Pearls of Wisdom and Foolish Mutterings

Oh. My. God.

Will somebody please shoot me and put me out of my misery? I have spent the last two days fielding calls about a car we are trying to sell. It's the last car from our completely misguided (and when I say misguided, I mean STUPID) attempt at buying used cars at an auction and selling them for a profit. Not one of our brighter moments.

So, after many agonizing months, we finally have only one of those damnable vehicles left to get rid of. I posted an ad on Craigslist yesterday and started receiving phone calls within fifteen minutes. It's amazing how many people who are looking for a car on Craigslist have a "mother/sister/wife/grandmother/daughter who has just been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated at MD Anderson" and that is the reason they can't pay what I am asking for the car. Or even anywhere near my asking price. Curious.

My ad was very specific with lots of information AND pictures. This is not my first rodeo, folks. I've sold enough of these #@%^& cars over the last two years, that I know every question potential buyers are going to ask, so I make sure that I put all that info in my ad. AND pictures. Still, the typical phone call goes like this:

Caller: Hi, I'm calling about the Honda del Sol you posted on Craigslist.

Me: Yes?

Caller: What year is it?

Me: 93

Caller: It's a Honda del Sol?

Me: Yes

Caller: How much do you want for it?

Me: $1500

Caller: I only have $450.

Me: ......

Caller: Can you take $450.

Me: No

Caller: It's a 93? Del Sol?

Me: Yes

Caller: My mother has cancer. She's being treated at MD Anderson and I really need a car.

Me: I'm sorry to hear that.

Caller: So how much do you want?

Me: $1500.

Caller: You won't take $450?

This conversation is repeated with unbelievable frequency all day long until finally, I snap. The next caller gets this:

Caller: I'm calling about the----

Me: Yes, the del Sol. Do you want to see it?

Caller: What year---

Me: It's a '93, just like it says in the ad. Do you want to see it?

Caller: How much will---

Me: $1500 - it's in the ad.

Caller: My sister has---

Me: Save it, buddy. Call me back when you're serious. CLICK

So, I changed my ad - took the phone number out, so they have no choice but to contact me via email through Craigslist. The very first email I get says, "You forgot to put your phone number in the ad. How much will you take for the car? I only have $1000 because my grandmother has cancer. Call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX."

I'm waiting for the one that says, "I really like this car, but I don't have any money. I knew someone once who had a mother who had cancer. Will you just give me the car for free?"