Discussion
So, today I waved farewell to my darling Trident 750.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Only had it two years, but it was my favouritest bike ever.
Small garage, too many bikes; small child, too many debts; some things had to go.
Already sold the Sprint 900 two weeks ago, Trident and Daytona both on ebay at the same time, but it was the Trident that caught someone's eye first.
Actually, the Trident caught several peoples eyes, including the guy who had owned it immediately before me; he contacted me asking if I was interested in an Enfield plus cash. The story he told was that this was his first bike after passing his test, which he had bought from his sister (Clare)and regretted trading in the day after it was gone.
However, at this time I was not in the position to accept his "generous" offer.
So someone else came round on Saturday afternoon, haggled a bit, and a deal was done; deposit left, bike to be collected today with new MOT.
Then on Saturday night the phone went again; someone else asking after the Trident.
Only this poor guy was nearly in tears when I told him the bike was already gone.
Turns out he is the partner of Clare, sister of the previous owner (so partner of two owners ago).
Turns out the bike had been her pride and joy, treated like a rare gem, cosseted, cuddled and kissed.
The only reason brother got the bike was Clare had been involved in a car accident and was left with injuries which prevented her riding. Now she is fit again and on seeing "her" bike on ebay had broken down in tears.
Partner would have done anything, paid any price, to have the bike for her again.
I tell you guys, I am as rufty tufty as the rest of them, but when he told me this story I nearly cried too.
So, my dilema; do I stiff the guy I did the deal with; give him his deposit back and pass the bike back to its "rightful" owner?
Or do I accept that life is hard, sometimes things just aren't meant to be and do my best to commiserate with the poor wretch on the other end of the line?
Well, much as I hated to do it, my puritanical Scottish upbringing just wouldn't go away; a deal is a deal, I shook the mans hand.
The new owner rode his bike away tonight with a look of smug satisfaction on his face (knowing undoubtedly that he got a good deal), but at least I passed on the phone no. of poor Clares partner in case he has a fit of conscience.
But I'm still going to miss my bike...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Only had it two years, but it was my favouritest bike ever.
Small garage, too many bikes; small child, too many debts; some things had to go.
Already sold the Sprint 900 two weeks ago, Trident and Daytona both on ebay at the same time, but it was the Trident that caught someone's eye first.
Actually, the Trident caught several peoples eyes, including the guy who had owned it immediately before me; he contacted me asking if I was interested in an Enfield plus cash. The story he told was that this was his first bike after passing his test, which he had bought from his sister (Clare)and regretted trading in the day after it was gone.
However, at this time I was not in the position to accept his "generous" offer.
So someone else came round on Saturday afternoon, haggled a bit, and a deal was done; deposit left, bike to be collected today with new MOT.
Then on Saturday night the phone went again; someone else asking after the Trident.
Only this poor guy was nearly in tears when I told him the bike was already gone.
Turns out he is the partner of Clare, sister of the previous owner (so partner of two owners ago).
Turns out the bike had been her pride and joy, treated like a rare gem, cosseted, cuddled and kissed.
The only reason brother got the bike was Clare had been involved in a car accident and was left with injuries which prevented her riding. Now she is fit again and on seeing "her" bike on ebay had broken down in tears.
Partner would have done anything, paid any price, to have the bike for her again.
I tell you guys, I am as rufty tufty as the rest of them, but when he told me this story I nearly cried too.
So, my dilema; do I stiff the guy I did the deal with; give him his deposit back and pass the bike back to its "rightful" owner?
Or do I accept that life is hard, sometimes things just aren't meant to be and do my best to commiserate with the poor wretch on the other end of the line?
Well, much as I hated to do it, my puritanical Scottish upbringing just wouldn't go away; a deal is a deal, I shook the mans hand.
The new owner rode his bike away tonight with a look of smug satisfaction on his face (knowing undoubtedly that he got a good deal), but at least I passed on the phone no. of poor Clares partner in case he has a fit of conscience.
But I'm still going to miss my bike...
Sorry to hear you had to et it go, but at least you HAD one.
Tough one, but you're probably done the right thing, and remained true to your word...rare these days. TBH I might have made a story up and given it back to the other lot....dunno without beig in that situ.
Still, count the cash and sleep well.
Cheers.
Tough one, but you're probably done the right thing, and remained true to your word...rare these days. TBH I might have made a story up and given it back to the other lot....dunno without beig in that situ.
Still, count the cash and sleep well.
Cheers.
spunky-mon said:
Could you not contact the guy that has put down deposit and tell him the story and see if he would consider letting them have it?
He might just agree or even ask if it would be ok to pass on the old owners (clare) details and see if he would like to get in touch himself.
Yes, I did give him the whole story, and the phone no for Clares partner, but he didn't really seem to care; too wrapped up in his new toy I suppose.He might just agree or even ask if it would be ok to pass on the old owners (clare) details and see if he would like to get in touch himself.
that sucks Rubin, i take it the guy has taken the bike away now?
unfortunately your right, the guy has paid a deposit and the handshake + deposit = contract to sell the bike... it is a hard dilema, imo i would pass the guys number onto clares partner and let them contact him directly.
unfortunately your right, the guy has paid a deposit and the handshake + deposit = contract to sell the bike... it is a hard dilema, imo i would pass the guys number onto clares partner and let them contact him directly.
Ooo, grim situation... wouldn't want to be in that one. FWIW I think you did the right thing. If Clare was that attached to it that much she shouldn't have sold it in the first place... sounds a bit harsh but what I'm trying to say is that she doesn't have the bike because of her decision, not yours.
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