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Should I kick myself?
A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new
equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
Koz wrote:
A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. I think that $2500 would have been a good deal if you could turn some of it around. Given the situation, I think $4600 is way too much. |
"Koz" wrote in message
... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Even though the equipment matched the truck, you would have to confirm that the driver was authorized to sell the items. Just to be safe, I'd place a quick call to the company office and ask them to fax a letter (on company letterhead) authorizing the sale. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Yup. It's a real hassle (and major expense) moving goods to and from tradeshows. So it's not uncommon for exhibitors to sell off their display items at a discount to save themselves from the return trip. But as I mentioned earlier, sometimes the person offering to sell the stuff is not authorized to do so. This is most often seen with third-party vendors or independent reps who are contracted to exhibit the goods. They are given the products to show only. He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Did you make an offer on one generator only? As for the value of the lot, it's difficult to say without knowing the wholesale value. But if you weren't ready to lay out the cash to take the lot (and then deal with the hassle of storing and reselling it), then it's probably moot to worry about it in retrospect. - Michael |
The truck and all may have been stolen. I would definitely not buy without
confirming the legitimacy of the deal. It seems odd that AFTER a trade show the stuff would still be shrink-wrapped like new. Was there awctually a trade show in the area, that you know of? Someone may be running around looking for his truck. |
Koz wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. ... Maybe he stole the truck too.... -- FF |
I was called by a friend of mine who was at a job sight with the same offer.
The seller was asking $7000. He wanted me to come down and work a deal. Not something I wanted to do. "DanG" wrote in message news:myNne.256$Zt.160@okepread05... This is apparently a standard "come on". We had the same package offer. My boss went for it hook, line, and sinker,though I don't know what he gave for them. The only tool we have used so far is the power washer. All the tools are engine driven. The engine is an indistinguishable copy of Honda, but I'm fairly sure it is made in Chaiwan. The engine has performed well and the pump has done what we asked of it. I would worry about warranty, etc. If you are interested, I will try to remember to write down the brand name. I looked them up on the internet when we bought them, but there was very little information on the site. The tools all have an 800 number written on them to call for warranty and parts - NO EXPERIENCE. (top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) "Koz" wrote in message ... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
Was the company name "Carolina" or something similar? Vague reports on the
web seem to indicate that many (all?) of their products seem to get sold this way. A Google groups or standard web search should turn up more info. A friend bought a Carolina horizontal bandsaw under similar circumstances. He seems to think it works OK but has only recently got around to trying it out, years after he bought it. BTW, was there a trade show in your area at the time? "Koz" wrote in message ... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
No need to kick yourself unless you just LOVE to take a chance. They
always say that an offer that is too good to be true probably is. Stuff was either misrepresented, stolen, or some low grade Chinese knockoff. If it wasn't stolen I'll guarantee you can buy the same stuff for the same price, but not have to take the extra that you don't want. I did a quick scan, looks like the total was about $3500 if bought from the usual off brand internet sources. Koz wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 15:57:01 -0700, Koz wrote:
A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. Danger, classic scam technique there, pretty much word for word... He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. I think you did well by not biting. Tooo many crap tools out there. |
wrote:
A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. Danger, classic scam technique there, pretty much word for word... He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Did he give you a local address and phone number where he could be reached in case you had a problem? I didn't think so. I don't buy much where I have to make up my mind in a very short time. Particularly when you are talking seven grand. Unless it is something you are totally familiar with, and know it is worth the money. You should pat yourself on the back. And the wallet. Ya dun good. Steve |
Given the sales situation, even if it was all name-brand,
top-of-the-line stuff, the offer is suspect. You dodged the bullet. Even if everything was in order and he gave you some phone number and address, that's small consolation when local law enforcement comes and confiscates it. The phone number is disconnected and the address bogus. Koz wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. Koz |
On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 15:57:01 -0700, Koz
wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. I've seen this 'pickup full of equipment from a show' marketing ploy several times. They seem to target small businesses where they can talk to an owner who has the means to write a big check for the entire truckload. I know someone who **did** buy the entire load, but I haven't heard any impressions of the quality of the equipment. If memory serves the manufacturer was in one of the Carolinas but that is all I remember. Jim |
Koz wrote:
book list was $18000 retail was about $8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $4600 I could go was $2500 Do you really think this deal was legal? Do you have the sellers name? Did you get a bill? Why do they have machines on display at a show and when bringing them home they are shrink wrapped? Nick -- "Wissenschafts"-Sendung auf einem der Privat-Kanäle: "Der Behälter fasst 200.000 Kubik-Liter." Wie viele Quadrat-Stunden braucht es dann wohl, um ihn voll zu bekommen? |
""Nick Müller"" wrote in message ... Koz wrote: book list was $18000 retail was about $8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $4600 I could go was $2500 Do you really think this deal was legal? Do you have the sellers name? Did you get a bill? Why do they have machines on display at a show and when bringing them home they are shrink wrapped? Nick The only honest thing above (and maybe not) is the shrink wrapping. I worked conventions for years. At the end of machinery shows, it is common to reskid and shrink for shipping. I don't think that is what was happening in this case, but it does happen at real trade shows. Steve |
On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 13:13:04 GMT, Jim in VA
wrote: On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 15:57:01 -0700, Koz wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. I've seen this 'pickup full of equipment from a show' marketing ploy several times. They seem to target small businesses where they can talk to an owner who has the means to write a big check for the entire truckload. I know someone who **did** buy the entire load, but I haven't heard any impressions of the quality of the equipment. If memory serves the manufacturer was in one of the Carolinas but that is all I remember. Jim I got a taiwanese drill press from such a truck in the early 80s. They showed up, the boss bought the load and then sold off the stuff to the employees at cost (I liked! working for that guy). I still have it in my shop. Still runs fine. Gunner "Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire. Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us) off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give them self determination under "play nice" rules. Think of it as having your older brother knock the **** out of you for torturing the cat." Gunner |
book list was $18000
retail was about $8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $4600 I could go was $2500 PSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTT.. Hey, Buddy ............ wanna buy a Rolex ??????????????? .................. Steve |
On Fri, 3 Jun 2005 10:04:27 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote: book list was $18000 retail was about $8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $4600 I could go was $2500 PSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTT.. Hey, Buddy ............ wanna buy a Rolex ??????????????? .................. Steve My Dad, for a joke, bought several "Rolex" watches for our family when he was traveling. Not from some guy in the street, but in a store. And they sure were cheap looking. No way could they have been mistaken for the real thing. We all got a laugh. I think he only paid about 1 dollar US for each watch. ERS |
Be very careful. They may be Irish Travelers. Check out
http://www.fraudtech.bizland.com/travelers.htm . They usually represent the Rebel Tool and Equipment Co. of South Carolina but have used other equipment names. Terry "Koz" wrote in message ... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
Terry wrote: Be very careful. They may be Irish Travelers. Check out http://www.fraudtech.bizland.com/travelers.htm . They usually represent the Rebel Tool and Equipment Co. of South Carolina but have used other equipment names. Terry Now that you mention it, it does sound a LOT like the same kind of scam. Same glossy sales pages, same high list price and low sell price, etc. Everything dressed to look legitimate but probably junk quality if even that good. Glad that I walked away from it. It wasn't the company mentioned in the web page but it was'nt a famaliar enough brand to say that the stuff was "real". (travers tool? something like that? just can't remember) Koz "Koz" wrote in message ... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
I don't think you missed on much.......this has been going on for at least
40 years that I'm aware of. Years ago, around New England, it was a small hydraulic press, an engine crane, and a transmission jack. Several years ago - before I knew any better - I was staying at the Econo Lodge in Asheboro, NC. When I came out to leave, early in the morning, several pickup trucks were backed up to a 40-foot trailer, loading up the day's sales inventory. They used to prowl gas stations and independent garages with "great", very negotiable offers. The stuff was the equivalent of today's Chinese stuff. Sounds to me as though they've expanded their SKUs. Koz wrote in article ... A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. Koz |
"Ignoramus26831" wrote My general rule is to refuse any solicitations where the seller has an informational advantage (knows more than me) or demands an immediate decision. i That, my friend is profound. Steve |
On 4 Jun 2005 01:17:02 GMT, Ignoramus26831
wrote: My general rule is to refuse any solicitations where the seller has an informational advantage (knows more than me) or demands an immediate decision. Or comes knocking on my door despite the no soliciting sign the argues that they are not soliciting, at this point I offer to demonstrate how I remove unwanted growth with my $2 weed whacker. Gerry :-)} London, Canada |
On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 15:57:01 -0700, Koz
wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. It's been said here multiple times here, but "You were wise to be Leary, Timothy..." ;-) I would have given him the bum's rush right then, and picked up a phone to dial 911 if they didn't drop the subject and leave. NOW. Our business is completed, now you are trespassing. And if he still doesn't get the message you might have to resort to letting him 'accidentally' catch a glimpse of the butt of your weapon in the shoulder holster. If you want to buy low-cost equipment with a minimum (but actually usable) warranty, call Harbor Freight. Buying stuff of unknown (and unknowable) lineage out of the back of someone's truck is a recipe for disaster on several levels - it's probably junk that will break inside of an hour, but it could also be stolen, too. Or they're using it as a distraction searching for a bonus. So they come up to a one-man shop and have you out front dealing with the 'salesman', while his associate (who you conveniently enough haven't been introduced to, he was lurking on the sidewalk) is inside your office stealing a few sheets of blank checks out of the back of your checkbook... If you buy the equipment they have your signature on the equipment PO to use for check forgery practice, if not they only have to fool the check cashing store, not your bank's tellers... -- Bruce -- -- Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700 5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545 Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net. |
Good article.
I have met and watched them at work...the article is accurate. No salesman has your interest as his primary concern, may it be tools, insurance or whatever. TMT |
Koz wrote:
Terry wrote: Be very careful. They may be Irish Travelers. Check out http://www.fraudtech.bizland.com/travelers.htm . They usually represent the Rebel Tool and Equipment Co. of South Carolina but have used other equipment names. Terry Now that you mention it, it does sound a LOT like the same kind of scam. Same glossy sales pages, same high list price and low sell price, etc. Everything dressed to look legitimate but probably junk quality if even that good. Glad that I walked away from it. It wasn't the company mentioned in the web page but it was'nt a famaliar enough brand to say that the stuff was "real". (travers tool? something like that? just can't remember) Good link, thanks Terry. I don't see these in my neck of the woods, but we do get the barn roof painters from down south every summer, same sort of style but southern accents instead of Irish.. The ones that we get around here that really **** me off are young, college-student looking types that will come into a business and sell trash from a big black nylon shoulder bag. I went around with the wife over them, she viewed them as just people trying to make a living and couldn't see my point that they were burning her customers in her establishment, with the result that the ripped-off customers would see her as the source of their troubles. She finally saw that it was true, but it took a long time.. I finally solved the issue by catching one at the door- when asked nicely once, and then told not nicely again, he refused to leave. Offering to punch his nose 'till I couldn't reach him anymore, convinced him to leave. The fact that he was the last one to show up demonstrated that they were all of the same bunch and keeping track of the suckers. John |
Koz wrote: A guy showed up at the shop door today with a pick-up load of new equipment to sell. It probably wasn't a scam as the truck was painted with the same logo/brand as the equipment. Anyway, the story was that the items were left from the trade show and they wanted to sell them rather than return them to the head office or sit on them. Can't remember the exact brand but it was familiar but not major label. 2 generators on rolling carts..didn't get the exact specs but one was diesel and rated at 18 amps, 240 the other at 30 amps 240 1 gas powered air compressor. Twin "hot dog" tanks that appeared to add up to about 15 gallons. I would guess it was about 6 HP 1 pressure washer...probably about 6 horse 1 trash pump which I couldn't see well due to the amount of shrink wrap. All items were new and still in shrink wrap with warranties that were also transferable. book list was $18,000 which probably means that retail was about $ 8000-$ 10000 (guess) He wanted $ 4600 for the lot. I said all I could go was $ 2500 which he passed on. Didn't need it and didn't have time to try and sell on e-bay. What would you have done (and I know you can't see the stuff)? One generator would have been nice but the rest was a little too much to take on a whim. That's the same guy and same truck that wanders around our area about twice a year. (well... same scam, anyway). They tout the goods as being 100% US-made and fully warranted by a company out of North Carolina. But if you peek under certain edges, you see "made in Taiwan" on a few items. What they mean by "made in the USA" is, they buy the equipment _almost_ fully assembled. Then they drive in a few screws, put on castors, etc., and post-lable the materials with their logo. Ta-DA! Made in the USA! Yup. (BTW... that same scam is used for much US-made clothing. They buy it from the sweat-shop countries, sew on a button or logo, and call it US goods) LLoyd |
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