That’s all that really counts... both of you are in agreement on the deal(s)...and happy with yourselves and each other.
I see no wrongdoing on your part. strip yourself of any feelings of guilt and move on.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'm not sure why you lowered your price. I would not have done that. A shop assistants sold you the camera, and had opportunity to remove it from your bunch of stuff you wanted to buy but didn't.
I'm not sure why you lowered your price. I would not have done that. A shop assistants sold you the camera, and had opportunity to remove it from your bunch of stuff you wanted to buy but didn't. It had a screwy shutter, fungus'd lenses &c, you cleaned up the camera, something probably the same camera store repair department would have done for $100 ( or more! ), and then they would have sold it for even more. I am certain they will sell it in their store or ebay or ? for close to $200 ( or more ). I am sorry if this next comment sounds a bit snarky, but I am certain they would love you to buy all their tent sale cameras, fix them up and sell them back at a bargain price !As for your ethics rating, you did nothing wrong but the shop keeper . was not too "cool"... he had no reason to be "tense" you fixed his camera, and then sold it to him for less than you bought it for and put into it, took the train 1 hour each way .. if it was me, i wouldn't buy from him again unless I had to..and I would have kept the price you originally were going to sell it for.
I should of waited till half price Tuesday, damn my impatience.David, IMO, insecurity also comes out in the form of relentless argueing/needing the last word. Something I deal within myself.
awty -- I felt the same was when I found an original model of a Diana camera for $1.00 at a charity shop -- then when I got to the sales clerk, I was told it was on sale for $0.75. But it was missing the decorative chrome ring around the lens, so I guess that's okay...
Carbon print from that camera -- it works!
It still comes down to this; it still distills into this: I slept well last night. Life is not a balance sheet. There are deals to be had in the future and I have not obviated that potential. - David LygaDavid, I like how you think/operate. Good on you!
It still comes down to this; it still distills into this: I slept well last night. Life is not a balance sheet. There are deals to be had in the future and I have not obviated that potential. - David Lyga
But David, what you describe here isn't a question of ethics. It is a question of a combination of pragmatism - I'll scratch their back if they scratch mine - plus paying attention to maintaining positive communication in order to foster a continuing relationship.I get whopping discounts on stuff that they want to get rid of. This is not B&H and, if I was there, I would have surely stood my ground. There will be future benefits to me after making this small concession. No one seems to want most of what they want to get rid of. For example, they 'throw away' perfectly good electronic flashes. Dealing with such stores can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, but, in the end, I will be better off maintaining my good relations.
Dali, not everything in life can be reduced to a simple mathematical equation, and it takes a certain amount of both maturity and bearing in order to elucidate the correct life equation for one's particular needs and sense of general rectitude. This equation must embody both objective and subjective elements. - David Lyga
You are trying to manufacture drama and an ethical dilemma where none exits. Much ado about nothing.
So would a better title to the thread be: "When-the-camera-you-buy-becomes-the-deciding-factor-for-how-you-feel-about-yourself"?I agree with you, Matt, that nothing would have been unethical, but let's let btayor be the arbiter here. For purposes of sanity. Thank you. - David Lyga
I would not had any difficulties with such deal. The price I paid would be known. Capitalist society rules urge an added value just for a re-sale. And the effort and time I spend would have to be considered too.I also would have felt awkward about entering into the transaction with the person whose store I bought it from.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?