Timewasters!!

Why is it when you are selling a bike people feel the need to waste your time?

Take me for example selling a bike . I get a email through asking if it's ok to arrange a viewing. They ask me to get in contact by the home and mobile number they leave, which I do and we arrange a time for late afternoon. Couple hours later I get a phone call asking if they can come earlier of which I say yeah not a problem.

The arranged time came and went, 3 hours later the original time came and went. I did try to get hold of them but to no avail. No one turned up and not even a phone call. I wouldn't have minded so much if I got phone call explaining why they couldn't show.

Rant over

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191

[squirrel_hunter]

Yep, you're not the only one who gets this. Chap phones me Friday night to ask about a bike I'm selling go through all the details with him and then he asks about the price. He makes me an offer for the bike which I accept. We agree that hes going to collect it on Sunday. Directions and reg given to arrange the insurance so he can turn up and ride off with it. 2 hours later I pick up an answerphone message saying he's not going to be able to take it and not to hold it for him. What on earth happened in that 2 hours, he even offered to pay a deposit on it when we first spoke?

Other than that its email after email off offers to take the "item" at my "best price". Funds will be sent by PayPal or Weston Union with extra to cover the inconvenience of the shipping agent having to pick the "item" up as they "cant view it due to work", but its a "present for [their] Dad who is at a wedding". They always suggest I get back to them "presently" with my name, address, and bank details...

[maviczap]

Yes any form of transport selling will attract time wasters, also fake or new EBAY ID's to bid on, but never have any intention of buying.

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

Other than that its email after email off offers to take the "item" at my "best price". Funds will be sent by PayPal or Weston Union with extra to cover the inconvenience of the shipping agent having to pick the "item" up as they "cant view it due to work", but its a "present for [their] Dad who is at a wedding". They always suggest I get back to them "presently" with my name, address, and bank details...

I like to have fun stringing these guys along, and for as long a I can

Its usually Mr Umbongo or Stanislav Kalasnikov

[Fallout]

Got a few time wasters when I sold the SV. The same story of agreeing a price then them dropping out for some reason. I didn't give out my number though and made all contacts come through by ebay msg. Saves me dealing with muppets on the phone.

Best advice I could give is don't do any negotiations or length chats. Those people are dithering. Just tell them to come and look at it and arrange the meet. So all discussions in person.

So you told them where the bike was ... and they didn't show up... and you couldn't contact them...?

I'd be sitting waiting for them at about 3am with a 2by4.

Originally Posted by Berlin

So you told them where the bike was ... and they didn't show up... and you couldn't contact them...?

I'd be sitting waiting for them at about 3am with a 2by4.

Basically yeah

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191

[squirrel_hunter]

Didn’t bother contacting them back, the guy said he’s leaving it. As for the location, it’s a new build, no one can find it…

My biggest bug bearer is the fact he didn't give a courtesy call.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191

[flymo]

I would also be cautious about calling unknown numbers back, they can easily be rigged to cost you money. I only ever accept emails or incoming calls about vehicles for sale.

Also make sure its well secured if you are sharing location as mentioned.

my favourite trick
you wish to veiw the bike, no worries , say 3pm outside preston police station