Days That Make You SCREAM

That’s the day I had today.

It’s been raining for several days here on the VA eastern shore, which means that when it finally stops sometime late Sunday – the weeds will have overrun the lawn. But that’s not WHY it’s been a lousy day.

Grenville is away at a Master Naturalist seminar for the weekend and while he is missed very much by me, that’s NOT what made this a Scream-Out-Loud day.

It’s because of eBay – specifically an auction winner who hasn’t paid for an item – or made any attempt to do so. IF it was a small item, then a few days delay (maybe) wouldn’t be such a problem. BUT, this item is a 19-Ft Deck Boat posted online before we left for our NC road trip. Details found in this earlier post.

WOW – we had lots of activity – more than I’ve ever had for a listing with nearly 600 views and then over 15 “watchers.” To get some anyone in a buying mood,  Grenville lowered the starting bid. then EUREKA a bid was placed and that’s all we needed to be happy, even though a bidding “war” would have been nice. But 1 bid is really all that was needed.

Did I mention we REALLY want to sell this boat?

Grenville has been trying to sell the deck boat locally this summer. Ever since his back started acting up, he realized that it’s too much for him to handle. And, there were lots several guys who came to see it and “kick the tires” as Grenville patiently (and often) explained its features, why he’s selling, servicing done last summer. Several guys said “I have to check with the wife and will get back to you.” Translate to “not interested, but afraid to say that” cause you know that IF a guy really wants to buy a boat – or anything else – he’s just gonna do it – no asking the missus “if it’s OK.”

Just ask Grenville how he bought the boat.

We delayed leaving on our recent NC trip because a guy called the night before and wanted to come and see it before we left. Grenville gave him a 20-minute tour, etc. and told me the guy was interested, but was going to have breakfast and – can you guess – “talk to his wife” BUT he assured Grenville that he would call “one way or the other.”  But, he didn’t leave a number (handily) and Grenville forgot to ask for it.

But I digress, when we got the news that the boat had SOLD on eBay we were really happy, me especially cause Grenville was doubtful after the previous encounters. Me too, cause I’ve sold stuff, bought as well, but it was always something I could package in a box, like cameras or books.  Sort of hand to do that with a boat – and heavier too.

So, the deal ends and per listing terms, a $500 deposit is required within 48 hours with local pick-up at our VA home.

Sounds straightforward – right? Buyer gets an invoice requesting deposit payment. After all, we had already answered several questions before the auction end from this buyer so figured he was “good to go” the distance in completing the deal.

A separate email informed said buyer that we were leaving Oct 3 for an extended trip (more on this later). He send an email: “I am having a terrible time getting a shipper that can pick it up before the 3rd. “

Then starts a series of emails requesting payment which bring this buyer email on 9/22, 36 hrs after auction ended: “I think I have a guy that cam get it in time.”

What doesn’t come?  -- $$ for the deposit.

eBay lets you do a look-up on a buyer to get location and phone number once a sale has been made, so I decide to do that.

Wonder WHY he’s having a “tough” time?
He’s in Alberta, Canada

Now I am really steamed cause the auction stated U.S. only and I manage to get a phone call to eBay to ask HOW was this person able to bid? I was told that sometimes buyers use a different (as in U.S.) shipping address. So why does this happen if eBay knows about it to tell me?

Another email to the buyer is sent, asking his location, which I already know from info that eBay provided. AGAIN  the deposit is asked for as a sign of good faith, which he obviously has NONE of in my opinion. Purpose was to keep the lines open to work this out.  What I really wanted to do was scream in a flaming email cause . . .

Did I mention we REALLY want to sell this boat?

Then, since we wanted to know – another email is sent asking IF he intends to complete this transaction. The reply: “I do and I think I have a guy lined up. I will get you the deposit today.“

Famous LAST words in that email which came Friday, 9/23, around noon. Checked before midnight and still NO deposit.

Yet another email sent this morning (Sat, 9/24) asking “what was happening”  actually wanted to say things a lot stronger, but  . . .

Did I mention we REALLY want to sell this boat?

No reply emails today, so a last email sent late today asked for a status update – on anything – deposit, pick-up, decision.

Did I mention we REALLY want to sell this boat?

Finally, an hour ago, I filed a non-paying bid with the eBay resolution Center cause we have already been charged for the listing and final sale fees, despite getting NO $$$. Supposedly, eBay contacts the buyer to try and resolve the issue and maybe get some action? Well, one can hope.

What we really want to do is cancel and start over and maybe get someone who WOULD send the deposit and PICK-UP the boat. But there’s only a week before we leave. Maybe we will list it while on the road and go for a really long listing time.

Did I mention we’re going on another road trip?

Anyway, it’s late tonight  and time for bed. Thanks for taking the time to read this rant. I feel better, already. Of course, not as good as if the boat deal had gone through.

Anyone want to buy a 19-ft Deck Boat?

Maybe fellow blogger Anvil Cloud, who also lives in Canada could help our recalcitrant buyer come and do the pick-up?

Maybe NOT.

Some Better GREAT news . . .

Grenville comes home late Sunday afternoon, and

The new stove arrived this week and cooks wonderfully.

More on those two items and the upcoming road trip – NOT back to NC, but may involve seeing some trains as well.