|
|
  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
  
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I am not normally a big complainer, but the "I want to buy your 21 yr old crippled $500 broodmare for my novice 3yr old daughter's first barrel horse" is getting REDICULOUSLY OLD. And that is not even the start of it.
And another thing. I have answered over 5 emails just this week for potential buyers asking questions that are STATED RIGHT IN THE AD. Who they are bred to, if she was ever ridden, if the horse is broke etc etc. Please if you are on the look out for a horse (and I myself am shopping and wish more people would put more info in their ads) please read the entire ad, you just may find your questions already answered. Then you will know if the horse is something you are interested in. |
|
| |
|
 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
 
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV |  Hang in there! I have not sold in a long time but I hate every minute of it when I have to. Some people are just clueless  |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Thank you. I love these old mares and really don't want them ridden, they should just be kept happy and raise a few more babies (in smaller pastures). I have one that will be 18 and someone also wanted to make her a barrel horse. She probably hasn't been ridden since she was in race training as a 2yr old. It was also for a young child. I wouldn't think it would be worth the effort at her age, she may or may not be sound. I have no idea as we bought her as a broodmare years ago and that is all she has been for us. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 268
| I agree! I'm selling a greenbroke 5 year old mare and cannot count how many emails and calls I've gotten from people wanting a child's mount for their beginner novice. Yes she is a very sweet mare but AS STATED IN THE AD she is NOT a kids horse yet. Yeesh people. I wrote a book about her please read through it before contacting me. |
|
| |
|
I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | Yeah, well..... I want to buy your 21 year old crippled $500 broodmare and I'll pay you full price, but I'm going to ask that you cover shipping costs! I swear, why does WY have to be ALL the way across the country from here?!
|
|
| |
|
 The BHW Book Worm
Posts: 1768
| Ugh I feel for you I am not in the selling game in any way shape or form. When I do have a horse for sale and it's worth a couple dollars it normally sells it's self word of mouth or if I'm selling an animal to cut my losses I'm always very blunt and honnest about defects... it may annoy me more when I see that horse for sale months later and it's all of a sudden ridding sound ...I guess as long as my name isn't mentioned ugh. People just want something for nothing and it doesn't work that way. |
|
| |
|
 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | I totally get where you are coming from. When I had my old mare for sale, people knew how old she was, knew she had some arthritis, knew she was a kid's horse...then they tell me after coming to try her that she is too old. The age was in the ad! Grr...
Edited by mtcanchazer 2014-02-05 10:55 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Best of the Badlands
Location: You never know where I will show up...... | WrapSnap - 2014-02-05 9:34 PM Yeah, well..... I want to buy your 21 year old crippled $500 broodmare and I'll pay you full price, but I'm going to ask that you cover shipping costs! I swear, why does WY have to be ALL the way across the country from here?!
 |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | WrapSnap - 2014-02-05 8:34 PM Yeah, well..... I want to buy your 21 year old crippled $500 broodmare and I'll pay you full price, but I'm going to ask that you cover shipping costs! I swear, why does WY have to be ALL the way across the country from here?!
I think I have her sold somewhat locally. We'll see lol. I would sure get her to you if it didn't cost so dang much to ship |
|
| |
|
 Night Watchman
Posts: 5516
Location: Central Montana | I feel your frustration. I only had mine for sale a short time last fall and decided I'd rather keep her than deal with trying to sell her. If it is meant to be the right person will come along by word of mouth. |
|
| |
|
 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
Location: Texas | I had to sell a bunch a couple years ago when I went thru a divorce. To some, that translated into "I'm gonna offer her $300 for her $5,000 horse". Or, "will you send a video of your broodmare?" What do they want to see the broodmare do? Walk and graze?
I did deal with some good people too, but the fruit loops got the better of me. |
|
| |
|
Pig-Bear Dog Lover
| I had someone text and offer me $2800 for a horse listed at $8500 yesterday... Umm NO! And I just sold an older gelding but I had a lady come out and try him and say he's to old.... AFTER I spent the time to haul him out ect.. clearly stated his age in the add... I think a few people just want to joy ride and say they tried x number of horses before they made up their mind, even KNOWING it was not what they were looking for before coming out... oh well... |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | the broodmare video cracked me up. I guess I can see where they wouldn't want one the paddles as that is usually a sign of knees pointing too far in or out and that is a genetic trait. I have never asked for one, I think with good pictures you can see that for yourself...and thankfully have never had to take one. I do have them ask for one when I just told them they are out in a HUGE pasture with no corral. I am willing to do this, but it sometime takes time because I need my husband to help me run them in for it.
I have a cheap gelding right now because he hasn't had as much done with him as I like done (my husband did it while I was pregnant). I have it stated in all my ads that he isn't started yet and I have a video of him just moving around the round pen. He isn't a bit spastic in the video as I try to get him to move away from me. People STILL want to know if he has been saddled at least or ridden at all. Come on folks, for that price you are not going to get him riding! We pay $650-$800 for 30 days and they are usually REALLY riding because it is not just in a round pen or pasture. He is decently bred, sound and decent looking. I do want him sold and have knocked off some of his price for those asking that would have to haul him.
Then some try to offer 1/2 because he is "untouched"ummm no, he is halter broke, just not to my standards. I have had people want all kinds of things done with him. I did just stick him with a measuring stick for height. I didn't mind trying it, just told her I didn't know if he would be cool with the idea. My super gentle HUS prospect hates seeing that thing coming at him.
I have made a ton of neat friends selling horses, I have 5-6 that I chat with almost daily on facebook, but it is still so so stressful. Politeness can be everything and some days it is hard to bite your tongue (or control your fingers on what you type). |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Fun2Run - 2014-02-05 10:25 PM I had to sell a bunch a couple years ago when I went thru a divorce. To some, that translated into "I'm gonna offer her $300 for her $5,000 horse". Or, "will you send a video of your broodmare?" What do they want to see the broodmare do? Walk and graze?
I did deal with some good people too, but the fruit loops got the better of me.
That's sad some of the offers. My worst case was a $4500 horse that some woman called about and offered $1500 because that was all she had to spend. She said I should be happy that she was upfront with what she had available and when I said we wouldn't sell him for that she was very upset. I was supposed to take her offer because she was upfront????
She also said her trainer said this horse would be perfect for her and that was another reason I should sell him. I held out and a local young girl bought him for a jumper. My husband about croaked though because he had 60 days ranch riding as a 3yr old and she shows up with her flat saddle and hops on. He was a gentle giant and they were a match made in heaven, but still! |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: lone star state | If people are asking questions already addressed in the ad, simply do not respond. That's a good sign they are tire kickers! If I'm really interested and ready to buy today I'm going to thoroughly read ad watch videos do any research that may be neccessary before even attempting to go look at horse or communicate with the seller. |
|
| |
|
Who Wants to Trade?
Posts: 4692
| I love yearling sales....and Heritage place! LOL!!!!
Privately it seems I sell client horses a lot faster than my own.
My FAVORITE questions are the ones about horses we sold YEARS ago....then people get mad we don't still have them. I don't keep horses....they expire in September of their yearling year at my house LOL! |
|
| |
|
 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I feel your pain.
I might have my colt "sold." actually trading him for a mare that sounds perfect for my mom! I'm going to see her next Friday.
My gelding I haven't had much luck on. at all. no calls or emails or anything. Have had local interest for people that have seen him run and win, but no follow through. someone did tell me that she was interested but he was over priced for a "solid 2D horse, even though she's seen him run 1D." Okay- well, typically, when you want to negotiate on price, you start at a different angle. Because negotiations ended right there. LOL. Also, when someone says OBO or make offer, or price negotiable, that typically insinuates that the price is negotiable and not firm anyway. but whatever! He's my go to money winner anyway :P oh darn I get to run him at Diamonds and Dirt! |
|
| |
|
 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
|
I feel this pain!! ALL of my mares have come from at least halfway across the country. And then one from the opposite coast, one from BC, and one from SD!! |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 898
Location: Mountains of VA | firewaterfuelsme - 2014-02-06 9:35 AM If people are asking questions already addressed in the ad, simply do not respond. That's a good sign they are tire kickers! If I'm really interested and ready to buy today I'm going to thoroughly read ad watch videos do any research that may be neccessary before even attempting to go look at horse or communicate with the seller.
My response to those "buyers" who seem to not be able to read............Thank you so much for your interest. Please re-read the ad and it will answer all your questions. |
|
| |
|
Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 8:08 AM Fun2Run - 2014-02-05 10:25 PM I had to sell a bunch a couple years ago when I went thru a divorce. To some, that translated into "I'm gonna offer her $300 for her $5,000 horse". Or, "will you send a video of your broodmare?" What do they want to see the broodmare do? Walk and graze?
I did deal with some good people too, but the fruit loops got the better of me. That's sad some of the offers. My worst case was a $4500 horse that some woman called about and offered $1500 because that was all she had to spend. She said I should be happy that she was upfront with what she had available and when I said we wouldn't sell him for that she was very upset. I was supposed to take her offer because she was upfront????
She also said her trainer said this horse would be perfect for her and that was another reason I should sell him. I held out and a local young girl bought him for a jumper. My husband about croaked though because he had 60 days ranch riding as a 3yr old and she shows up with her flat saddle and hops on. He was a gentle giant and they were a match made in heaven, but still!
We sell cars for a living, and we get that a lot...people offering $2000-$3000 less than our asking price, and I don't know what people think, but I would say at least if not more than 97% of our cars don't have that kind of mark up.
However, I do have a funny story...someone once called and asked what color the blue Malibu was...still cracks me up. And there was a picture of it on the ad.  |
|
| |
|
Location: Down South Mississippi | I sell quite a few and I have come to realize that when a person emails or texts with questions that are stated clearly in the ad, they are just rying to engage in a conversation. I do not respond anymore to them. They usually are not serious buyers. Serious buyers will call. I also won't waist my time making videos for a person that asks through an email. Like I said if they are serious they will call. |
|
| |
|
Location: Down South Mississippi | Oh I wanted to ad. I love it when they ask if you will knock $1k off the price since it will cost so much to ship them across the US. Um no, maybe you should be looking closer to home or within you budget! |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I have actually sold the majority of my horses the past 3 yrs by email or facebook message only. My phone number is always listed and I will call asap if they ever give me a phone number, but I have no issues with dealing through computer only, it's just the other issues I get tired of dealing with. |
|
| |
|
 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
Location: Oklahoma | motherof2 - 2014-02-06 8:14 PM
I sell quite a few and I have come to realize that when a person emails or texts with questions that are stated clearly in the ad, they are just rying to engage in a conversation. I do not respond anymore to them. They usually are not serious buyers. Serious buyers will call. I also won't waist my time making videos for a person that asks through an email. Like I said if they are serious they will call.
Really?? I would just as soon have someone email because then I can remember what was asked and gone over. Unfortunately, on a phone call (especially if I'm talking to several different people) I can't remember what I've gone over and what I haven't. If I have emails, I can go back and check. I've sold more than one horse w/o ever talking to the person....the deal was done entirely over email. If I didn't deal with anyone unless they called, I'd miss out on a lot of sales, I think. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| motherof2 - 2014-02-06 6:18 PM
Oh I wanted to ad. I love it when they ask if you will knock $1k off the price since it will cost so much to ship them across the US. Um no, maybe you should be looking closer to home or within you budget!
And I saved a bunch of $$ by buying one of Krystal's horses and driving out there from California myself. Not only was it a fun adventure, but buying the horse from out there and going to get it was STILL cheaper than the same horse would have been here.
I HATE selling horses, but if friends ask me to sell theirs I will, but it's by word of mouth only. I don't do ads...I find trying to sell my tack through ads annoying enough as it is. Don't want to add to my irritation by posting the horses. |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | RodeoCowgirl4u - 2014-02-06 10:40 PM motherof2 - 2014-02-06 6:18 PM Oh I wanted to ad. I love it when they ask if you will knock $1k off the price since it will cost so much to ship them across the US. Um no, maybe you should be looking closer to home or within you budget! And I saved a bunch of $$ by buying one of Krystal's horses and driving out there from California myself. Not only was it a fun adventure, but buying the horse from out there and going to get it was STILL cheaper than the same horse would have been here. I HATE selling horses, but if friends ask me to sell theirs I will, but it's by word of mouth only. I don't do ads...I find trying to sell my tack through ads annoying enough as it is. Don't want to add to my irritation by posting the horses.
 And you called! You and another woman that I have been talking with now, both prefer to call. I think you get a better idea of the person you are dealing with that way. But emails are ok too.
I have found with looking at saddles online, a lot of people don't have many pictures. So far most have been willing to take more, but I would think it would be much easier to have the pictures ready for when you post the saddle ad.
Ah isn't selling things FUN. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | I have been offered $1500 for my well bred mare in foal to a proven son of DTF, who's stud fee alone is $1500. I just politely tell them no.
PS. I would totally buy your "untouched" gelding AND your Vegas x Sixarun filly in a heartbeat if I sold my mare! LOVE them both  |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
| i've got a prospect for sale right now and my finished horse for sale.
I've had my prospect sold twice now. made all the arrangements for shipping then that day they back out. so fustrating. I had one girl offer me 3 grand less than my asking price and wanted me to pay for the vet check.... ugh
But I have a lady coming to try her tomorrow, heres hoping the 3rd times the charm
And I've had to many tire kickers over my gelding. He only has one eye, and I get it who wants a horse with one eye, but he is the most honest horse in the world, and from the videos I have posted you can see both myself and a youth make a run on him and its his hardest turning barrel. I've been looking at some of the ads and I have him listed to sell, you cant buy 1d barrel horses, or highschool rodeo placers for that kinda money, but with one eye I kinda need to price him that way. without a doubt if the right girl bought him he would take her to nationals. But iv had so many ppl just ask why he lost his eye and then say "oh I was just curious, I dont wanna buy him"
Oh well, I'll keep running him and make money off him till he sells.... but I really need a new trailer..  |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1586
Location: west of East Texas | I think if you don't want to sell a horse by email, then you shouldn't be advertising it on the internet. I bought my last seven horses from web ads, traveled 1000+ miles in some cases to get them, and every one of them started with email communication. If the emails progressed nicely, the phone calls followed. It saves me a lot of time weeding through what might work out for my situation and what wouldn't. I also never ask if the seller will reduce the price. If I have tried the horse I know what it is worth to me and I offer that price. Seller can choose what to do from there.
Edited by chasendacash 2014-02-07 9:45 AM
|
|
| |
|
 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | chasendacash - 2014-02-07 9:16 AM I think you don't want to sell a horse by email, then you shouldn't be advertising it on the internet. I bought my last seven horses from web ads, traveled 1000+ miles in some cases to get them, and every one of them started with email communication first. If the emails progressed nicely, the phone calls followed. It saves me a lot of time weeding through what might work out for my situation and what wouldn't. I also never ask if the seller will reduce the price. If I have tried the horse I know what it is worth to me and I offer that price. Seller can choose what to do from there.
I hate talking on the phone. Hate it. If I can complete a deal through email and text, I will. When I sold my horse trailer last year, the whole thing was done by texting--we did not speak until she picked up the trailer. I'm good with that. And it really is easier, like Diane Guinn said, because you have a record of the conversation to refer back to. Plus, I don't have a good filter on my mouth, so typing out gives me time to think about what I'm saying. LOL |
|
| |
|
You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I love emails. I can get all clammed up when someone calls about a horse, you know just being caught up doing other things or it's just not a good time to take a call. So I always feel like I should have added more info after the call is over. Emails I like because I can weed through potential buyers, answer questions, and then progress to a phone call.
I have bought several horses where the first time we actually spoke was when I pulled up at their house. texting, emails, doesn't necessarily mean you aren't serious. Likewise, if I feel like there's a horse who will slip through my fingers if I don't act in on NOW, I will call right then.
Edited by casualdust07 2014-02-07 9:41 AM
|
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 8:37 AM I love emails. I can get all clammed up when someone calls about a horse, you know just being caught up doing other things or it's just not a good time to take a call. So I always feel like I should have added more info after the call is over. Emails I like because I can weed through potential buyers, answer questions, and then progress to a phone call. I have bought several horses where the first time we actually spoke was when I pulled up at their house. texting, emails, doesn't necessarily mean you aren't serious. Likewise, if I feel like there's a horse who will slip through my fingers if I don't act in on NOW, I will call right then.
I have 5yr old and 1yr old boys. The EXACT minute they choose to run around screaming is when someone calls about something important.  |
|
| |
|
You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-07 10:15 AM
casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 8:37 AM I love emails. I can get all clammed up when someone calls about a horse, you know just being caught up doing other things or it's just not a good time to take a call. So I always feel like I should have added more info after the call is over. Emails I like because I can weed through potential buyers, answer questions, and then progress to a phone call. I have bought several horses where the first time we actually spoke was when I pulled up at their house. texting, emails, doesn't necessarily mean you aren't serious. Likewise, if I feel like there's a horse who will slip through my fingers if I don't act in on NOW, I will call right then.
I have 5yr old and 1yr old boys. The EXACT minute they choose to run around screaming is when someone calls about something important.
Yep. the most recent one I had was when I was in the middle of trying to catch my unhappy cat, and get her in her carrier so I could go back to my apartment from my parents house. It's a 2 hour drive as it is, and time was just being WASTED trying to get this cat from under my mom's bed. Of course, I get a call about a horse. |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | WYOracer - 2014-02-07 8:12 AM I have been offered $1500 for my well bred mare in foal to a proven son of DTF, who's stud fee alone is $1500. I just politely tell them no.
PS. I would totally buy your "untouched" gelding AND your Vegas x Sixarun filly in a heartbeat if I sold my mare! LOVE them both
Thank you. I just think buyers really need to re think their offers. I actually hate making offers myself. I just did on 2 mares when that is all it said in the ad. Well I shot them what they would honestly bring in a sale like the Heritage. Both are open, one is older. He countered with a pretty high one and I said no thank you. Then he countered with a little more than my offer, which we are now debating some over it.
I know some sellers think way to highly of their horses, so if a horse that is worth $2000 is priced at $6000 and you offer $2K, most likely you are going to insult them. When I am shopping, I just stick to horses maybe $1000 over what I am wanting to spend. I may get them talked down $500 or more, or I may find out they are worth that extra $1000. |
|
| |
|
Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 10:17 AM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-07 10:15 AM casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 8:37 AM I love emails. I can get all clammed up when someone calls about a horse, you know just being caught up doing other things or it's just not a good time to take a call. So I always feel like I should have added more info after the call is over. Emails I like because I can weed through potential buyers, answer questions, and then progress to a phone call. I have bought several horses where the first time we actually spoke was when I pulled up at their house. texting, emails, doesn't necessarily mean you aren't serious. Likewise, if I feel like there's a horse who will slip through my fingers if I don't act in on NOW, I will call right then. I have 5yr old and 1yr old boys. The EXACT minute they choose to run around screaming is when someone calls about something important. Yep. the most recent one I had was when I was in the middle of trying to catch my unhappy cat, and get her in her carrier so I could go back to my apartment from my parents house. It's a 2 hour drive as it is, and time was just being WASTED trying to get this cat from under my mom's bed. Of course, I get a call about a horse.
it's inevitable that people will call at the wrong time, or the kids decide it's a good time to start screaming at each other, or that they're hungry or somehow need mama's attention NOW. I know I lost one potential buyer last year because I was evil on the phone. I should have asked if I could call back later instead of trying to talk right then...lesson learned on that. |
|
| |
|
 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | Yep I hear ya. When I was selling my broodmare.....I seriously had like 40 emails from people asking if she was broke and would make a good barrel horse.....when clearly it stated in the ad that she wasn't sound.
|
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1001
Location: Kansas | Well I will say as a potential buyer here is something I have ran into that is a peeve of mine.
I inquired about a horse listed on a site via email. Ad had one photo, said horse had been used for roping and running barrels. There was no phone number to call. So again I emailed, requesting more info on said horse and asked for video of the horse working the pattern or video period. Response was no video but can text you photos. Ok, give my number received photos of the horse running barrels....... ok.. text back any conf shots? The response was only what is in the ad.... the ad had one photo several feet back and horse looked to either have a scar on it's side or a shadow.... She sends another message saying she could take some this week but ONLY if I was serious about the horse....
Seriously? I know I am seriously looking but how do I know your current photo's arent going to show that your horse has a knee the size of a basketball etc.? I really wanted to respond with something snarky because it really ticked me off but I chose to just not respond because the person isnt obviously serious about selling.
Or another one... again inquired about horse for sale via email, no phone number was listed and the person sends me the wrong registered name, sends correct name and offers to get current video of horse riding that weekend and send photos.... never got anything have emailed several times now with no response. Ad is still on.
What is the point of listing a horse for sale if your not going to put a phone number, your not going to respond to inquiries and your not going to follow up with your offer of photos/ video. I would think that one would already have current video and cof pics put together before listing a horse for sale, but again what do I know.
Done ranting... prospective buying is just as frustrating lol |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Three 4 Luck - 2014-02-07 9:22 AM casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 10:17 AM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-07 10:15 AM casualdust07 - 2014-02-07 8:37 AM I love emails. I can get all clammed up when someone calls about a horse, you know just being caught up doing other things or it's just not a good time to take a call. So I always feel like I should have added more info after the call is over. Emails I like because I can weed through potential buyers, answer questions, and then progress to a phone call. I have bought several horses where the first time we actually spoke was when I pulled up at their house. texting, emails, doesn't necessarily mean you aren't serious. Likewise, if I feel like there's a horse who will slip through my fingers if I don't act in on NOW, I will call right then. I have 5yr old and 1yr old boys. The EXACT minute they choose to run around screaming is when someone calls about something important. Yep. the most recent one I had was when I was in the middle of trying to catch my unhappy cat, and get her in her carrier so I could go back to my apartment from my parents house. It's a 2 hour drive as it is, and time was just being WASTED trying to get this cat from under my mom's bed. Of course, I get a call about a horse.
I swear my friends think I have turrets syndrome. We'll be talking along and all of a sudden I scream at one of the kids. My boys are heathens though, WILD this winter because they have been stuck in the house so much with the cold weather. |
|
| |
|
I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | If I am REALLY interested I will call. If The person doesn't answer I will email. I have sold a gelding using mostly email, they did't talk to me on the phone until they were coming to get him. some people are really shy and prefer to use email. Others however are tire kickers. If I get an email asking what is already listed in the advertisement or for more pics I reply back the info is in the advertisement. I think the hardest horse to find is a true kids horse that anyone can ride!!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | kscanchsnglaziergal - 2014-02-07 9:33 AM Well I will say as a potential buyer here is something I have ran into that is a peeve of mine. I inquired about a horse listed on a site via email. Ad had one photo, said horse had been used for roping and running barrels. There was no phone number to call. So again I emailed, requesting more info on said horse and asked for video of the horse working the pattern or video period. Response was no video but can text you photos. Ok, give my number received photos of the horse running barrels....... ok.. text back any conf shots? The response was only what is in the ad.... the ad had one photo several feet back and horse looked to either have a scar on it's side or a shadow.... She sends another message saying she could take some this week but ONLY if I was serious about the horse.... Seriously? I know I am seriously looking but how do I know your current photo's arent going to show that your horse has a knee the size of a basketball etc.? I really wanted to respond with something snarky because it really ticked me off but I chose to just not respond because the person isnt obviously serious about selling. Or another one... again inquired about horse for sale via email, no phone number was listed and the person sends me the wrong registered name, sends correct name and offers to get current video of horse riding that weekend and send photos.... never got anything have emailed several times now with no response. Ad is still on. What is the point of listing a horse for sale if your not going to put a phone number, your not going to respond to inquiries and your not going to follow up with your offer of photos/ video. I would think that one would already have current video and cof pics put together before listing a horse for sale, but again what do I know. Done ranting... prospective buying is just as frustrating lol I agree, really do. I have trouble with videos because I am home alone. Most of my horses are out in pasture and it takes 2 and sometimes all day just to get them in. Then I have weather to deal with. This time of year is snow and ice. In the summer/spring I have rain. Our roads aren't graveled and they are like snot out to the pastures and impossible to get a vehicle out there.
Then if I do get them in, I have no one around to run the video camera. My 5yr old would love to try, but I can see him videoing me riding one second and the next videoing a beetle crawling on the ground.
Most of what I sell, isn't riding age anyways though. I am always willing to try and get what the buyers want. I know it's tough for both sides.
Edited by wyoming barrel racer 2014-02-07 10:41 AM
|
|
| |
|
 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | dianeguinn - 2014-02-07 12:16 AM motherof2 - 2014-02-06 8:14 PM I sell quite a few and I have come to realize that when a person emails or texts with questions that are stated clearly in the ad, they are just rying to engage in a conversation. I do not respond anymore to them. They usually are not serious buyers. Serious buyers will call. I also won't waist my time making videos for a person that asks through an email. Like I said if they are serious they will call. Really?? I would just as soon have someone email because then I can remember what was asked and gone over. Unfortunately, on a phone call (especially if I'm talking to several different people ) I can't remember what I've gone over and what I haven't. If I have emails, I can go back and check. I've sold more than one horse w/o ever talking to the person....the deal was done entirely over email. If I didn't deal with anyone unless they called, I'd miss out on a lot of sales, I think.
I agree. I bought a mare off RockinAS two years ago and we never spoke on the phone. We didn't need to. I didn't need to remember any information that she gave me because it was all typed out on email. Plus I think better when I can type/text.... sometimes I can't think of all my questions on the phone, and hate to call people back because I know everyone is busy.
With the new age of the internet and social media, online horse buying is normal for me. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1642
Location: Kansas | wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 9:08 AM Fun2Run - 2014-02-05 10:25 PM I had to sell a bunch a couple years ago when I went thru a divorce. To some, that translated into "I'm gonna offer her $300 for her $5,000 horse". Or, "will you send a video of your broodmare?" What do they want to see the broodmare do? Walk and graze?
I did deal with some good people too, but the fruit loops got the better of me. That's sad some of the offers. My worst case was a $4500 horse that some woman called about and offered $1500 because that was all she had to spend. She said I should be happy that she was upfront with what she had available and when I said we wouldn't sell him for that she was very upset. I was supposed to take her offer because she was upfront????
She also said her trainer said this horse would be perfect for her and that was another reason I should sell him. I held out and a local young girl bought him for a jumper. My husband about croaked though because he had 60 days ranch riding as a 3yr old and she shows up with her flat saddle and hops on. He was a gentle giant and they were a match made in heaven, but still!
I have been helping my neighbor advertise his horses and I have had 1 lady email me several times over a 4 month time period with a sob story of wanting a buckskin mare well broke for $500 because that is all she has to spend and she hasn't rode in several years and wants to get back into it and wants to know if any of his 3 BRED broodmares would be suited for her and if he would come down from $2000- $3000 asking prices to the $500 she has. I politely emailed her back the first several times explaing that no he would not come down that much and they haven't been rode in X amount of years. Finally I thought she may be a scammer so I turned her in to the site that she kept emailing from because I just thought that was weird that a person would keep emailing about the same horses all the time. Well apparently it made her mad and she sent me some nasty emails back about it. Finally in the end she appologized for it but still, the headache.  |
|
| |
|
Location: Philly | everyone is different. a couple of texts or an email or two and that is about it. a phone call can find out additional good/bad things email/texting won't. that way you know who and the situation that you are dealing with |
|
| |
|
Night Watchman
Posts: 5516
Location: Central Montana | kscanchsnglaziergal - 2014-02-07 9:33 AM Well I will say as a potential buyer here is something I have ran into that is a peeve of mine. I inquired about a horse listed on a site via email. Ad had one photo, said horse had been used for roping and running barrels. There was no phone number to call. So again I emailed, requesting more info on said horse and asked for video of the horse working the pattern or video period. Response was no video but can text you photos. Ok, give my number received photos of the horse running barrels....... ok.. text back any conf shots? The response was only what is in the ad.... the ad had one photo several feet back and horse looked to either have a scar on it's side or a shadow.... She sends another message saying she could take some this week but ONLY if I was serious about the horse.... Seriously? I know I am seriously looking but how do I know your current photo's arent going to show that your horse has a knee the size of a basketball etc.? I really wanted to respond with something snarky because it really ticked me off but I chose to just not respond because the person isnt obviously serious about selling. Or another one... again inquired about horse for sale via email, no phone number was listed and the person sends me the wrong registered name, sends correct name and offers to get current video of horse riding that weekend and send photos.... never got anything have emailed several times now with no response. Ad is still on. What is the point of listing a horse for sale if your not going to put a phone number, your not going to respond to inquiries and your not going to follow up with your offer of photos/ video. I would think that one would already have current video and cof pics put together before listing a horse for sale, but again what do I know. Done ranting... prospective buying is just as frustrating lol
True, buying is frustrating as well. I swear some people really don't want to sell their horses. Ok, well, maybe they think their horses should sell without putting any work into it.
I was in the market for a trained reiner last fall. It took me a long time to find one that was within my budget and was further along than the mare I have been showing the last couple of years. I emailed first, got photos, video, then called. The previous owner usually calls about once a month or so to see how the horses is doing and I send photos and video when I get some so he knows the gelding he sold me is in good hands and doing well. I weeded through a lot of horses in my search, some people not getting back to me, some people not having good photos or good video, heck some that had NO video.
I bought a mare from 1Left2Right several years ago. I told her if I ever sold her I would guarantee that that if I sold her I would find as good of or a better home than the mare had with me. I had her for sale off and on for over 2 years before the perfect people came along. A single mom and her now teenage daughter. Who would have know that in the off season my former barrel and pole horse is one h$ll of a skijorring horse (she'd never done it before.) They are also a tough barrel duo, and would be in poles if they could leave them all up more often. They are doing great, I get photos and videos of them all year long and made some great new friends in the deal. |
|
| |
|
Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | I personally like to deal in email as much as I can when asking questions because I know I will forget to ask something important, then I have to call back or whatever. And I get tongue tied when talking on the phone. But if I can at least start through email, then I can get a general idea and ask questions. Then if the answers are what I'm looking for, then I'll try calling. I also feel that when I email I don't interrupt that person's day by calling because they can look at their email whenever they have time.
One thing that gets me is when it says serious inquiries only, and they don't put very much info about the horse (or car or whatever I'm looking at). How would I know if I was serious by a two sentence description? |
|
| |
|
Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I'm loving this thread!! I'm hopefully (!!) going to be able to buy something within next few weeks/month and I love seeing all the input on communication styles. I'm glad to see e-mail is widely acceptable.
I have a question for the sellers. I have found a gelding I really like and went to go see. The seller has some good conformation pictures and about 3-4 videos of the horse. I would essentially be tire kicking if I was to inquire about any other information or to say "I love your gelding, but I'm trying to work the financials out with my husband.. hope to try him soon"..etc.
Is email still preferred to a phone call if you're asking about trying the horse out and not just to gather more pictures and videos? |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | motherof2 - 2014-02-06 8:14 PM
I sell quite a few and I have come to realize that when a person emails or texts with questions that are stated clearly in the ad, they are just rying to engage in a conversation. I do not respond anymore to them. They usually are not serious buyers. Serious buyers will call. I also won't waist my time making videos for a person that asks through an email. Like I said if they are serious they will call.
I ALWAYS deal in emails and rarely call until I'm sending money. I'm not tire kicking it is simply that I'm usually looking at two or three horses of similar training, talent, and value and keeping them straight is sometimes confusing. I can always go back to the email and refresh my memory on what the owner said. Then when I get the videos I can refer from the videos to what the owner stated and if I have further questions go from there. If the ad answers all of my questions and includes good videos then maybe I'll call first but most times I still have questions after reading the ad so I email.
To add to this I live in Canada and buy 95% of the horses from the US (all over the US) so when it's a good time for me to call it may not be a good time for the owner due to time differences so email works best for me.
Then if the horse isn't what I'm looking for I simply send them a thank you email letting them know that it's not what I'm looking for and thanking them for their time. |
|
| |
|
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | RunNitroRun - 2014-02-08 5:07 PM motherof2 - 2014-02-06 8:14 PM I sell quite a few and I have come to realize that when a person emails or texts with questions that are stated clearly in the ad, they are just rying to engage in a conversation. I do not respond anymore to them. They usually are not serious buyers. Serious buyers will call. I also won't waist my time making videos for a person that asks through an email. Like I said if they are serious they will call. I ALWAYS deal in emails and rarely call until I'm sending money. I'm not tire kicking it is simply that I'm usually looking at two or three horses of similar training, talent, and value and keeping them straight is sometimes confusing. I can always go back to the email and refresh my memory on what the owner said. Then when I get the videos I can refer from the videos to what the owner stated and if I have further questions go from there. If the ad answers all of my questions and includes good videos then maybe I'll call first but most times I still have questions after reading the ad so I email. To add to this I live in Canada and buy 95% of the horses from the US (all over the US ) so when it's a good time for me to call it may not be a good time for the owner due to time differences so email works best for me. Then if the horse isn't what I'm looking for I simply send them a thank you email letting them know that it's not what I'm looking for and thanking them for their time.
I know as a seller, I sure appreciate this. Especially if I have several people inquiring on a horse. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 264
| I am currently in the process of selling my gelding. I have never sold a horse before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Now I never want to do it again.
A family from across the country decided they wanted him, said they would put a down payment on him and have a shipper out there in 2 weeks. Sent the contract out right away. About a week later when I still hadn't received it back I contacted them, apparently they had a family emergency and weren't able to pay the full deposit. They offered me a little less than half of the deposit which I accepted.
Few weeks later than he was supposed to be shipped (because of weather) I still hadn't received any payment. Fast forward 2 more months and dragging this on. I finally confronted them and said they need to come up with the money or he is going to be listed again. They decided they didn't want him after my "pushy" attitude.
Almost 11 weeks of being dragged along they walk away. Blocked and deleted so I couldn't make contact. No thank you for being understanding and holding him for us. Nothing.
So now he is back up for sale....yippee I get to deal with this all over. But now I have learned my lesson, this is business, there are no favors. |
|
| |
|
 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | turnedout - 2014-02-08 9:02 PM I am currently in the process of selling my gelding. I have never sold a horse before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Now I never want to do it again. A family from across the country decided they wanted him, said they would put a down payment on him and have a shipper out there in 2 weeks. Sent the contract out right away. About a week later when I still hadn't received it back I contacted them, apparently they had a family emergency and weren't able to pay the full deposit. They offered me a little less than half of the deposit which I accepted. Few weeks later than he was supposed to be shipped (because of weather ) I still hadn't received any payment. Fast forward 2 more months and dragging this on. I finally confronted them and said they need to come up with the money or he is going to be listed again. They decided they didn't want him after my "pushy" attitude. Almost 11 weeks of being dragged along they walk away. Blocked and deleted so I couldn't make contact. No thank you for being understanding and holding him for us. Nothing. So now he is back up for sale....yippee I get to deal with this all over. But now I have learned my lesson, this is business, there are no favors.
I hope that you kept the deposit.  |
|
| |
|
 Strong Willed Woman
Posts: 6577
Location: Prosser, WA | It always so interesting to me to read these threads. Some people seem to think that anyone that contacts them should end up buying their horse. That would be like a car salesman expecting every person that walks in to the dealership to buy a car. I also think if more people treated selling a horse like a business transaction things would probably go much more smoothly. Not pointing this post at anyone just something I've noticed. |
|
| |
Selling horses might be the single most frustrating thing.