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Horse Selling Etiquette - updated

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  • Horse Selling Etiquette - updated

    I have someone coming 2.5 hours each way Saturday to look at my horse for sale.
    Someone else just scheduled to see her on Friday (1 hour each way).

    Do I contact the Saturday person and tell them?
    What do I tell them?
    Do I tell the Friday person about the Saturday person?

    I know the Saturday person is plannning to bring their trailer, just in case.
    I don't know about the Friday person.

    Both are equally good homes that seem so far to be good potential matches.

    I don't want to play games or appear like I am playing games.
    I got caught up in the same situation when selling my house once and ended up with NO BUYER.
    ************************************************** ********

    UPDATE: No conflict at all. Tonight's tire kicker changed from wanting a sound trail horse for herself while we were talking on the phone to wanting a kids' lesson horse when she showed up. No, the horse is not suitable for that. She hung around anyway while the horse was worked to nitpick her. Then I got to wait while she tire kicked my trainer's sale horses since she had my trailer blocked in.

    Now Saturday's person just cancelled due to a death in the family.
    Last edited by Paddys Mom; Jan. 2, 2009, 09:13 PM. Reason: update

  • #2
    The Saturday buyer has a right to know that the horse may be sold on Friday. Well, maybe not a right, but it's the appropriate thing to do.

    If the Friday person buys the horse, you'll have to tell the Saturday person that the horse is no longer available in any case. Better to let them know there's a possibility, than just to broadside them with it.
    Homeopathy claims water can cure you since it once held medicine. That's like saying you can get sustenance from an empty plate because it once held food.

    Comment


    • #3
      This is what I would do:

      1) Tell both potential buyers about the other person. Discuss items 3 & 4, below, with Saturday Person to figure out how s/he feels about the various ways to proceed.

      2) If Friday Person wants the horse, s/he has two options:

      A) S/he buys the horse "as-is/where-is" for cash. The horse is now hers/his, free and clear.

      B) S/he may put down a non-refundable deposit to hold the horse for a short period of time -- no more than a week -- to arrange for a PPE. Assuming PPE is satisfactory to buyer, purchase price due by X date, period, no excuses. I wouldn't hold for any reason other than a PPE, personally. No holding for trainers, riding buddies, Great Aunt Tilly to come see the horse. No holding to consult with one's astrologist. Just for a PPE.

      You will continue to show horse to other interested buyers until Date X arrives. If no $$$ by that date, horse is available to next interested buyer; Friday person loses "dibs" on the horse.

      3) If Friday Person takes the horse immediately, call Saturday Person promptly to let him/her know the horse has been sold.

      4) If Friday Person puts down a deposit and the two of you sign a contract, let Saturday Person know that, as well. S/he may still want to come see the horse in case the proposed sale falls through, or may want to wait and see. Give him/her the option.

      5) Likewise, Saturday Person may put down a nonrefundable deposit and enter a contract to hold the horse pending her trying it (and a PPE) within a short timeframe. Same deal as in item 2B as far as you showing the horse; Friday Person is free to come try the horse.

      Now, you are also free to tell both potential buyers: First cash takes the horse, and let it be a race between the two. Personally, as both a seller and buyer, I think that tends to look rather unprofessional; I much prefer the more businesslike approach involving deposits and formal agreements.
      Equinox Equine Massage

      In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me invincible summer.
      -Albert Camus

      Comment


      • #4
        I would call Saturday person and tell them that someone is looking at the horse on Friday, and that you will call them back on Friday and let them know whether or not the horse is still available, or they could make the trip Thursday.

        When Friday person is there, if they like the horse but want to "think about it" you tell them that you have someone coming Saturday, so they either need to give you a non-refundable deposit, or the horse may not be there after Saturday.

        Just be up front and honest with both parties... you can't go wrong with honesty. I'd give the Saturday person the option to come sooner... or you can consider contacting the Friday persona nd requesting they come Sunday instead... but then if he sells Saturday, it might not bode well for you with the second party...
        Strong promoter of READING the entire post before responding.

        Comment


        • #5
          I wouldn't have scheduled the Friday person until after the Sat person--just me--that makes it easier on everyone.

          The Saturday person probably couldn't come before Sat due to the drive and at the time he/she made the appointment, there were no other interested parties and no sense of urgency.

          Given the situation now, I'd call the Friday person back and say, "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I have someone who is coming from out of town to see the horse on Sat...that was scheduled before I talked to you. I'm not sure of the etiquette in such a situation, but I feel like I should give them the first opportunity to buy since they made the appointment first. If you want to come out and try the horse Friday, that's fine, but I'm going to give the Saturday person the first option to buy."

          If the Friday person comes out and is interested, I'd draw up your contract contingent on the Saturday person passing. If Sat person wants to do a PPE to decide, give them a week.

          I think being transparent and honest is the best way to go.

          But that's not necessarily the best way to sell a horse. Best way to sell is to get cash in hand and send horse on its way to first one who shows up.
          A good horseman doesn't have to tell anyone...the horse already knows.

          Might be a reason, never an excuse...

          Comment


          • #6
            Kudos to you for having multiple prospective buyers at this time of year and in this economy

            If the Saturday person contacted you and made arrangements before the Friday person contacted you to make arrangements to see the horse, then perhaps the Saturday person is "first in line"? At any rate, I would let Saturday know about Friday and vice versa, and certainly keep Saturday informed about Friday's results. Keep things as flexible as possible so as not to put undue pressure on either party.

            Good luck!

            Comment


            • #7
              If the Friday person is really interested on Friday and has available funds THEN you have a decision to make.

              Do you secure and agree that sale? Of course you do if it's a good home and the funds are available.

              Then and only then would you phone to cancel the Saturday people. Or else you can explain you've someone interested, say subject to funds, and let them decide if they want to take a chance of first reserve.

              Etiquette - here anyways - is first come, first served.
              My personal experience is though that it's rare to secure the sale on the day of first viewing and it's also rare to agree the sale on just one meeting of prospective buyer.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by FindersKeepers View Post
                I would call Saturday person and tell them that someone is looking at the horse on Friday, and that you will call them back on Friday and let them know whether or not the horse is still available, or they could make the trip Thursday.

                When Friday person is there, if they like the horse but want to "think about it" you tell them that you have someone coming Saturday, so they either need to give you a non-refundable deposit, or the horse may not be there after Saturday.

                Just be up front and honest with both parties... you can't go wrong with honesty. I'd give the Saturday person the option to come sooner... or you can consider contacting the Friday persona nd requesting they come Sunday instead... but then if he sells Saturday, it might not bode well for you with the second party...
                That is exactly what I do and it happens a lot when selling horses. However, I do not accept deposits for the most part because people can be so flaky. I always show the horse until it is sold.
                http://www.benchmarksporthorses.com/

                Comment


                • #9
                  Since you already set up with the Saturday person then added the Friday appointment?

                  Don't think you need to call the Saturday person at all and I'd give them right of first refusal. Show the horse on Friday and if that party is interested, simply say the Saturday party was in line first BUT they are free to make a contingent offer and you will let them know in 24 hours.

                  It would be different if it was a week or something but 24 hours is pretty quick and you could go ahead and call the Friday people and just let them know another has a right of first refusal but will be out the next day so there would be an almost immediate resolution should all parties make offers.

                  Ya know...be careful you don't scare either of them off here. Highly unlikely both will make offers on the spot-hell, you'll be lucky if they both show up.

                  MAYBE call the Friday people...or not. No need to call the Sat buyers as you just let them have the first crack. And if they don't come forth with a check or arrangements and the Friday people did? They do on the spot or it is gone.

                  Oh...and "bringing the trailer" is not the same as bringing the check or cash. Don't let them take it unless it is sold.
                  When opportunity knocks it's wearing overalls and looks like work.

                  The horse world. Two people. Three opinions.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Your problem with talking too much about the prospective buyers is that you risk losing both. They won't want to travel far for an iffy thing. Wait and see what the first one says. They may not be interested and your issue goes away. If they are thinking it over say you have someone coming Sat. just fyi. That might prod them to decide faster--probably not the same day but they will be thinking about it. They will expect the Sat. person to be seriously thinking too and one of them might go for it.
                    If Friday is seriously interested, be upfront and say you feel you need to let the Sat. person see the horse, unless they are ready to pay for it as is on the spot. If they are, take the $ and call off the Sat. date.
                    I agree in hindsight it would have been good to make the Fri. person Sun.
                    Feast or famine isn't it?
                    http://TouchstoneAcres.com
                    Touchstone Acres Lipizzans, Standing N. Samira VI (Gray), N. XXIX-18(Black), more in 2014

                    Comment

                    • Original Poster

                      #11
                      Originally posted by findeight View Post
                      Ya know...be careful you don't scare either of them off here. Highly unlikely both will make offers on the spot-hell, you'll be lucky if they both show up.

                      Oh...and "bringing the trailer" is not the same as bringing the check or cash. Don't let them take it unless it is sold.
                      I am worried about scaring them off - making them feel pressured - "hurry and decide!"

                      And, being horse sales, I WILL be lucky if they both show up, despite the fact that they know I am trailering to meet them at my trainer's facility. Also, they could both decide they don't like her. Or they could both be tire kickers.

                      I need cash in hand to let her go - she is cheap enough.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by TouchstoneAcres View Post
                        Feast or famine isn't it?
                        Not really, nothing on the table yet. Haven't even both shown up to look yet so it is moot.

                        I wouldn't call either of them.
                        When opportunity knocks it's wearing overalls and looks like work.

                        The horse world. Two people. Three opinions.

                        Comment

                        • Original Poster

                          #13
                          Originally posted by TouchstoneAcres View Post
                          I agree in hindsight it would have been good to make the Fri. person Sun.
                          Originally, I offered the Saturday person Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday via email.
                          Before she got back to me, the Friday person called and we scheduled for Friday. At that point, I didn't know if the Saturday person would schedule or not, or when.
                          Then the Saturday person emailed me to say Saturday would be best.

                          I just don't want to mess this up!

                          Comment

                          • Original Poster

                            #14
                            Yeah, my last prospective buyer (20 minutes away) scheduled a time, called me 1/2 hour before to confirm, and then did not show or answer her cell phone.

                            She gave me the "kid fell and needed stitches" excuse via email and did not ask to reschedule.

                            I will say, that was probably a blessing in disguise, as my sale horse was feeling very frisky that day!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Paddys Mom View Post
                              I just don't want to mess this up!
                              Oh, you won't. Stop worrying.

                              Fact is, if you called either of them and said there was another interested party, they'd figure it was sales technique. A very common and centuries old way of pressuring the buyer that runs up a red flag.

                              Neither needs to know about the other. No point, really. No offers have been made and no deposits have been received to hold horse.

                              If Friday makes a full price offer and has the cash, you have plenty of time to call Saturday and say you are sorry but horse sold. Buyers do not and should not expect a horse held for them simply because they said they would come look. No offer, no deposit, no hold.

                              If Friday makes an offer but it is not full price, just say you will consider it and get back to them and make it clear you will still continue to market the horse. Then if Saturday does not offer full price or makes no offer, you can call Friday back and accept theirs or continue negotiations.

                              If Friday does not make an offer at all or no shows, you have no problem. either you sell the horse to Saturday or continue to market.

                              If it does snow in Cancun and you get 2 offers, take the higher.

                              You are not being deceptive here at all as no negotiations are under way and nobody has even looked at it yet.
                              When opportunity knocks it's wearing overalls and looks like work.

                              The horse world. Two people. Three opinions.

                              Comment


                              • #16
                                Talking too much will probably scare either buyer and make them think you are doing a salesman pitch on them.

                                If Friday person is serious but thinking about buying and not handing over money mention that you are going to continue showing the horse and first appropriate buyer with cash in hand gets the horse. I see no reason to say "I have someone scheduled for tomorrow". Just say you are going to continue showing the horse.

                                I would say the same thing to the Saturday buyer too.

                                Now if Friday buyer wants the horse and hands over cash I would call Saturday person and explain someone bought the horse. They do not need to know that they contacted you first but had the second appointment.

                                Comment


                                • #17
                                  Originally posted by findeight View Post
                                  Not really, nothing on the table yet. Haven't even both shown up to look yet so it is moot.

                                  I wouldn't call either of them.
                                  I agree with findeight. Nobody has even shown up yet, much less made an offer. Whoever gives you the money first owns the horse.

                                  Comment


                                  • #18
                                    As a seller those are the best options and most proffesional. You don't lose Saturday customer if Friday does not pan out.
                                    If they go for a PPE then definately a non-refundable deposit unless***horse fails exam.
                                    But the rub is if he fails and you go back to Saturday customer if they ask if or why he was not purchased you have to disclose he did not pass. As to actual vet results they belong to the purchaser of vetting.

                                    As long as you give Saturdays customer enough notice, and Fridays client is told up front after they try horse he is being seen the next day. Just so they do not feel strong armed into making a decision.


                                    3) If Friday Person takes the horse immediately, call Saturday Person promptly to let him/her know the horse has been sold.

                                    4) If Friday Person puts down a deposit and the two of you sign a contract, let Saturday Person know that, as well. S/he may still want to come see the horse in case the proposed sale falls through, or may want to wait and see. Give him/her the option.

                                    Comment

                                    • Original Poster

                                      #19
                                      Thanks, COTH'ers...I feel better already.
                                      Now let's see if I am minus one horse come Monday!

                                      Comment


                                      • #20
                                        I would call the Saturday person and tell them about the Friday person. I would never tell the Friday person they have to wait til after Saturday. Maybe the Saturday person cannot come til Saturday but the horse is for sale until sold. I would not take a deposit on a Friday showing if you have a Saturday one. I would allow her to put a deposit AFTER Saturday, and I wouldn't hold the horse for more then a week. I've been selling youngstock for a while now, and right about the time I think someone is serious and going to buy, they decide to lose the non refundable deposit, something came up, etc. I'm very empathetic and do unto others as I'd want them to do to me, but if I was going on Saturday to see a horse and someone wanted to come Friday, I would make the decision to either A- buy the horse outright or B- got sooner.
                                        Maria Hayes-Frosty Oak Stables
                                        Home to All Eyez On Me, 1998 16.2 Cleveland Bay Sporthorse Stallion
                                        & FrostyOak Hampton 2008 Pure Cleveland Bay Colt
                                        www.frostyoaks.com

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