Learn from my mistake

[dean from bozeman]

Howdy Folks,

Yes, I made a mistake. I want to share it with you so you don't make a similar mistake.

I had been in negotiations with a Fordbarn person for months about a four digit engine that I have. This person used Fordbarn ads to seek a 3 or 4 digit engine. I called the previous owner to talk about the engine. He called the previous owner to find out about the engine.

He said that he would buy it. He tried to find a transport company to have the engine delivered to him. When this proved to be a bit expensive, I said that I might be able to bring it to Hershey for him if I decided to drive.

Without a deposit I brought it across country (Montana to Hershey). He was to pick it up tomorrow. Tonight he e-mailed me that he would no longer buy it.

I was a fool for not getting a down payment. I realize that now. I live by my word. I live by my handshake. I assume that others do. I should not.

I bring this up not to trash someone but so that others can learn from my foolish mistakes.

Dean

P.S. Please let your neighbors and friends know that this rebuilt engine that is in a crate is available at Hershey this week. I will deliver it to anyone on my way home (Hershey to Milwaukee to Denver to Bozeman). New ad in Fordbarn ads.

[James Rogers]

At least you still have the engine. You didn't make a mistake, you simply were inconvenienced by a deadbeat buyer.

[62pan]

Sorry to hear this happened. I once sold a Henderson motorcycle motor to a person in Atlanta and to help with the shipping I talked my uncle who was heading to Flordia for the winter to drop it off. It was in transit when the person called and said they changed their mind. Needless to say I ended up making a trip to Flordia to retrieve it. I did get a deposit and that helped with the gas. Months later the person called to see if I still had it for sale. I had sold it on the return trip and it felt good to tell him so.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Been there, done that! I turned down several good offers on a near mint 62 Chevy Impala wagon with 327, 3 speed column stick shift, just because some guy said he's buy it. I foolishly told him his word was good enough, and I didn't need a down payment. I lost money when he backed out a week later and I sold it to a friend of my neighbor.

I never hold any more without a down payment, and I also don't buy parts for others without getting paid first. Just too many deadbeats running around.

[CarlG]

Don't even ask me what happened to the '93 Red Explorer that I use to have.

[zzlegend]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by p.s.

carl,

what happened to the '93 explorer you used to have? Oops...

lol

[CarlG]

Just trying to help out a (former) friend, would have been better off if it had been stolen. Oh, wait, that is what happened! (essentially)

[Randy in Illinois]

We all man-up to our mistakes, so don't change your morals or ethics because we misjudged someone elses business ethic. A hand shake and your word is what we are made of. Just unfortunate that some people don't see it that way.

[msmaron]

Dean, how much are you asking for the 4 digit engine...since you have it there?
email me if you can

[Bick in New Zealand]

Originally Posted by Randy in Illinois

We all man-up to our mistakes, so don't change your morals or ethics because we misjudged someone elses business ethic. A hand shake and your word is what we are made of. Just unfortunate that some people don't see it that way.

Could not agree more, that is the way I have always operated, and I don't intend changing!

[Hoop]

Dean,

Focus on the important things ... get your firewood split and stacked. Understand you've been snowed on already.

Hoop

[msmaron]

Thank you Dean... Happy to be the NEW owner of A6100!!!
Woo Hoo...Now who has a body i can buy???

[Hicktick]

Thats not too bad , when I first read the topic I thought you had hurt yourself .

[dean from bozeman]

Originally Posted by Hicktick

Thats not too bad , when I first read the topic I thought you had hurt yourself .

Hicktick, I am not hurt...fortunately. Even though my blind faith in Model A enthusiasts took a little hit, I did learn to be a bit more skeptical.

Interestingly enough within 24 hours of the first post of this thread I had 4 folks contact me about interest in it. Mark Maron is the new owner of the engine. Once again Fordbarn proves to be a great source for Model A enthusiasts.

Dean

[LukeDahlinger]

Damn, not fast enough! I remember talking to you about this motor awhile back.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

In reading, -and reflecting on all of this post again, ...and thinking about what Tom W said about lost sales, ironically I am of the opinion that in the grande scheme of things, it all worked out with Dean's engine ultimately going to someone who truly wanted it. With regard to those of us who have had deals go bad (in the example Tom spoke of), yes Tom lost a little money but is his life really any different today because of the money difference? While I do hate the stress it caused for Tom, and now Dean, I sure do feel good reading everyone's attitude about a business deal handshake!!

.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Just trying to help out a (former) friend, would have been better off if it had been stolen. Oh, wait, that is what happened! (essentially)

UPDATE:
"Friend's" wife handed me an envelope at church Sunday, paid for the Explorer -- in full -- in cash. One year late, but I'm happy! I'd already written it off!

[juke joint johnny]

Glad you got paid in the end Carl !!! Now it really does feel like Christmas!!!

John Cochran

[Durango]

All My dealings Montana folks has been straight forward and honest. Great people!!
Durango

[Craig Lewis]

Originally Posted by CarlG

UPDATE:
"Friend's" wife handed me an envelope at church Sunday, paid for the Explorer -- in full -- in cash. One year late, but I'm happy! I'd already written it off!

The lord works in wonderfull ways....especially so with an anouncement on the world wide web