What is it with buyers that just disappear?

So I've got my motorcycle up for sale (07 KTM 990 Adv, in case any of you want it), but I've also worked a trade in deal with the dealer.  The trade in deal involves some work for me, as I need to bring the bike back to stock for them.  That'll give me maximum trade in plus all the parts to sell on the side.

I have the bike listed with most of the parts included for a very fair price.  So far every person who's inquired about it has seemed very serious, then just disappeared like a fart in the wind.

Meanwhile I've begun to take the bike apart to get it ready to trade.  Get another inquiry on the bike last night, respond first thing this morning with my cell # asking them to call me asap.  Yup, 3+ hours later, no call.

I've had the same problem lately with sellers. Advertise a cheap car, then give a couple one word responses when contacted, and never get back to me after that. If they were scammers, they aren't running a very effective scam... I just chalk it up to the general stupidity of the population.

they aren't buyers until they are in your driveway. Lot's of folks fantasizing about having whatever - reality sets in and they go away. Irritating, but think of it more like a marketing game where you probably have to have 10-15 contacts to translate into a real buyer - not to mention the 30 cents on the dollar offers...

Having just bought a boat I'll lend some insight. I engaged with about 20 people by email or phone.  Looked at 5 boats. Sea trialed 2. Bought 1.

I didn't feel the need to explicitly contact each party and say "I'm not interested any longer". I only contacted the people whom I was actively asking to show me the boat so they weren't left hanging. Then, I went boating.

Now I see why people just leave money on the table and trade their vehicle in.  I generally price things well so I don't have to deal with a protracted sales process.  Which is why stuff like this irritates me that much more...

docwyte said:

Now I see why people just leave money on the table and trade their vehicle in.  I generally price things well so I don't have to deal with a protracted sales process.  Which is why stuff like this irritates me that much more...

It's a pain in the ass - but generally when I sell things I don't dwell on the process. I have all the pics/info in one place and anyone who calls or emails gets the info. If they make an appointment to see something I ask for a callback number and to call me when they are 20 minutes away - no call - I don't go either. They are only a real customer once we agree on a price and there is some money or solid arrangement of some sort in place.  Everyone else is just tire-kicking.

That saves a lot of aggravation but... I'm also selling a couple of dirt bikes. The number of people calling to ask me things that are clearly written in the ad is astounding. I am not capable of keeping my mouth shut so the number of people who tell me to berkeley off when I ask them to read the ad again is also high. 

GLWS, I'd love a 990 Adv but... I have to reduce the fleet before I can go back to being a buyer. The boat takes up a E36 M3load of room.

EDIT: On 2nd thought... shoot me a link to the ad or post it up here. I'd like to pass it on to a friend who is thinking about returning to two wheels.

Insufficient pictures: buyer doesn't know about a detail that turns them off until they see it. 

Seller gives off "I wont budge on price" vibes: some sellers give off vibes that they aren't going to move on price. These folks may take it personally when you offer a lower price, and some timid buyers may not like that.

I think the art of haggling is dying as people get more obsessed with what they think stuff is worth. 

pheller said:

 

Seller gives off "I wont budge on price" vibes: some sellers give off vibes that they aren't going to move on price.

 

I know what you mean, but...

Why does someone have to budge on price?  If people don't like to haggle, then don't.  If buyers don't like to haggle, just as many sellers don't want to.  I'm always conflicted about how much to overprice my stuff so I can get what it's actually worth. 

Look for a thing in the condition you want, at the price you expect to pay, and pay the asking price.  If the asking is too high, ignore the item.

Personal story:  I need a pair of seats for my 67 Camaro.  A set shows up in Winnipeg for $520...  Obviously, the guy wanted $500, so he threw the extra $20 in for wiggle room.  I tricked him, though.  I paid his asking price.

I'm not really going to budge on my prices.  I price my things well, and will give a small discount because "people expect something off", but that's it.