Quoted from wantdataeast:Okay, scenario for EVERYONE. You see the following ad on Craigslist: Twilight Zone Pinball $1200. You call the guy, who lives 5 minutes away from the you. The guy says someone just called before you and agreed to pay his $1200. The prospective buyer gets off work in 45 minute and going to driving directly to his location (...which let's say is 1 hour away.)
The seller says if he does not show up, you can have it for the asking price of $1200. But your welcome to come over and look at it right now
How many of you pinside angels do not offer the guy $1500 when you arrive there 5 minutes later?
Here's my answer: he was first, and you honor that. Period.
I would ask the seller: "When is the prospective buyer 'too late' ?" or "How long until you, the seller, consider the deal to have fallen through and the game is back up for sale?" That way, I have my own barometer as to when the buyer has "missed his chance", and then you can believe I'll be there ready to purchase.
I've missed good deals in the past. The way I saw it: they weren't meant for me. It's not cool to look out for yourself at the expense of others. That's what breeds cynicism and a sense of paranoia within our community.