Selling a horse, and multiple viewers. What's the protocol?

[fuze]

This is bang on for me, if i liked the last person and the home more than the first even if the first met or topped the price, id want to feel comfy knowing a good home was being provided.

So out of pure curiosity (lady who has left deposit really does seem perfect, I'm thrilled someone so lovely has put a deposit down on him), how would you handle that scenario? Would you turn the first down outright, and hope that the next one like him enough to buy?

 

[Dry Rot]

So out of pure curiosity (lady who has left deposit really does seem perfect, I'm thrilled someone so lovely has put a deposit down on him), how would you handle that scenario? Would you turn the first down outright, and hope that the next one like him enough to buy?

In law, I think I am right in saying there is no contract until there is "consideration". That is money or money's worth changing hands. If there's been no payment or deposit and the would-be purchaser is not out of pocket (i.e. hasn't travelled miles on the strength of your promise to sell), I don't think the agreement is legally enforcible. If it is, it would surely be for expenses only, not to enforce completion of the sale.

I agreed to sell a gundog to a man who seemed perfect. There was no deposit or payment. During conversations before we actually did the deal, he asked if he could feed a dog on whole barley! Also, his two other dogs seemed to spend an awful lot of time at the vets. He was also having trouble with one of these dogs wandering off to his nearest neighbour's -- eight miles away! And he said he'd have to borrow the money!

I decided not to sell. Obviously, the would-be purchasers was furious and swore he would never buy anything from me. (So at least we agreed on that!). I still think I was right morally and legally as he clearly did not have a clue.

So, yes, in the above scenario I might back out but I would be prepared for the sparks to fly and to maybe pay expenses! Your first duty is to the welfare of your animals. I've always stuck to that and upset a few down the years, but it does mean I can sleep at night.

 

[be positive]

So out of pure curiosity (lady who has left deposit really does seem perfect, I'm thrilled someone so lovely has put a deposit down on him), how would you handle that scenario? Would you turn the first down outright, and hope that the next one like him enough to buy?

It sounds as if you have the ideal home but if you were not sure or had a later viewing that you felt could be better just say you want to let them go home and think about it, don't take a deposit or make any promises, that way you are not turning them down, just letting everyone have breathing space.

It can backfire if they go away and think, they may change their minds, the next viewers may not want the horse or not even turn up but it does give you the opportunity to make sure you feel comfortable with the home offered, I do not think it is the first to come that gets the horse, it is an animal and selling can be hard enough without feeling the people are not offering a suitable home, you may be offering it for sale but you are under no obligation to do so.
I have turned down offers, stopped people riding and frequently said the horse would not suit them during a phone conversation if I have not felt happy in any way.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I would stick to the order that you have booked them in to view, that is the fair thing to do. I take it you have the phone numbers of all your viewers? If someone decides & pays the deposit then you can call the others & cancel informing them that you will keep their numbers incase the sale falls through & thank them for their time.

Those trying to jump the queue will just have to book a time like anyone else. Someone saying they are very busy & cannot come for a week or two you should forget. If they wanted the horse enough they would find the time to attend, book them in in a week or twos time when they want & keep them as a back up incase you don't sell.

First to decide to buy gets the horse, you can judge for yourself if you want to sell to them from how you feel about them in the viewing. Remember many people have an over inflated belief in their riding ability & the horse may not suit them. Your horse, your decision.