This is a story that has finally been consummated. I had bought a Yashica mat 124g at a 'tent sale' from Cardinal Camera in Lansdale, PA. At the time, the owner's son (who really is the 'owner', as his father suffers from extremely poor eyesight) was NOT present, but a worthy and trusted store clerk showed me the box to rummage through. I selected about 40 items of 'miscellaneous intent' and also a bunch of filters. I was told that this was stuff that they wanted to get rid of. When I was finished selecting, she told me that the used camera guy, Scott, would have to look at what I had picked and possibly remove some items that they might intend to sell for more. (They knew well in advance that I offer to pay very little.) I had no choice but to acquiesce and I did so gracefully (as all my interactions usually are). He removed ten items: I was left with about 30 items plus the filters. I offered $170 and this was accepted. I packed and left. One of the items was a Yashica mat 124g that had fungus in the internal components of the lens plus both the slow shutter speeds and self-timer lagged. When home, I dismantled the lens (I am used to doing this) and fully cleaned everything. I also flushed the shutter and self-timer mechanisms. I spent over one hour doing these things. As a result, the camera ended up in considerably better condition than when it had been purchased.
I put the camera up on CL for $125. I had a few who were interested, but no sale yet. Then, suddenly, I got an email from someone who stated he wanted to buy the camera for the $125. Amazingly and coincidentally, it was the owner's son at Cardinal, Tyler Seelig. Obviously, he did not know that it was 'his' camera he might be repurchasing. Feeling a bit of angst, even a tiny bit of guilt, I emailed him back and told him the entire story. I told him that I had purchased the camera, albeit at a bargain price, but in good faith. The conversation was at least somewhat amiable, but a bit tense. I offered to sell him back the camera for half price of what I was asking for, $65, if he picked it up in Center City, or for $75 if I delivered it to the store in Lansdale (by train). He finally conceded to my bringing it to Lansdale, but for only $65. I reluctantly agreed to this and this morning, Saturday, 30 June, I did just that, making the one hour train trip. The exchange was somewhat amiable, but still a bit tense.
There are those who would say that I offered too much and that a 'deal is a deal'. Others would say that the initial 'sale' was a 'theft' on my part. Of course, I am out looking for bargains: after all, Cardinal's 'tent sale' was purportedly just that. Regardless, does a proprietor not have an obligation to charge appropriately? Does a proprietor have any responsibilities when not present at his store? Not one word of apology came from Cardinal. But, not one word of opprobrium came from Cardinal either. The exchange was done and we are still on speaking terms, however, any future ventures into that store will have to be with Tyler present, because I am no longer going to be subject 'to afterthoughts' about previous sales. We learn through experiences and try to exercise of grace under fire. In a way, I DID take advantage, but did so with all present 'agents' watching me. I have bought much from Cardinal in the past. However, in the future: there are new protocols that have to be in place, first. - David Lyga
I put the camera up on CL for $125. I had a few who were interested, but no sale yet. Then, suddenly, I got an email from someone who stated he wanted to buy the camera for the $125. Amazingly and coincidentally, it was the owner's son at Cardinal, Tyler Seelig. Obviously, he did not know that it was 'his' camera he might be repurchasing. Feeling a bit of angst, even a tiny bit of guilt, I emailed him back and told him the entire story. I told him that I had purchased the camera, albeit at a bargain price, but in good faith. The conversation was at least somewhat amiable, but a bit tense. I offered to sell him back the camera for half price of what I was asking for, $65, if he picked it up in Center City, or for $75 if I delivered it to the store in Lansdale (by train). He finally conceded to my bringing it to Lansdale, but for only $65. I reluctantly agreed to this and this morning, Saturday, 30 June, I did just that, making the one hour train trip. The exchange was somewhat amiable, but still a bit tense.
There are those who would say that I offered too much and that a 'deal is a deal'. Others would say that the initial 'sale' was a 'theft' on my part. Of course, I am out looking for bargains: after all, Cardinal's 'tent sale' was purportedly just that. Regardless, does a proprietor not have an obligation to charge appropriately? Does a proprietor have any responsibilities when not present at his store? Not one word of apology came from Cardinal. But, not one word of opprobrium came from Cardinal either. The exchange was done and we are still on speaking terms, however, any future ventures into that store will have to be with Tyler present, because I am no longer going to be subject 'to afterthoughts' about previous sales. We learn through experiences and try to exercise of grace under fire. In a way, I DID take advantage, but did so with all present 'agents' watching me. I have bought much from Cardinal in the past. However, in the future: there are new protocols that have to be in place, first. - David Lyga