Timewasters!!!!!

[Anastasia]

I am sorry I dont normally come on here to rant, but am just absolutely fed up.

Is it just me.....or are time wasters on the increase???

I know that on speaking to several breeders this year that many have said they have received far more "strange" people phoning or emailing.

A sample of "some" of my phone calls this year:

* Dont have any idea what a colt or filly is....

* Have no idea where Aberdeenshire is, so you just start saying you are in Scotland
* Ask if you will swap your foal for a minature shetland (

I burst out laughing with that one!)
* Phone you several times over the space of months when they have no intention of purchasing anything.

But the biggest "crime" in my book is.....

People agreeing to purchase a horse, where you have done everything they have asked for, including sending more pictures and video etc, agreeing the purchase price, given vet details for any potential vettings, sent an invoice for payment and then....................nothing but excuses of why they have not sent the payment, or they just dont get back to you!!!!

Well I am absolutely furious with these people because while you have the sale as "pending" you are losing out on other potential purchasers.

I have just spent 4 weeks with one person as above (so that is ONE MONTH of missing out on other potential buyers).....and am so mad at having my time wasted in this way. I also find it rude and insulting that people think that this is acceptable behaviour!!!! And what happens is that you ruin it for other people!!

I am sorry but it takes only 5 minutes to phone or send an email to say circumstances have changed. Most of us appreciate that personal circumstances can change, and I would not be worried if people said that they just could not afford to purchase the horse now (at least you know what is happening)......but to waste your time as the above is just a "DISGRACE" in my book.

RANT OVER....

 

[Daisychain]

I know how you feel, i think you have to be tougher and make people aware that the horse is for sale until you have your cash... or they leave a deposit refundable only if horse fails vet.

 

[koeffee]

they are are the increase, why cant people be more like me!!! see what they like and pay for it!!!i kept a horse for three months for one lady, payed a deposit and never came back, to this day i never new what happend, i did sell him though less the deposit but it was anoying to say the least.

 

[Anastasia]

Daisychain....I dont think it is to do with being "tougher". Believe me we have been breeding and selling for years now, so are fully aware of how people are.

People generally come and buy from us because we have good quality youngsters, are genuine, honest and give a good service.

If somebody agrees to buy a foal or youngster from us we always say "first come first serve". However, if I had two people saying they would like to buy a horse I would always give the first one who contacted us the opportunity first, thus you then "hope" that they are genuine (as most our clients are).

But I dont think what I was stating above has anything to do with being tough. It is to do with the people who generally mess you around when there is absolutely no need for it.

 

[Anastasia]

[ QUOTE ]
they are are the increase, why cant people be more like me!!! see what they like and pay for it!!!i kept a horse for three months for one lady, payed a deposit and never came back, to this day i never new what happend, i did sell him though less the deposit but it was anoying to say the least.

[/ QUOTE ]

Been there and got the t-shirt!! We have had bounced cheques, people pay deposits then vet the horses, pay the full amount and then change there mind!!

Do people get a kick out of wasting people's time???

 

[madmare22]

there are so many of these people about, they call about a horse get you to send details photos etc etc say they will call to arrange a veiwing and never call back or even worse arrange a veiwing and never arrive. i cant understand why people just cant say no its not what i am looking for instead of leaving you hanging in the air waiting for a reply. it is so infuriating. I have had two this week

 

[CrazyMare]

I think it is on the increase. I daren't put anything up for sale, I wasn't planning on selling ponies but I have to have a tack room clear out but I dread selling it - last time I did I had lots of requests for pictures, pictures with tape measures in, what colour, what model/make. Lots of info that was already in the ads etc.

RARGH!!!

 

[Partoow]

Oh i feel for you i really do.
Its one of the reasons i hate doing the selling thing its so awful to be let down like that and , as you say loose out on the other potential buyers. Especially for you so far away .
Rant on if it makes you feel better i think you are justified.
Wish i had some constructive answers but i am sure you have ALL the Tshirts!!

 

[Anastasia]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh i feel for you i really do.
Its one of the reasons i hate doing the selling thing its so awful to be let down like that and , as you say loose out on the other potential buyers. Especially for you so far away .
Rant on if it makes you feel better i think you are justified.
Wish i had some constructive answers but i am sure you have ALL the Tshirts!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Partoow. Thankfully most our enquiries are genuine, but its the above kind of people that I think just take the piss.

I dont think it is hard to ask for people to be polite and courteous, especially when people have gone to the expense of all the adverts etc.

As people and I have said, it takes nothing out of somebodys day to just phone or email and say that they cannot go ahead with the purchase, or have changed their minds. Buts its the constant hanging on with all the excuses that makes me mad.

 

[Midymahem]

I just wanted to add to your timewaster thread - I offered my horse as a demo horse for a open day on practical horsemanship - was told yes they would use him would call me a couple of days before to firm up details - No bloody call - would it really hurt to phone and say thanks but no thanks.
It would have saved me not wasting the day and of course I am now put off them, if they haven't learnt basic manners!

 

[magic104]

You could always name & shame....

 

[Daisychain]

I didnt mean to annoy you with my answer, but i personally would make it aware to people that the horse is up for sale on a first come first serve basis and you cannot hang out if someone offers you the money when the original people have had far more than enough time to make up their minds. It is by all acounts youngsters you are selling so it is not like they have to trial it etc etc..

 

[KenRehill]

This is one of the perenial problems for people in horses. You have to stick to golden rules, and understand that the majority of "buyers" are tyre kickers, who normally cannot afford the horse they are there to see.

I treat it very simply, and never deviate. Some one can buy any horse from me, but it's not OFF the market until the transfer or cheque have gone through. You tell them this with a smile on your face and are pleasant about it. Until they give me a cheque, it hasn't happened and I continue my day as normal, and I put it out of my mind.

 

[Anastasia]

Daisychain, you did not annoy me in any way. I appreciate everyones comments...

Ken, you are correct in what you are doing. I guess I am going to have to stop being so accommodating...

 

[Anastasia]

[ QUOTE ]
You could always name & shame....

[/ QUOTE ]

That thought had gone through my mind!

But am too nice....