I have a few people interested in our entertainment center, two girls in particular are very interested and are coming over tomorrow to see it IRL and make sure it matches, fits, etc.
Since we REALLY need to get rid of it, we offered to deliver it for a fee, we were planning on following the buyer home in case they decided to buy it. However they're coming over at NOON during our lunch hour and we wouldn't be able to deliver it until after we got off work.
I've been screwed over on CL before and we want this to go smoothly. The unit is HUGE and DH has to take it apart, load and secure it to the truck, then probably as nice as he is, he will unload and set up at the buyers house.
I need to respond to the girl with directions to our place and want to add that if they decide they want it, that we would require a deposit to make sure they are home when we deliver it or dont change their mind when we show up with the monster unit. However, I dont want to make her feel like she's risking her cash by giving part of it to me and never seeing me again. I want to assure her, I'm doing it for both our safety (ie: wont sell it to someone else, etc)
I don't know how you would word this, but it seems like the thing that might make her feel most at ease would be to give you a check. Then, in the hypothetical situation where you ran off with her money, she would be able to call and cancel the check.
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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
I think the problem with a check is that there may not be sufficient funds, or it could be a closed account, etc... I think you should ask for a cash deposit -- nothing big -- maybe $50 or $100 (depending on how much you're charging for the unit). Then, write out a receipt for the cash amount. I think you're better off with cash -- it makes it seem more serious (to me, anyway. In the past I've had to leave cash deposits and as long as I've gotten a receipt I've felt ok with it)
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"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." - G. Radner
I guess this is just a tricky situation -- but I just thought I would add my two cents that I probably wouldn't feel comfortable leaving a cash deposit as a potential buyer -- a check would seem better to me.