I have a very old vehicle that runs but has tons of problems. I told Shannon we have two options with this vehicle: get three new tires; or, sell it super cheap while being upfront about all its issues. Shannon said sell it. So, I put it up on marketplace last night and got three interested people right away.
We agreed to deliver it a guy no charge. But that meant I'd have to drive it almost three hours away. I was thinking maybe this was a Jesus thing -- this guy needs Jesus. Maybe he'll see Jesus in this. Maybe this act of kindness would lead him to Christ. I was thinking of the prayer we'd pray with him; the Bible I'd give him; the spiritual change we would witness.
I tell my daughter about this. She says, Mom you need to make that guy send you a money order before you drive it all the way there. He knows you won't drive it back. He'll probably show up with no money.
This made sense to me. I told the guy I wanted him to send me a money order. I told him I wouldn't cash it until we delivered the car. He insisted he wasn't going to spend money on a money order. I told him I was buying the gas to deliver this very cheap car to him. He told me that was my fault, and then he proceeded to use the "F" word and the "B" word. I said no sale and hung up.
My daughter was right. This guy wasn't going to show up with any money. And this guy showed his true character when I made a condition on the situation. I've put the vehicle up for sale again, but I will not deliver it farther than ten miles. This guy definitely needs Jesus, but he presently is a very nasty, miserable human being. And I feel sorry for him. From his photo it appears he has probably made a lot of poor life choices and is now dealing with the consequences.
I now realize I am totally sheltered! I rarely ever deal with people who swear at me. I can't even remember the last time that happened. And most everyone I talk to is kind (whether they know Jesus or not). I thought everyone was like that! I told my husband I have new respect for him and the local deputy and all law enforcement personnel who have to deal with people who swear at them.
So, here is Jane's tip for selling online -- before you accept a deal ask your 20 something year old child (or niece or nephew or friend) to check out the deal for you. They very well may realize it is a scam if indeed it is.
Thank you, Cheyenne, for saving me a lot of heartache!