A strange thing happened to me involving a old garden hose I'm trying to sell. A couple of days ago, we got a new hose to water our plants and me, in a spirit of commerce, decided to try selling the old thing instead of throwing it in the garbage.
And so, I listed it on the equivalent of craigslist for $2 CAD. My intention was to give it away for free, if anyone asked. To my surprise, someone contacted me (via Private Message) a day after listing the item. To para-phrase the exchange,
Code:
Potential Buyer (PB): Hi chronodekar, I am interested in this. Are there any leaks on it. You can let me know.
Me: hose itself does not have a leak, but the attachment at the end which connects to the tap is loose water does leak from that point.
PB: That is fine because I want to extend my hose so can cut off that part and connect to my one. Can you measure it and let me know the exact length please.
I had no idea how long the old hose was. Since this fellow appeared interested, I went outside with some measuring tape, stretched out the hose and figured out that it was between 30 - 35 feet in length.
Code:
Me: I just measured the hose it is a bit longer than 30 feet in length.
PB: Thanks. You mean it is little above 30 feet. May be below 35 feet. Just let me know.
Me: Yes; a little above 30 feet, but below 35 feet.
PB: Thanks. Please send me the pickup address. Also is this a rubber hose.
Me: it is a rubber hose. You are willing to buy it at the listed price?
Me: when can you come?
PB: Depending on your location.
Me: <gives address>
PB: Thanks. I live in <next-city-away>. I can get one of my friend living in <near-your-address> who works me to pickup. Is that o.k. by you.
Me: As long as your friend pays for the item, I'm fine with it. When can he/she come?
PB: I don't have friends who cannot pay you 2/00 bucks man.
Me: ok.
PB: Not interested in dealing with you any more.
Me: alright. you never agreed to buy the item either.
I'm wondering to myself, if this fellow got insulted? Or perhaps he truly did not have any friends who could loan him $2 bucks? Just baffling. Like, when I see an interesting item, I reach out to the seller, first asking if they would be willing to sell it for a little less. In some cases, they've told me yes, in other cases no. This particular exchange, the fellow made me work to measure the hose but never committed anything.
I pulled the listing down a few hours ago and re-listed the hose for $10. Perhaps someone else will find it useful. Heck, I'll still give it for free if anyone bothers to ask, but comes to pick it up! (for price comparison, the new replacement 50 foot hose cost me about $18).
-chronodekar