at least not for the wrong-doer...

</div></div>

Of course there isn't because in todays society we have to more aware and concilliatory to other faults and not injure their delicate psychies by calling attention to their bad behavior. Nobody is responsible for their actions anymore it is always somebody elses fault, their mother, father, aunt, uncle, cat, dog, etc. etc. etc.

I will now step off of MY soap-box and resume work.

P.S. I like the idea of tying him up to an ant hill and pouring sugar water all over him.

we would not be responsible, THEM ants did it.

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I'd have said, "I carried it around for a year and was lucky to get $15 for it, if you can find a sucker that will give you $75 for a $30 door, more power to you, but my bet is you'll own that for a long time at that kind of money." And laughed at him.

The last show I went to that I had to give crap away to break even on the spot, I didn't go back to this year. I'm taking less stuff every week and I've been marking stuff about twice what I want to get for it, to beat the hagglers at their own game. If I can't get what I want for it, I'll take it back home - I'm doing it for a hobby, I don't need to eat from it.

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I carried a old brass Packard carb to Hershey two years in a row. Was asking $50 and there were no buyers. I even knocked it down to $25 and nothing happened. The third year I was determined to sell it so I jacked the price up to $200. Friday afternoon I packed up to get ready to judge the next morning, besides, it was raining. A guy came up to the truck and asked if I was the one with the Packard Carb. Yes. He asked if I still had it. Yes. He asked if I would take $150. Yes. He left with the carb and a smile on his face. I smiled too - I didn't have to take the darn thing home again!

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Back in the old days of flea market spots on the grass at Hershey we always had a 55 gallon trash can at the corner of out space. It was always great fun to make as much noise as you could tossing unwanted parts in it. Then you'd sit back and watch the fun of people finding that Hershey gem for FREE! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Back in the old days of flea market spots on the grass at Hershey we always had a 55 gallon trash can at the corner of out space. It was always great fun to make as much noise as you could tossing unwanted parts in it. Then you'd sit back and watch the fun of people finding that Hershey gem for FREE! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

I once had among my parts for sale a 70's Delco truck radio that worked. I kept dropping the price until I got to $1. Just before the market closed I put the radio next to the garbage can at the end of the aisle and sure enough it disappeared in less than 5 minutes. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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I like when I say FIVE and the guy waves a single one at me. I said, that's not five. Bear in mind there's a 5 written right on the marker light. Guy says he'd go three, I said I paid $5 for it. He put it back. Next time he sees it it will be marked at least $10, I mean what the heck if you'd go three why did you wave one dollar at me? Thats how today went. Next time that happens on a part I'll probably say 'let me see that a minute' smash it and then tell them I'll take their measly dollar for it. I wouldn't care but the light is like new and if it's not worth $5 I'll use it on something.

At least I got $10 for the one old milk bottle I put out. Didn't even plan to sell it, and the fact that I got the $10 means I'll probably see it on eBay for $50 tomorrow, but.. I did okay for a car show.

Oh well. The next show, if I don't do so good at least I can go for a swim in the lake for a while after I pack up.

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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

At least I got $10 for the one old milk bottle I put out. Didn't even plan to sell it, and the fact that I got the $10 means I'll probably see it on eBay for $50 tomorrow, but.. </div></div>

Reminds me of a local garage sale I stopped at a few years back. One of those old family homesteads were they saved all types of odds & ends in old coffee cans, nails, screws, small plumbing bits. Think they wanted $1.00 per can, got a discount on buying all of them. Dumped all the non brass & copper in the trash when I got home. Made a killing on the empty coffee tins. One mans junk........... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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I can't wait to go to Hershey this year. I love to see people smash things. I think I'll just go up and down the rows and offer rediculous prices for items priced $5-10, and see how many people have your attitude. If they say "okay" to my offer. I'll just say I've changed my mind and see if that jerks their chain enough to break the part.

Actually, I won't. My point is... you're only lowering yourself to their level. And as they say...

When you get into the mud to fight with the pigs, you only get dirty. The difference is, the pig LIKES it !!

So, if it's your "thing" to smash your items to make a point, don't complain. Because each time you cross the line, the line begins to fade until it's gone. Before you know it, you're one of them.

On the other hand, if you turn the table on the man/kid/jerk without showing that you're aggrivated with him, it becomes your game. Try this:

If you're offered $1 for a $5-10 item, how about responding by raising the price. If he comes back and says, "but your tag says $5," you can come back with, "Well... you've already established the fact that the tag doesn't mean anything." See what they say then! Now it's your game!!!

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Guest imported_CarFreak

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I would've handed the guy his money back, then taken the nearest heavy object and destroyed that door right before his very-wide eyes, then inform that jack-[censored] that the same would happen to him if I ever saw him again !

People like that don't deserve to live.

</div></div>

I have a friend who used to own a scrapyard. I don't know all the details but he had a part that another scrapyard owner wanted for a vintage Lincoln. Now the other yard owner was an idiot, rude; the kind of guy that you dislike instantly. Always taking advantage of other people.

So my friend tells him yes, I have the part you need. Invites him to come over personally to pick it up and then as the other yard owner watches he runs over the hood, door or decklid - whatever the part was and tells him that I don't need your money. I guess it was a long standing dislike of the Lincoln/scrap yard owner. The friend was very satisfied to have not made any money on that part.

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there are 3 ways things usually go ... the way you WANT them to go , the way you hope they DON'T go and the way they end up , which is someplace in the middle . i have to agree with some of you ... beat daylights outta the sleazeball . sure . that would feel good . for about 3 minutes . would also get you in a whole heap of trouble . the guy was just trying to get a rise out of you . THAT'S ALL . let me relate to you what happened to me . i was selling a boat , a nice older CHRISCRAFT . 24 footer . cabin cruiser . small flying bridge . a working man's vessel . not too nice , but nice enough for me and the boys . in some parts of the country we sell boats on saturdays from a parking lot , kind of the same thing with cars , but different . so it was slow , because it was hot . this guy with the worst breath you ever have experienced wanders up and starts looking the boat over , MY BABY , picking the be-jesus outta my vessel ... every little danged thing , a rolled over brass screw , a knick , a knack a paddy whack . whatever it was , he saw it and announced to me and the world what a piece of driftwood my " CHRISSY " was . belittling a man's boat is like insulting his mother . i asked him if he wanted to buy it . he said , " no , i want to buy a tolleycraft " ! i said okay , and advised him that one of my buddys had a tolleycraft to sell and that he was at the other end of the parking lot ... now me , being the kind of guy i am , called my buddy on my cell when the guy was outta sight . and told him i wanted a finder's fee ( a beer ) for sending a rude nasty breath tolleycraft buyer his way . he agreed . a while later my buddy calls me back . now if you know my buddy at all , he is , a perfectionist , a craftsman with mahoganey ( mahagony ?) and fiberglass . and his tolleycraft showed almost new . when my buddy calls back he is laughing . i asked him what was so damned funny . he said the guy was on his way back over to buy my boat . my buddy said the guy tried to pick the daylights out of his boat . but couldn't . the tolley was perfect . the rude nasty breath guy had offered my buddy about half of what his boat was worth . my buddy said " what do you think this is , a " CHRISCRAFT " ? about five minutes later the rude nasty breath guy shows up with his wife / girlfriend in tow . a very verrrrry well proportioned girl , in a red bikini , well ........" kind of " in it , with no sense of smell . he has a crazy " i hit the lottery / a relative left me money i don't deserve / i robbed a bank " look in his eye . and cash in his hand . i hadnt revealed to the rude nasty breath guy what i HAD to get for the boat . i knew what my buddy wanted for his tolley . simple math . I CALCULATED THAT RUDE NASTY BREATH GUY HAD MORE THAN I WANTED FOR MY BOAT , but not enough for my buddy's . we negotiated , we bickered , and yeah we downright argued . but i DID NOT DROP MY RIDICULOUSLY INFLATED PRICE . PERIOD . END OF STORY . the rude nasty breath guy bought my boat . cash . all hundreds . so many bills it made a wedge in my pocket . i do like that feeling . now a 24 foot chriscraft is a heavy boat , a tall boat . and the beam , OH THE BEAM ! i already had the title signed and notarized open , he signed it on the spot he didnt want to know anything about the boat , nothing about the double bilge i installed , not about chemical in the port-a , nothing about nothing . NOT EVEN WHAT BRAND OF , OR WHAT VISCOSITY OIL I FOUND TO WORK BEST . a boat is like a woman , they "DO" certain things when you do certain things "TO" them , and like the old man used to say , it's better just to say nothing . and " play " INTERESTED . i offered to tow " CHRISSY " to the lake , he said in a " I GOT ONE OVER ON YOU VOICE " that his truck would pull it fine . he pulled " CHRISSY " out of the parking lot with a half ton 4 X 4 truck ( had 5 lugnuts , fat tires , big deal ) . i WANTED to advise him that a boat that heavy really should be towed with at least a one ton truck . ( ANOTHER BUDDY HAD ONE FOR SALE ) by the time i made it over to my friends area the sirens were coming , and there was alot of them . apparently he took the flying bridge off the hard way . through a stop light and some trees as he was pulled over by the local lawmen . right in front of the cemetary , while a funeral procession was taking place , kind of brought the procession to a dead stop , he pulled the top off , and bent the daylights out of A city stop light support/crossbar . in the town i grew up in , everybody knows the inside lane is for trucks with boats . MAYBE HE SHOULD HAVE "SEEN THE LIGHT" . please remember this : PEOPLE WHO ACT LIKE THEY KNOW EVERYTHING ACTUALLY KNOW ONLY ONE THING , BY INTIMIDATING SOMEONE , OR TRYING TO IMPRESS SOMEONE , IS THE WAY THEY JUSTIFY THEIR SELF WORTH . BE HUMBLE . BITE YOUR TONGUE . STAND BACK AND BE AMUSED . BE EVERYBODY'S FRIEND AND NOBODY'S FOOL . the cops impounded " CHRISSY " ON THE SPOT and yes i WEPT a little as i drove past what was left of " CHRISSY " later that afternoon . i wept all the way to the bank on monday . and i didn't even think about how miserable that rude nasty breath guy made out with the cops , his insurance company , his wife / girlfriend . and you shouldn't think about that idiot , either . they " get " theirs . somehow , someway , someday . fuh - ged - aboud - it !

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