I wouldn't be posting this if I didn't want or accept constructive criticism. Thus I am opening myself to whatever folks believe. My mom always said I was brave. There is a fine line between being brave and being careless/stupid.
"If you a scared mutherfuc_er, go to church."
"I tell my kids, what is the difference between a hero and a coward? What is the difference between being yellow and being brave? No difference. Only what you do. They both feel the same. They both fear dying and getting hurt. The man who is yellow refuses to face up to what he's got to face. The hero is more disciplined and he fights those feelings off and he does what he has to do. But they both feel the same, the hero and the coward. People who watch you judge you on what you do, not how you feel."
So with that said - here is my story.
Buyer agrees - deposit - bails. Pissed.
I posted a 1986 'rust free/accident free' tub here on the Pelican. I included several photos. Within a very short period of time an international buyer sends me a note that states (I will paraphrase now) "I will take it". He wanted time to gather funds, arrange/quote on shipping, etc. He started asking me several questions as to what is and what is NOT included, even though the ad clearly stated such. It was clear at that time - this guy was a potential tire kicker. That is when I requested a non-refundable $300 deposit (10%) for me to hold the car, giving him time for what he needed to do. I agreed to take PayPal for such - balance in a wire or cash upon pick up.
Being out of the country - he wanted to get the car shipped from the San Francisco area to the LA area. I was able to get him a figure well below others, at $350. That was the SAME day in which he stated "I'll take it". He says his transporter will bring me CASH when he picks up the car. Right. Moving on: He sends the $150 portion or deposit. I have to explain - this is only HALF of what was discussed - surely he knew this. A few days later, the other $150 comes. Non-Refundable deposit is in. I mark is PENDING/SOLD.
This is when the stories come up. I need time for this, that, and the other thing. Starts asking me is this included, is that included, how about this, what about that. He asks for additional pictures of the engine compartment, the front trunk, etc. In one of my pictures, I hadn't noticed something the buyer did - a small hole where the battery goes. I snapped pictures of this area (see below) for him - and discussed this with a pretty high end shop here - and it was determined it had been an acid leak from a battery - not a rust hole. Days goes by without the remaining funds from the buyer - nothing. Yesterday - he wanted a shot of underneath the car, to verify it hadn't gone through. I snapped, sent and verified - top hole only, nothing through the bottom. The hole is 0.5" in diameter.
Fast forward/get to the point;
Buyer stated "I'll take it", sent a non-refundable deposit and then asked for additional pictures.
Upon such - it was noted I had missed this superficial (in many folks eyes) hole. An easy and inexpensive fix, I am told. But, not disclosed.
I think this is a chicken sh_t way of backing out - but he is saying this is the REASON to back out. In trying to resolve this, and the weeks this transaction has elapsed, I offered $150 reduction - just because.
Jacka_s does a chargeback on PayPal for his $150 and $150. I want to blast him on all of the forums, but I want to be sure I am not the one here making the mistake. I get the nondisclosure of the tiny acid hole - but it is NOT a rust hole.
a) Is the buyer warranted his deposit back, despite it being non-refundable?
b) Did I mislead anything?
c) Is this REALLY considered a deal breaker for anyone buying a TUB?
d) With the amount of work going into the car as sold, how could anyone NOT expect something so small to be uncovered? C'Mon Man.
Thanks in advance for your help and insight - trying to do the right thing, just tired of the antics.
Dan - Photos advertising the car.
The non-disclosed, deal killer, acid leak hole:
Tell me - am I being a dick if I'd like to keep his deposit? Not an option though - as he filed a NOT AS DESCRIBED with PayPal this AM.