Should I "help"? - Montana Owners Club

Glenn the fifth · 07-14-2015, 07:48 AM

I always struggle with this so, thought I should get some opinions from folks here. I often look through the RV section of Craig's List just to see what's out there for sale. Now and then I come across a post from someone that appears to not know what they are selling and in my opinion they are not asking what they should (not asking enough). This morning I was looking through that section and I saw a listing for a 20K Curt 5th wheel slider hitch. The person states in the add that he "does not know anything about 5th wheel hitches and just wants it gone ASAP". There are several pictures of the hitch and it is in great (almost new looking) condition. He is only asking $250 for it and I know that hitch is worth much more than that (probably at least double the $250 because that hitch new is around $1000 or more). I have a long bed and I am very happy with my current Reese hitch. So, should I try to "help" him with the actual value or should I just leave it alone because he states he wants it gone ASAP? I thought about just buying it and reselling it, but I don't like to take advantage of folks. -Glenn

1retired06 · 07-14-2015, 08:10 AM

For 250, it will be gone ASAP which was his priority.

Glenn the fifth · 07-14-2015, 08:22 AM

Thanks Mike, I guess I should just leave it alone. It's his deal, not mine.

I have always liked helping folks but don't worry, I never try to help anyone back into their site at a campground (unless they ask of course).

-Glenn

jimcol · 07-14-2015, 08:37 AM

Mike makes a good point. You also never know how the seller acquired the merchandise. Lots of hot stuff moves on Craig's List. I'd leave it alone. Jim

WaltBennett · 07-14-2015, 01:05 PM

Not to get too 'pontifical', but sales is all about what someone will pay vs. what you want to get. Sounds like the seller wanted to get rid of the hitch quickly, and that's what might happen. Asking for more means a longer sales cycle and negotiations.

WeBeFulltime · 07-15-2015, 12:48 AM

Why not contact the person and offer $500 if that would make you feel better?

JandC · 07-15-2015, 03:24 AM

There are just certain things you should not do.....contacting this guy and telling him he is way under priced on that hitch is one of them. If he really even has the hitch in the photo and it is not a scam, or it he really has the hitch in the photo and it wasn't just stolen, then you will just make him feel stupid by informing him that he is way under priced.

If the guy is on the up and up, maybe he tried to sell the hitch last year for $400 and couldn't get the job done. Now after looking at it sitting in his garage for another year he just figures he can price it so low folks will be lined up to buy it. I would either go buy the hitch and take your chances or keep browsing Craig's List.

Glenn the fifth · 07-15-2015, 04:32 AM

Thanks JandC. I did contact the guy to talk with him. I didn't mention to him that he should be asking more, but did inquire about the hitch. Come to find out he got a 2008 Ford F450 with the hitch in it as part of somebodies will recently. He does not have a 5th wheel and has never though about getting one. He has already sold the truck and the person that bought it did not want the hitch (no trailer either I guess). He told me he has no idea about hitches and seemed like a genuine guy. As we were talking I heard a noise in the background on his side and he told me he had to go. Come to find out he is a firefighter and they just got a "tone out". He called me back later and we talked some more about hitches and my experiences with them and then we talked a little about his job and the fact the he and his wife are in the middle of buying a new home and he just does not feel like moving the 250 pound monster to his new place when he moves. I really don't need the hitch, but now I am thinking about it. I could get it, clean it up a little bit and then sell it myself. I guess it would help him out and in turn maybe help me out. -Glenn

jlb27537 · 07-15-2015, 02:32 PM

Go buy it. you can always dicker a bit, maybe save a bit. Then re-list it on C List.

He wants it gone, you got a chance to double your money.

Jim

Artemus Gordon · 07-15-2015, 09:03 PM

I mind my own business "most of the time"! Lol. I use CL often and one thing that gets me heated, is when someone tells me my price is too high! They don't plan to buy it, just tell me I am wrong. I sometimes sell things under market to get rid of them fast, if it was my neighbor lady, yes I would tell her, but strangers are on their own. Lol.

JandC · 07-16-2015, 02:04 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Artemus Gordon

I mind my own business "most of the time"! Lol. I use CL often and one thing that gets me heated, is when someone tells me my price is too high! They don't plan to buy it, just tell me I am wrong. I sometimes sell things under market to get rid of them fast, if it was my neighbor lady, yes I would tell her, but strangers are on their own. Lol.

I am with you Michael. One of the test messages I got from our Craig's List ad for the Jeep being for sale was from someone that sounded interested. Then he/she said "you know used ones are priced a lot cheaper in Miami".

I about sent a message back telling him/her to drive down to Miami and not bother me anymore, but instead I just quoted the NADA and Kelly Blue book prices.

A couple days later that texting person ended up being who purchased the Jeep! Go figure. It was a younger guy who brought his Dad with him and they were really nice folks.

You just never know when dealing with people especially on Craig's List. Who would have thought Glenn's situation would have revealed those facts.

steelpony5555 · 07-20-2015, 11:49 AM

Depends too if there is someone out there looking for a hitch. I had a Reese slider hitch for sale for several years barely used on CL. Listed it for $100 cause I wanted it gone ASAP. Listed it several times over the years and got no takers. Even listed it for $50 once and still no takers. Just recently listed it again and got 1 call on it and the guy came and took it for $100...don't even think he had a 5th wheel lol lol oh well 3 years later and it is finally out of my garage.....

davidaf · 07-20-2015, 02:38 PM

What I perceive as a good deal, the market may not. If it's a really good deal and you know you can flip it (that's the important part).. Buy it, sell it and take the wife out to some very nice dinners! I've been stuck with a few items I thought for sure I could move (like 100 fax modems many years ago, oops) many other times I made a few bucks. Nothing wrong with a hobby that can put a couple bucks in the pocket now and then..

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