Dealer V private sellers

[JB8645]

Hi all,
Please can anyone give me their thoughts on whether to buy from dealer or private ? I have had fingers burnt by a private seller not being honest , so now thinking of looking at dealers ( south east) as thinking I can always go back to them if any problems ??
Thanks

 

[sillygillyhorse]

If you buy from a dealer you have far more consumer rights etc. Like in any trade there are good and not so good dealers, try and use one that has good recommendations by several different people, speak to people about their experiences with any such dealers. Be honest with the dealer about your riding ability and requirements so that you have the best chance of finding the right horse. IMO a good dealer is one who knows the horse, is good at matching horse and rider and will not knowingly sell an unsuitable horse to a client no matter how much the purchaser may love/want it! A good reputation takes time to earn and is easily destroyed, those with a good reputation will be keen to keep it that way.

 

[doonrocket]

I have bought 4 privately with various results. I would say the closer to you the better as you would be more likely to hear if something is up. Also a good horse can sell by word of mouth and so wouldn't need to be advertised nationally.

While looking I have been to some really helpful dealers yards and rarely made to feel like a time waster when I didn't buy anything. It is nice to remove the emotion from the vendor, and I cetainly preferred looking / phoning dealers than private owners.

 

[JB8645]

Thanks So much! Just been to a dealer and she was lovely and very honest with which horses would be suitable to my daughters ability