Is a Private Mail or Email Sale/Purchase Agreement Binding

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2manyAirGunz

2manyAirGunz

Member
Jul 26, 2018
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AL
Recently, an air rifle that I had up for sale on the forum "Classifieds" was traded to a forum member. In the interim between the time the final trade was consummated -- when only an agreement to make the trade was made and I still had my original rifle in my possession -- I received an inquiry/offer of cash purchase of the rifle.

I could have pursued this offer of purchase. However, I explained to the inquiring member that I had an agreement with another forum member to trade the gun. Even though I felt the trade was not quite what I desired and a slightly more risky transaction than an outright cash/PP purchase, I felt that my verbal agreement with the forum member for the trade was ethically binding.

My hope is that my actions -- in keeping my word to the member to make the trade -- are the standard for transactions on this forum. This, despite the details of a "botched" transaction currently described on the "Member Feedback" section and the approval verbalized by several longtime forum members of the seller failing to follow-through on what appeared to be an agreed-upon sale.
 
I agree with the other posters. My word is a contract not entered into lightly and as stated above my honor depends upon me keeping my word. So whether the transaction werqs out or not you did the right thing and in the end that is what really matters. The only way I would go back on my word is if I knew for sure that the other party was being dishonest.
 
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I have to add. years ago I had an agreement with the pastor of a local church to buy a motorcycle. All I had to do was negotiate a loan with the bank. He knew me and knew that I was good for the money. A fellow came to him the next day and offered him a little bit more money and he sold him the motorcycle. I was NOT happy. I said the very least he could have none was to call me and I would have matched the offer.

I told him just want I thought of him.

Money is the root of all evil. Pastor or not apparently 
 
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Both of my parents were born in Ireland. My Mom and Dad were hardcore old school.

I was taught starting from an early age your word is everything!! For without it, you are nothing! 

My father said a handshake is a binding deal, period!

Because of what I was taught, I now despise a liar and a cheat.

To you, sir I have to say, My hat is off to you!

Eamon
 
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Guys,

I’m sure I am the seller in which the OP, Al Sturdivant, is referring to. I keep my word but I don’t claim to be perfect. I was in a predicament over a $275 scope. One guy bought it, another wanted it but hadn’t bought it. I had several ask for my PayPal info as if they were going to buy it but they did not, that’s pretty frustrating too. One guy finally did pay and I marked it sold. I let 30Harry know that it was sold straight away.

30Harry, the next morning, paid for it anyway. I suppose he didn’t check his messages. I refunded him immediately. He had previously asked if scope had any issues and if not he wanted it. I told him it didn’t have any issues and it’s yours....................no payment............no response..........................Hmmm 🤔 must have been another “tire kicker”. He missed out. So he was upset and voiced his disapproval publicly here. 

For me, in this day of instant payments, if you intend to purchase, then see it through ASAP. I did what I thought was right at the time which I happen to be celebrating New Year’s Eve. 

The decision wasn’t based on greed or being money hungry. We are talking $275 here. I’ve bought and sold tens of thousands on airguns and accessories through forums over the past 12 years.

I’m going to move on and you all can judge how you like. I did learn from it and will handle things differently in the future. If you have reservations about my character then please dismiss or disregard my for sale adverts moving forward. 

Derrick Wall
 
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Some general comments about my experiences aimed at no one in particular.

I usually entertain buyers in the order of contact. First contact has priority however I have lost some sales this way to tire kickers when another buyer was serious about the acquisition and I missed out while waiting on the first person. I also tend to favor a well known or repeat buyer over a new member who has no buying history or reputation yet established. When I do agree to sell to a person, a reasonable time frame is given to complete the purchase and all parties agree and comply or there is no deal.

I have also been contacted after I made a deal to sell to an individual by another individual offering more money If I would sell the item to them. I simply reply that it is theirs IF the sale falls through but it is not honest or equitable to go back on my word to the first individual.

I have been burned a few times by sellers who after saying yes to the sale then decided that their item would go to the highest bidder which was never stated nor agreed upon and amounts to greed on the sellers part.
 
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