Fair Deal or Not?

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A Craig Listing here for...HOBART stickmate 225AC/DC welder, 225 Amps A/C, 150 Amps D/C. In excellent condition, used maybe a dozen times, comes with 30 foot cables, high quality ground clamp and rodholder, selection of welding rod and auto-darkening helmet.$300.00
Reply:I have been looking for a stick welder. I'm not sure why but I have. I don't have need a mask but 200-250 for the machine I would go for. Seems to be in great shape too.
Reply:I live in Eastern Canada and I think by the time you ship it ( if they are willing ) and pay to get it across the border, I don't think it would be worth it. Plus you need to take someone's work for it that it works proper. I have seen similar unit on kijiji.ca for around the same price. Keep an eye open and i am sure you will find something.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:you need to buy it now.  that is a steal
Reply:Hey jamlit, the Criag list is almost local - just 1.5 hour drive away.  I'd go pick it up - no shipping and no border crossing involved.  I've been watching other listings within a 2.5 hour driving radius; the price is usually similar but no helmet.Salem747 - like I said prices here in Canada tend to be higher than USA so your 200-250 can easily reach 300 here.  Also, look at the machine - not a mark on it.Rick V
Reply:You answered your own question--- A $650 unit with at least a $50-100 AD hood in perfect condition for $300.... around here an AC only with the hood would bring almost that amount in that condition...It wouldn't touch an AC/DC unit without the hood. That thing doesn't look like it was ever used or only gently used...Some folks actually take care of their machines.I've got a buddy with the AC only version that's 3 months old and looks like it's been used hard for years already (abuse-not use) he gave $360 for it and wants the AC/DC instead...He'll be lucky to see $150-200 on his unit just because of it's visual condition. Burned labels,scrapes,scratches...no excuse for abuse.Bottom line--- Fair Deal for the purchaser and the seller if it operates as good as it looks...for that AC/DC unit....better deal for the purchaser IMO,but it never hurts to offer $250-275 if you're of a mind to. I'd do that in person with cash in hand if I wanted it...the next guy might get it otherwise.For Example---http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/1699294417.html  http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tls/1696005491.html    http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/tls/1674181065.htmlNO AD hood with any of them and none under $300 or even close to that condition...Last edited by mudbugone; 04-29-2010 at 09:30 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick VHey jamlit, the Criag list is almost local - just 1.5 hour drive away.  I'd go pick it up - no shipping and no border crossing involved.  I've been watching other listings within a 2.5 hour driving radius; the price is usually similar but no helmet.Rick V
Reply:go with cash in hand, and if it welds ok.........buy it"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Hey jamlit, in reality the seller is 'dancing'.I called him this morning at 7:30 AM and he couldn't give me a time to come and see it because he had to go to work but wasn't sure for how long.  He said he call me back.One hour later he called back and said someone else had called last night about the welder and asked him to hold it until Friday.  The seller said he talked to the other buyer this morning and that buyer pleaded with him to hold it till Friday (couldn't get off work to pick it up today) and the seller told me theat buyer even offered him more money.The seller claimed a fit of concience and didn't know what to do.  He'd been stung before holding somethig for someone who never showed but he felt obligated to be fair to the other buyer.I said it was his call - that my wife just went to the bank to get the cash.  (Hey, maybe he was fishing for me to raise my offer?  I didn't go there.)  Anyway, he said he would think about it all and call me back - still waiting.Fun eh?Rick V
Reply:That sucks. If he lived closer, I would have gone to the door with cash showing. For someone to call long distance makes something sell funny to me but You never know though.I hope it works out for you though. Sometimes things happen for a reason, it just takes awhile for us to figure that out. Best of luck.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Similar story--- I listed a Terra-Jet on Craigs list & Kijiji Ads for months --at $600 --results-- no takers  Moved it to a guys house on the easy payment plan... within 2 days had 3 other offers for more $$$ if I'd retreive it and they had CASH. I declined ---that was 6 months ago---results--- I've yet to receive a dime payment from the guy that swore he wanted it---He wanted it alright ...He just didn't want to pay for it I guess... I need to cut that $#!+ out
Reply:Time is ticking... been 2.5 hours since this scene started.So I am wondering... should I phone the seller and see what he 'really' wants?I don't want to go more that $350 tops.Any suggestions?Rick V
Reply:It's all depends on what you are willing to pay and go through to get it. Remember you have a 1.5 hours drive which at today's gas prices isn't cheap. Set your limit and stick to it.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:If you're willing to go get it TODAY with the CASH in hand..call him and say so..otherwise you can probably forget it since it sounds like he's committed to sell it to the other guy tomorrow.
Reply:Yeah...seems like this deal is slipping away.I did phone the seller at 10:22 AM but no answer (maybe he went to work <. Anyway, I left a message asking him what he wanted for the welder.The way this is playing out, I think I am on the wrong end of the stick.Life is complicated enough without a bidding war.I'll write this off to experience and pursue some other leads.  I don't need the welder today or tomorrow.So let's call it a day... but I will post if something New Happens!  SOAP BOX SPECIAL!I will know what to do - the next time.THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!Rick V
Reply:I recently sold a mitre saw on Craigslist and had the same dilemma- first respondent can't get here till whenever but will "take it" sight-unseen...    Sellers have to realize that the item doesn't get sold to the first person to hit the SEND button and reply to your ad, its the first person TO PUT THE CASH IN YOUR HAND!Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireSellers have to realize that the item doesn't get sold to the first person to hit the SEND button and reply to your ad, its the first person TO PUT THE CASH IN YOUR HAND!
Reply:I came back to this thread because a couple of other thoughts are nagging me that I thought I'd mention....   It's probably me being way too paranoid and cynical... but the following things make me suspicious:(1) Apparently brand new, almost never used machine.  (2) Really good deal.  Hmmm.. If I bought a new machine and shortly thereafter decided I didn't need it, I'd be looking to recover as much cash as I had put into it.  And I'd still have the receipt for what I paid which would assist me in getting more $ from the resale.  This low price indicates a desire to unload it quickly. Maybe its a motivated seller, yeah that happens.(3)  Hard to reach the seller.  Yeah, it could be that he works a lot, but this is one of the red flags- do you have his home number and address?  Or just an untraceable cell phone?(4) The hint that he now wants more for it;  (i.e. maybe the seller didn't realize the value of the machine).(5)  If you look at the background of those pics (weight lifting equip, lumber, carpet, garbage, etc) it's not a "workshop"- it's a BASEMENT.  People that use welders keep them in workshops.  Yes, occasionally the workshop is IN a basement but that doesn't look to me like an area in which anyone welds.  They could have dragged the welder from the area in which it was used to "pose" the photos there- but why would you choose that crap as the background?  Why not photograph it where it was sitting?  Tells me it was "stored" there in the basement- makes me wonder why?  (And all those power cables are hinting "small grow op").So... If you get to the point of buying:  - are you meeting him at his house or does he insist on meeting elsewhere?  - does he have the receipt?  - does he know ANYTHING about welding or how the machine works?  A couple of quick questions can quickly determine if this is a guy that ever struck an arc.  - Are the serial numbers still on the machine?  If so, ask for a photo (an honest seller will have no trouble supplying the number) and a quick call to local police will tell you if it's a good buy or maybe the "steal of a deal" really IS! I know that my career has made me cynical of the world, but I thought I'd mention the red flags I'm seeing in the event it can save you a lot of headache.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Hey Aquafire... you make some real good points.The trouble is this seller appears to be ... well really ethical!  Yeah - unusual, that's why it's so hard to deal with .By the way, he did say he bought the welder about 4 years ago - rewired his garage for it, used it about ten times, then had to move to a new place.  It's been sitting in his basement for a few years - just like you noticed (you are sharp man!).  It's spring cleaning time and the welder is going and priced to move.Update:  Seller called me at 12:30 PM.  He will wait for the 1st buyer to show up tomorrow night.  1st buyer offered him $350.We talked and the seller is feeling the dilema of not making a deal with me.  He had a 3rd buyer call too this morning - told him the welder was sold.The new deal is, if buyer 1 shows up tomorrow night - that's it... Game Over.If he doesn't show, then the seller will call me and I'll go get it on Saturday... of course it will cost me $350 By now he likely need the extra $50 just to pay for his phone calls to buyer 1 and me! Yep, a real Soap Opera.Rick V
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick VHey jamlit, the Criag list is almost local - just 1.5 hour drive away.  I'd go pick it up - no shipping and no border crossing involved.  I've been watching other listings within a 2.5 hour driving radius; the price is usually similar but no helmet.Salem747 - like I said prices here in Canada tend to be higher than USA so your 200-250 can easily reach 300 here.  Also, look at the machine - not a mark on it.Rick V
Reply:A soap opera, indeed!      I hope you get it, Rick.   Regarding Craigslist-  I was just talking with a buddy about how effective Craigslist is and the impact it has had on the classifieds!   The other day while in in the checkout line, I picked up one of those Buy&Sell-type magazines devoted to motorcycles and RV's (I'm in the market for a bike).   Well, I flipped through it twice and couldn't find a single bike; it was all business ads and RV-stuff!  I passed it to my buddy with the challenge to find a motorcycle and despite the title of the publication, he couldn't find one either!  I suspect it won't be long before this particular publication is now longer at the checkout.  A testament to how effective Craigslist is, I guess.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Hey salem747 - with your name tag, I thought you'd be flying in Salem Massachusetts hunting witches! And Aquafire... yes, you likely have a point about paper ads disappearing.Strange thing here my area of the provinces both Ontario and Quebec, Kijiji seems to rule over Craiglist and Used 'City'.  As far as welders go, the Kijiji has 4 times the listings of Craiglist.  Kijiji is so much better than I hardly bother with the other two.Posting on Kijiji is free, follow up communication by phone and/or email makes transactions very fast.  Maybe the FREE aspect is what is shifting bike ads away from paper ads?Thanks for the well wishes... I won't hold my breath. Rick V.
Reply:You're right about the east-west, Kijiji-Craigslist thing... I never heard about Kijiji until my family back east was talking about it like it was something everyone used.  Even my elderly ancestors knew what it was (and used it).    Out here, it's all Craigslist.  When I heard about Kijiji, I did a few searches and there was NOTHING list!     Don't know if it's popularity will increase but BC still seems to be a Craigslist province.  Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Welders for sale in Ottawa?  Kijiji = 55 listings, Used Ottawa = 15 listings, Craiglist = 2 listings!SOAP OPERA UPDATEI emailed the seller this AM offering $400 to close the deal this morning.Nope:  he's going to wait until this evening for the 1st buyer to show and sell at $350.If the 1st buyer doesn't show, the seller will sell it to me for $300!Man, this story has more twists that the Young & the Restless!At least I don't have to wait through a summer to find out... who shot JR?Rick V
Reply:FRIDAY NIGHTNo news Friday night... not nice of the seller not to let me know what's happening.In the meantime, up pops a poster in a town (Kingston) 2 hour drive away for a similar rated 230 amp AC/ 140 amp DC welder for $150... but I can't phone - else for darn sure I will be stuck in the middel of two deals! *** Seems like it's Spring Cleaning Time - all the wives herding unused welders out of the basements/garages!  ***SATURDAYDetermined not too miss out, I emailed the first seller about 8:00 AM.  Finally phoned him at 9:00 AM and his wife told me, the 1st buyer had picked up the welder last night.  MISSED THAT ONE!  *%#)*Phoned the second seller; he's away fishing and the wife, who knows zero about welders, was not a fountain of technical information.  In the posted picture, I couldn't make out if it had DC terminals but thought I could read AC-CA and DC-CC on the front panel.(Here in Canada, they put both languages [English/French] on the front panel - that way the print is so small, no one can read anything! ) I had her read to me what it said - and it sounded like 230 amps AC and 140 amps DC.  I asked her if she would hold it for me for 3 hours; she said 'OK'.  Jumped in the car and headed out.All the drive, I'm wondering, what if someone else shows up before I arrrive there and offers $200?  (Not that I would ever do such a thing.)What if .... when I arrive, there is another buyer pulling in the driveway = Bidding War. (Not that I would ever get involved in such a thing.) Anyway, it all worked out - got the welder for $150.It came with a heavy duty welder extension cord - 25 feet of industrial 10-3 - that's worth a few $.Oh yeah, I also picked up an oxy/acet kit for $50.Am I happy?  Yes, reasonably so - I wanted about 150 amps DC capability and I have it.  Instead of being 4 years old Brand Name (Hobart), this welder label says 1987 = 23 years old and is not a Brand Name - althought Canadian Tire 'Mastercraft' is well known here . On the upside, this welder has a varable inductance transformer, 4 diodes on a heat sink and a large output inductor (arc stabilizer) - so it's all there in good shape.Rick VI'd say you made out with that booty haul... $200 for an AC/DC welder, the extension cord,and a torch w/gauges. I wouldn't worry too much about the brand name those welders are pretty durable ...look on the bright side... It's held it's own for years and It's probably wound with real copper inside.I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason... You got more than you wanted for less money and had a wonderful drive in the country to boot...You'd have always had a sour taste in your mouth from the other deal if you'd gotten it after being held up for $50 more and aggrivated at the circumstances.Good Luck with the new toys & Enjoy.
Reply:Glad you made out in the end.This is precisely why I like auctions.  Inspect the merch, set a limit, bid, and keep your hands in your pockets if it goes over your limits.  No soap opera bs."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:This experience leads me to ponder some general Seller rules for Craiglist or Kijiji selling.1 - Sell to the person who shows up at the door with the most cash in hand.2 - If a buyer asks to hold the item for him - NO;  there is no way an item should be held for a potential 'no show / no pay'.  If the seller pleads for the item to be held for him, he gets one hour free, then he needs to pay for further any time-hold concession at say $10 per hour - else he takes his chances.Rick V
Reply:Rick,Did you ever consider that maybe, just maybe, the guy who bought the Hobart saw your posting on the board, recognized it was a great deal, and jumped on it.  At the same time, you were beating around the bush, asking for other's input, so you could decide if it was a good deal or not.From my experience with Craigslist, the best deals go to those who know what they want, know what they're willing to pay, and have the ability to move fast.  Also sounds to me like the seller, in this case, acted in an aboveboard manner.I suspect, in the old west days, there was many a gunslinger who found himself on boot hill because he was a little slow on the draw.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:he was a little slow on the draw - SundownIII