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Customers Who Drive a Long Way Without Calling Ahead

N

newfarmer9

Member
I work in a business that buys/sells/trades used equipment. We advertise online with several different sites and in print with several papers. We are pretty good at keeping our listings up to date on our own website but third party websites take 3-7 days to update, and of course paper advertising is out of date the minute it is printed. I tell every customer that I talk to to call ahead when they are leaving home to make sure the equipment they saw advertised is in the yard and still available. We will "hold" it for them until they arrive.

Had a customer drive 7 hours this morning to look at a piece of equipment that he saw advertised online on a third party site. He had not previously talked to anyone here about it and did not call ahead before leaving home. The equipment sold two days ago. He tore me a new one calling me a scam artist for advertising something that was sold. I showed him our own website where the equipment had been removed. It did not calm him down. Has anyone else had this happen? Is it unreasonable to expect customers to call ahead when driving long distances?
 
I can't speak for your customer, but if it were me, and I was planning on spending that kind of money this close to Christmas, I believe I would had many phone conversations before driving 7 hours. You and me would be discussing families by now.
A wish & two tanks of gas ???? Consider the source ( as my dad used to say). One born every minute.
 
see it all time in my business,thats just dealing with public. wait till they call you and want you to deliver on their time
schedule. try this put on the web sites CALL BEFORE COMING TO LOOK PERIOD. that has really help me
 
If he was planning on buying, he would have called. He likely had no money and probably had no intention of buying, just kicking tires and haggling price. Just let it roll off and go on. You sold it to the person with money.
 
I once had a guy show up to look at a tractor that he found on the computer and drove 2 1/2 hours to look at it. Never called me witch the add had said to do. The problem was I had sold the tractor a year and a half ago and I had taken the add down off the sit I had advertised on right after I sold it. This guy was 7 kinds of mad at me to the point I was about to call the cops and no matter how I tried to explain it to him he was still wound up. I called the police and they showed up and had to defuse the situation. This guy got his phone out and showed the cops the add and the cops had to show him the date on the add and that it was not from the original site I had advertised on. He left still teed off.

It just goes to show you that once you post anything on the web IT'S THERE FOREVER !!!! Bandit
 
(quoted from post at 12:06:36 12/12/15)

It just goes to show you that once you post anything on the web IT'S THERE FOREVER !!!! Bandit
Click to expand...

I tell my daughter that regularly.

I can't believe anyone would be stupid enough to drive seven hours without first calling. Heck, I bought my tractor an hour away and had three phone calls and had the seller take specific photos and email them to me before I even stepped foot in the truck.
 
That was a big problem when I worked for Central Tractor many years ago. Also, people thought because their own salary was higher than anybody's at the store that hold meant indefinitely. People would call with the "promise" of being down before the end of the day or by the end of the weekend and never follow through. They would be along three weeks after the fact and indignant that the item was long gone. Company management did not help either as people ABUSED the complaint line when their unreasonable requests were not met. People never understood that we were actually trying to make a profit versus being a day care not for profit organization.
 
Just yesterday a guy drove a hour with "cash in hand" to buy a lathe chuck from me. we had had 3 phone talks and I called him back on my own with specific measurements because I was pretty sure it would not work for him. Oh no, it was EXACTLY what he wanted. He came and of course it was entirely too big. He was nice about it and we're only talking about a fraction of the $, but even with photos and measurements people cant get it right.
 
Maybe you've seen the movie, "National Lampoon's Vacation"? Guy (Chevy Chase) went out and purchased a new car to drive his family all the way from Chicago to Wally World in California, and he didn't call ahead either. If he had, he would have found out that the park was closed for maintenance. He and his family had an awful time getting there, and when they did, he was so mad that he shot a security guard (John Candy) with a gun. OK, it was just a BB gun, but he still shot the guard. My point? None in particular.

Mark
 
Yes it pays to call ahead and get the details.. I called about a plow on Craigs list, asked the guy if he still had the plow,, he said yes,, so I drove 65 miles found the guy and looked at the plow,,I said that is a nice one lets load her up,, the guy got his loader out we set it on the trailer,,I'm just a Beaming,,what a dandy plow and a good price...I boomed it down and turned to the guy and said okay now to pay for it...He said it's already paid for...I said oh no I haven't paid you yet,,,he said " aren't you the guy that is picking it up for the guy that bought it yesterday?? I said No...He said "Oh My Goodness,, that guy said he was sending some one to pick it up today,,I thought it was you"...Darn it...we did not talk enough on the phone,,and we unloaded it,,He said I bet your mad at me.. I said no,,,it was just a comedy of errors...
 
I think that guy was out of line. He sure should have called first.I called one time to look at a set of jeep rims. I told the guy I am coming. I go there, he said he just sold the rims. What could I do ? Nothing, except drive 35 miles back home. Needless I was a little p'd off. Stan
 
I had the same thing happen this spring on a tractor. I called the guy,told him I was on my way. About a two hour drive. I got there,the guy I had talked to on the phone was gone. His brother told me the tracor went out of there about a half hour ago. I said that I told him I was on my way. He said "Ya,he said he had two guys coming to look at it. He wondered which one would get here first.".
 
Many years ago there was an ad in the paper to sell German Shepherd pups. I called and told the guy that we'd be there in 30 - 40 minutes; told him to hold the last pup for me. When we got there a lady in a fur coat was trying to get him to sell the pup to her as she wanted a pup to play with her son. She was being very forceful about buying the pup.

I looked at the pup and said: "I'll take him". I could see the relief come in to his face. After the woman left, he said that he was glad we wanted the pup because she would take him to the city with no room to roam and as soon as he got big she would take the dog to the pound. He was a farmer and wanted his pups to go to farms where they would be kept and appreciated.
 
I WILL NOT "hold" anything, anymore! Between no shows, lookie-loos, scammers, lowlife scum, and people who want to "borrow it", I've had enough. You can drive however far you want, but be it with the knowledge that it might not be here when you arrive.....
 
Sad thing is, this isn't the first time it's happened and it won't be the last. If a customer says he is on the way we can "hold" the equipment for up to 24 hours so the customer can drive here, look it over and have some time to think. After 24 hours if the customer hasn't decided the equipment is fair game.

Have had it happen where I hold equipment for 24 hours and specify the deadline to the customer. Then within 24 hours a second guy comes along so I courtesy call the first to tell him he needs to say yes or no before the 24 hours is up. The first guy usually says you are full of it and no one else is looking at it, it's just a sales tactic. Then complains when he calls back to buy a week later and the equipment is sold.
 
We sell lots of cars and trucks here and tell everyone that calls WE DON'T HOLD ANYTHING. Even if they come in and look at it-- and want to come back tomorrow -- even if they tell us they will be here in an hour, they are told WE DONT HOLD ANYTHING. You Cant help it if someone shows up after driving several hours with out calling and the item sold.
 
I like you will hold something if someone tells me they are coming to look at it but if they leave without buying it is for sale. Years ago Dad had a 3020 Deere for sale and fellow came and looked but left saying he would think about it,he called back three hours latter and was mad we sold it to someone else.I never go look at anything without calling to make sure it is there. If someone will not hold an item for the time it takes me to drive and look at it I will not even waste my time with them.(and I mean leaving within one hour of when I call not several hours or the next day).I buy and sell some and so far have not had any problems but have had plenty of no shows.Tom
 
The Internet and scams and such has made for a very unpleasant business experience on all sides.

Remember, either side of a transaction can be a scammer!

As you read here, it really doesn't pay to call ahead. A big machinery dealership with multiple locations, their salemen don't even know what
they have any more, its a wasted call.

Little machinery jockeys, they are too busy putting up ads to take any down because its ell, sell, sell. And so many are as below, first one in the
door with cash gets it, we won't hold it a minute for anyone we don't care about customers..... So that's the point in calling?

There are some good people out there on both sides, but it is hard to find them.

Last week I drove 25 minutes to a jockey, something he had put on the Internet an hour before. Well he was out of the place had to run a 10
minute errand, and none of his help knew were the manure bucket was. After 10 minutes one of his help called his cell phone, no answer. I
waited another 15 minutes, they said he should only be gone 10 minutes originally, and went back home.

No point to it. If I call. Well it could get sold in the next 20 minutes. If I stop by, no one there knew anything. When called, no answer.

Kind forget about all these online deals seems too high a percentage are scammers, and just go back to finding honest sellers by driving
around again like the good old days.......

Paul
 
No way would I ever drive that far without receiving verbal confirmation that the item would be there for me to look at when I arrived. I
can't believe any serious buyer would pull that stunt.
 
We are a big retail store with multiple locations and I can tell you at any given time what is in the yard at each location. That's the beauty these days being connected through the Net and not relying on paper inventory lists. Also the second something sells the person who sold it sends an email that it's gone so all locations know. However, if a customer is driving from a long ways away and calls ahead I still take a walk or make a phone call to make sure that particular piece is where it should be.

We have many repeat customers because of the way we do business and our hold system. I have heard many complaints about people who called ahead to other dealerships and then drove there only to find the item had sold while they were in transit.

If I am looking at buying something whether privately or through a dealer, I always call ahead and if they won't at least hold it for me until I get there then I don't bother getting in my truck. I can't be wasting hours driving all over for stuff that might not be there when I show up. At least if you call ahead you know the item is still there at that point in time and didn't sell days or weeks ago!
 
You did nothing wrong and owe this guy nothing. I guess if you want to hold it on a call that's up to you. Everyone operates different. ME I would call also get your name and tell you when I would be there. I learned way back call a place, get there and no one know who you talked to!!!! Also some people keep ads for weeks before responding.
 
I drove 60 miles to look at a tractor.While I was looking at it the man got a phone call and told me it was sold.
 
Can't speak for the balance of the world's population, but if I'm going to drive 7 hrs to pick up ANYTHING, I'm going to be absolutely SURE the
seller has it AND is holding it for me.

You did nothing wrong.

Guy sounds like a jackarse. Maybe the return trip will learn him the obvious.

Bill
 
I wouldn't drive half an hour to see something without calling ahead unless I just happened to be there anyway. Stupid is as stupid does.
Ain't your fault.

Rod
 
(quoted from post at 08:56:34 12/12/15) see it all time in my business,thats just dealing with public. wait till they call you and want you to deliver on their time
schedule. try this put on the web sites CALL BEFORE COMING TO LOOK PERIOD. that has really help me
Click to expand...

Wait,,,,, If I buy a mower from you, it's unreasonable to expect you to deliver it at my convenience or on my schedule?
 
Well I had this happen the other way. Wednesday late afternoon I called a place that had something I was interested in. Talked to the manager. He told me that all salesmen were out on calls but if it was online, they still had it. I drove 4 hours to look at it to find out it was sold over a week ago. It's still listed on their website today.
 
I had one about 10 yrs ago. Came 400 miles out of the blue. I said "You sure are lucky I am here today." He says " Why wouldn't you be here ??? "
 
I occasionally buy, sell, trade used items. I
advertise only on the bulletin boards of small
businesses that I frequent or by word of mouth
by certain friends. Only my phone number is
given. You send text to me and we work out a
time to meet. I'll tell you to bring cash and a
trailer if needed because somebody is looking
at it. We meet at my house and you and your
riders get a coke or a bottle of water. If you try
to haggle me on price, I thank you for coming
by and hope you have a good day. Prices are
nonnegotiable. I have to make my investment
and my costs back, plus a few bucks for my
time and trouble. If you don't think that's fair,
remember, I can't claim you on my income
taxes! LOL!!!

Oh, if you haven't showed up by 15-20 minutes
after our agreed upon meeting time, I close the
road gate and go about my way.

Scott
 
Hi I guess it's the modern world. I get the same kinda thing with my hog barn renters. They are supposed to give me 24 hours that they want to ship
hogs on a day. so we can make sure everything's ready and set up to go, and somebody's here to help if they need anything. most times I get a trucks
coming text just as I can see it pulling in to the driveway or if i'm lucky I will see it heading out of town on our road. The odd time they have
text in the morning they are coming that afternoon. I have been away from home like 3 hours drive one way or fixing a customers tractor that I can't
leave until its done, most times like that nobody was here in the yard either to set up. They kinda figure we got nothing better to do than sit wait
for them all year.
Was funny the other day i wanted 4 loads of a gravel, the barn renters do it from there pit but wanted 24 hour notice, I just laughed and called
another guy, didn't matter when I got it that week.But they didn't need to know that. He said i'm in the pit right near your place I'll be there in
an hour and he was.
Was one of those days revenge was sweet buying gravel someplace else!.
 
Hi Newfarmer,
I bought a baler from a dealer, Told him we would pay a deposit while the finance went through in a couple days. He said nope it's yours
and wouldn't take the money. we get the finance approved and phone the dealer to say we are on our way be there in an hour and a half with papers and
copies of stuff they needed to pick it up. Well I drive in the yard and he comes out and says good job you are here this guy was just about to hook up
and give me a check. I watched the guy leave, I would of driven past him with the baler getting there. The paper work was done the baler hitched up
and I haven't been back in that yard since. That was just plain ignorant the way they did business, Then after using this nice one careful elderly
owner baler that looked real nice from being shedded all it's life when not used started causing problems, we figured out it had maybe 15000 more
bales on than they told us, as you couldn't see it from it's real sharp looks.
 
Went to buy a tractor JD2020 guy said I was the first but he wanted to make appointment to buy or see it.
so he said sat at 830 am. went rented a trailer was 5miles from his house. He called and said a guy
showed up early and bought it. Grrr I offered to come earlier.
 
(quoted from post at 19:43:53 12/12/15) Hi I guess it's the modern world. I get the same kinda thing with my hog barn renters. They are supposed to give me 24 hours that they want to ship
hogs on a day. so we can make sure everything's ready and set up to go, and somebody's here to help if they need anything. most times I get a trucks
coming text just as I can see it pulling in to the driveway or if i'm lucky I will see it heading out of town on our road. The odd time they have
text in the morning they are coming that afternoon. .
Click to expand...

Learn to say "NO". It makes life easier, and some people actually learn from the experience
 
I've held stuff for guys. Once in a while I get jerked around by no shows, but not very often. I have also not been able to get somewhere when I said I would. I ALWAYS call if that happens. There's just no excuse for not contacting the person if you had an appointment.

Just yesterday I hauled a skid steer bucket 1.5 hours for a guy I had agreed to sell it to three weeks ago. We were just waiting to meet up when he got my way or when I got his way. I was going to a sale, and it happened that I could detour to his place without much trouble. Worked out well for both parties.

If you get hung up on a few sour dealings with a few sour people, you'll turn sour yourself.
 
I just sold a lathe to a guy who drove 175 miles for it. He called last week and set up the buy, told him first cash buys it and no holds until he leaves home. He called last night and said he would leave probably earlier than I wanted to answer his phone. Got it done, no funny business. He should have followed my directions instead of his GPS. They lie sometimes.
 

Quite a few years ago I found a 800B Case in the paper at a dealer quite a ways from me. I called and talked to a salesman about it and came close to the price I was willing to pat for it. I told him that I'd drive up the next morning, and if the tractor looked as good as the pictures I'd buy it. Drove up to buy the tractor, but drove it around and gave it a good looking over before I looked for the salesman. I was satisfied with it and went in to tell the salesman that I would take it. The salesman that I talked to on the phone wasn't there at the time, so I told this salesman what we had agreed upon for a price. He got all flustered and went in to talk to the head man. When he came back he told me that there was no way they were going to sell that tractor that cheap. Heck the price we agreed on wasn't that far from the asking price. Kind of made me mad, but figured I'd take it at the asking price. He then told me the price and it was several hundred dollars more than what it was listed in the paper. Sure made me angry to have driven all that way to be told that.
 
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