I am fuming right now. And I need to rant. Here is what happened.

On Monday I called about a ’85 Trek 600 on sale for $175.

Considering the condition and the market it is a very good deal. I called six minutes after it was posted. The bike is about 2 hours away and our schedules did not work out that there was time we could meet during the week. Knowing this bike would not last until the weekend I decided to assure the seller I would buy it for her asking price, and I would pick it up on Saturday. She agreed to this and said that she would delete the ad and honor our agreement.

I should have known something was wrong when she never deleted the ad.

Tonight I get a call from her saying that she got more calls about the bike. She says that someone offered her $225. When I ask why she did not delete the ad and honor what we discussed she yells that she does not want to get ripped off.

…If I remember correctly, I was buying it for the asking price. How could I be ripping you off? If you think the bike is worth more you should have done research, BEFORE posting the bike and agreeing to the deal.

Ok, $225. Still a good price. I tell her I’ll get in my car immediately and head over the purchase the bike now for $225. About 25 minutes into my about 2 hour drive I get a call from her…SHE NOW WANTS 400 DOLLARS. At this point I am so angry I can barely speak. She asks me if I still want the bike. NO, I don’t still want the bike.

So I turn around and go home. No bike. While it is within her right to ask whatever she wants for the bike. It would be nice if people honored the deals that they agree to, especially if it is at their asking price. And not turn around and ask 230% of that number.

Thanks for letting me rant. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really make me feel any better. But I could be over-reacting.

Has this every happened to you?