Meeting Someone In Front Of A Building And They Cant Find You?
10-25-16, 08:09 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Meeting Someone In Front Of A Building And They Cant Find You?
I sell the occasional bike in front of the local library. Somebody was meeting me tonight, and couldn't find me. I told them I would be outside with the bike. Now I have been selling bikes for 10 years, and selling them at this library for about 3 years. I have only sold about 8 bikes in the last three years. This is the only person that could not find me.
I refuse to call people. And don't own a phone. I mean right by the ****ing entrance, sitting on a bench, with the bike right next to me. Are people really this lost? Apparently so.
Oh, he emailed me, and said he drove around five times. Unbelievable.
I refuse to call people. And don't own a phone. I mean right by the ****ing entrance, sitting on a bench, with the bike right next to me. Are people really this lost? Apparently so.
Oh, he emailed me, and said he drove around five times. Unbelievable.
10-25-16, 08:17 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 35,964
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 125 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4372 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 48 Times
in
42 Posts
Unfortunately these days, more and more people are unable to do anything by plan. They're 100% dependent on cell phone contact, and without that they're totally flustered.
10-25-16, 09:52 PM
#3
Senior Member
Any time I set up an appt. for someone and they can't/won't/don't show up or otherwise contact me, the thought occurs that this bike wasn't meant for them. It would be nice if we could know in advance who's going to show and who's not, but many folks don't reveal their hand ahead of time. When your bike does sell, it will be to the right person, so don't despair.
10-25-16, 10:01 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
One reason I don't own a phone is cost. It's to expensive, and I really don't have the extra expense.
Admittedly I would like to own a phone for mobile internet to look up things I am unsure about. I sell anything I can make a buck on, but can't be sure on everything. Even things for only a couple bucks like CD's, or DVD's unless you want them for yourself aren't worth squat if you don't know the value. But what if you see something expensive? You could lose out big time because you don't know the value. The phone can be a very important tool. Sorry off topic.
But yes. The I can't do anything without a mobile device is absurd, annoying, and ultimately has created a society of morons.
I mean the Library is not very large, maybe midsized. Has a two teared parking lot. But it's not like it would be hard to see someone with the bike the potential buyer saw in the CL add that the seller took a dozen pics of.
Oh, and I always put in my listings I only will deal by email, no phone calls. And this buyer seemed okay, although he included his cell.
He couldn't believe I didn't call him. He is a perfect example of why I don't like to call people. He still included his cell again. No thanks. Find another seller to annoy.
I am usually immune to CL stupidity, but this was a first.
Admittedly I would like to own a phone for mobile internet to look up things I am unsure about. I sell anything I can make a buck on, but can't be sure on everything. Even things for only a couple bucks like CD's, or DVD's unless you want them for yourself aren't worth squat if you don't know the value. But what if you see something expensive? You could lose out big time because you don't know the value. The phone can be a very important tool. Sorry off topic.
But yes. The I can't do anything without a mobile device is absurd, annoying, and ultimately has created a society of morons.
I mean the Library is not very large, maybe midsized. Has a two teared parking lot. But it's not like it would be hard to see someone with the bike the potential buyer saw in the CL add that the seller took a dozen pics of.
Oh, and I always put in my listings I only will deal by email, no phone calls. And this buyer seemed okay, although he included his cell.
He couldn't believe I didn't call him. He is a perfect example of why I don't like to call people. He still included his cell again. No thanks. Find another seller to annoy.
I am usually immune to CL stupidity, but this was a first.
10-25-16, 10:06 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by bargainguy
Any time I set up an appt. for someone and they can't/won't/don't show up or otherwise contact me, the thought occurs that this bike wasn't meant for them. It would be nice if we could know in advance who's going to show and who's not, but many folks don't reveal their hand ahead of time. When your bike does sell, it will be to the right person, so don't despair.
If I tell you I am going to be in front of a building, and I have a reasonably sized object that you saw in an ad wouldn't you park your car and walk up to the building? Although everybody has just drove up to the building and saw me, and the bike I was selling right away.
But you are right. It must not be meant to be. And I am not dealing with somebody this lost.
10-26-16, 04:31 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 4,825
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1273 Post(s)
Liked 671 Times
in
447 Posts
Sounds like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder against phones --- they have only been with us around 75 years in widespread use, and about 15 years for cell phones (for widespread general use)
You also said you were meeting tonight- does that mean after dark?
If i was the potential buyer my antenna might have been up about you as well meeting after dark with no phone or text contact
You also said you were meeting tonight- does that mean after dark?
If i was the potential buyer my antenna might have been up about you as well meeting after dark with no phone or text contact
10-26-16, 05:57 AM
#7
Mike J
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Jacksonville Florida
Posts: 1,609
Bikes: 1975 Peugeot PX-50L, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1974 Peugeot PX-8
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
You can get a TracFone cell phone from Walmart for $9.88, add 120 minutes to it for $19.88, and have service for 3 months. Every 3 months you add minutes for $19.88 and your service costs less than $7.00 a month. It's what I've had for nearly ten years.
10-26-16, 07:12 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,174
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,201 Times
in
706 Posts
But yes. The I can't do anything without a mobile device is absurd, annoying, and ultimately has created a society of morons.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
10-26-16, 07:20 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,131
Bikes: Trek 7.4 FX, 5200 & 7700
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 812 Post(s)
Liked 612 Times
in
371 Posts
Some people when they back out of a deal will make up all kinds of excuses. Possibly he got cold feet and was trying to save face? Maybe he drove by, saw you and you were somebody he knew and didn't like? Who knows.
10-26-16, 08:34 AM
#10
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 14,273
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7753 Post(s)
Liked 4,736 Times
in
2,732 Posts
Most importantly- whats the bike?
10-26-16, 08:39 AM
#11
Senior Member
That was the person's code for " I decided I didn't want the bike" .
Same way a seller tells you he doesn't want to sell to you or doesn't like your offer by not answering an email instead of notifying you directly.
Same way a seller tells you he doesn't want to sell to you or doesn't like your offer by not answering an email instead of notifying you directly.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
10-26-16, 08:52 AM
#12
All Campy All The Time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 1,358
Bikes: Listed in my signature.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Liked 62 Times
in
41 Posts
Reminds me of the time two potential buyers went to my friend's house to look at two items. They looked at the items and discussed the hobby for a while, talked price, then said they would go to the ATM and get cash and be back in a few minutes. What they should have said was that they didn't want the items, because they never returned, leaving my friend putting his life on hold while waiting and wondering what happened to the two guys. So, apparently, they were too polite to say no thanks, but rude enough to leave the seller hanging?
__________________
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record, 1982 Colnago Super,
1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record, 1988 Pinarello Montello, 1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia,
1995 DeBernardi Thron Super Record
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record, 1982 Colnago Super,
1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record, 1988 Pinarello Montello, 1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia,
1995 DeBernardi Thron Super Record
10-26-16, 10:53 AM
#14
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,415
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Motobecane(2), Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 537 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 451 Times
in
222 Posts
Originally Posted by StarBiker
I sell the occasional bike in front of the local library. Somebody was meeting me tonight, and couldn't find me. I told them I would be outside with the bike. Now I have been selling bikes for 10 years, and selling them at this library for about 3 years. I have only sold about 8 bikes in the last three years. This is the only person that could not find me.
I refuse to call people. And don't own a phone. I mean right by the ****ing entrance, sitting on a bench, with the bike right next to me. Are people really this lost? Apparently so.
Oh, he emailed me, and said he drove around five times. Unbelievable.
I refuse to call people. And don't own a phone. I mean right by the ****ing entrance, sitting on a bench, with the bike right next to me. Are people really this lost? Apparently so.
Oh, he emailed me, and said he drove around five times. Unbelievable.
B: I am at the QuikTrip, where are you?
Me: At the police station as we agreed.
B: I will wait for you at the QuikTrip.
Me: Then you will be waiting awhile. What you want to buy is at the police station.
B: Can't you come to the QuikTrip?
Me: The agreed meet was at the police station. That is where the transaction will take place.
B: UR an a$$hole.
Me: Yup. But a safe one. People like you are why I don't deal at my home. Blocking you now.
10-26-16, 03:04 PM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Even when I sold at my house, which I occasionally do with stereo equipment I have never had a problem.
I made a big mistake on this, feel very stupid at the moment. I do have two Trek Bikes for sale. I have done this before, and would ask which bike, since buyers will send an email that says "read bike".
For some reason I did not do that this time. I have a lot on my mind lately, and have had a few brain failures lately. I assumed they wanted the expensive bike. No they want the cheap bike. Duh. I got the one the buyer was interested in for free, and I wouldn't pay five bucks for it. I put $60 on it, and people want it.
Well that is the idea StarBiker you moron!
I made a big mistake on this, feel very stupid at the moment. I do have two Trek Bikes for sale. I have done this before, and would ask which bike, since buyers will send an email that says "read bike".
For some reason I did not do that this time. I have a lot on my mind lately, and have had a few brain failures lately. I assumed they wanted the expensive bike. No they want the cheap bike. Duh. I got the one the buyer was interested in for free, and I wouldn't pay five bucks for it. I put $60 on it, and people want it.
Well that is the idea StarBiker you moron!
10-26-16, 03:34 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
Posts: 481
Bikes: 2014 Giant Roam
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 84 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe they went to the wrong library. I was a cell phone holdout because of money and did the walmart phone and put $20 on every 90 days even when unemployed and that helped me be in touch with who I needed to be but eventually getting a smart phone really was worth it.
10-26-16, 09:56 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 620
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I don't sell at my house either. A friend last year sold a bike from his loft in downtown Los Angeles. He went to the bank the next day, when he deposited the 900.00. The police arrived and asked him about the counterfeit 100 dollar bills. Only 1 bill was genuine.
The next day he arrived home and someone broke into his place and stole a very expensive speaker system.
I now deal at the local Target parking lot.
The next day he arrived home and someone broke into his place and stole a very expensive speaker system.
I now deal at the local Target parking lot.
10-27-16, 12:27 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Spaghetti Legs
That was the person's code for " I decided I didn't want the bike" .
Same way a seller tells you he doesn't want to sell to you or doesn't like your offer by not answering an email instead of notifying you directly.
Same way a seller tells you he doesn't want to sell to you or doesn't like your offer by not answering an email instead of notifying you directly.
Hey, who's on first?
And I am suppose to call people. Make it easier to contact me. The person that said that in this thread must be related to this poor soul.
Again, the only potential bike buyer I have ever dealt with this lost.
10-27-16, 01:31 PM
#20
Senior Member
Originally Posted by StarBiker
Even when I sold at my house, which I occasionally do with stereo equipment I have never had a problem.
I made a big mistake on this, feel very stupid at the moment. I do have two Trek Bikes for sale. I have done this before, and would ask which bike, since buyers will send an email that says "read bike".
For some reason I did not do that this time. I have a lot on my mind lately, and have had a few brain failures lately. I assumed they wanted the expensive bike. No they want the cheap bike. Duh. I got the one the buyer was interested in for free, and I wouldn't pay five bucks for it. I put $60 on it, and people want it.
Well that is the idea StarBiker you moron!
I made a big mistake on this, feel very stupid at the moment. I do have two Trek Bikes for sale. I have done this before, and would ask which bike, since buyers will send an email that says "read bike".
For some reason I did not do that this time. I have a lot on my mind lately, and have had a few brain failures lately. I assumed they wanted the expensive bike. No they want the cheap bike. Duh. I got the one the buyer was interested in for free, and I wouldn't pay five bucks for it. I put $60 on it, and people want it.
Well that is the idea StarBiker you moron!
I felt bad for him coming all the way out, so I gave him a great deal on a very clean specialized Allez EPIC ($180)- which crazily enough he had the cash on him and went off far happier than he would have with the $40 bike which wasn't even his size. frankly I was not ready to sell the allez but hopefully it found a good home.
