- Jurisdiction
- Pennsylvania
I've sold probably ten cars in my life and went about it the same way every time with a deposit and then the ultimate purchase of the vehicle. But then this happened...
Buyer gave a deposit of $100 towards the purchase of a $4,200 vehicle I'm selling. A relative of mine was available to let the buyer take it for a test drive and ultimately received the deposit on my behalf (because I was at work). A receipt was given on my relatives letterhead for her business that she owns (just because it's the first piece of paper she could find). The receipt has the buyer's name, the depsoit amount and the vehicle purchase price. I clearly stated to the buyer several times that the car is under my name and if they're comfortable taking it on a test drive and giving a deposit to my relative then that's fine with me. The buyer stated that works for them.
A day later I called the buyer and told them I couldn't locate the title and I am having a new one sent from the state and it will take 7-10 days. The buyer stated that will be fine with them. Six days later the buyer calls and gets into an argument with me and states that they don't feel comfortable with the situation and want to back out of the deal and want their money back. I told the buyer that I took the car off the front lawn and off of the internet with the intention of selling it to her. I turned down 2 other potential buyers that called about the car because I figured the car was sold to the buyer. I told the buyer that's the whole reason behind a deposit. They threatened to take me to civil court over the issue and ended the phone call. Two days later I received the title in the mail.
Three days later I tried contacting the seller to give the money back and they would not call me back or text me back. Two more weeks go by and my relative gets served with a civil suit.
Yes I was arrogant at first but then I offered the money back. I feel that I tried to do the right thing and now I'm being sued. I have the receipt as proof that the buyer was going to buy the vehicle and text messages and phone call times that I tried to give the buyer back the money but they obviously refused and now they're suing for $500 plus the court costs. I think I might send a certified letter with a return request and a cashier's check in the buyers name to the buyer. If they refuse that then I feel that I've done everything except go to the buyers house, which is ridiculous and might get the police involved. Also I did file a complaint with the local Police for a threat from the buyer. The buyer stated "I know where you live" and "I'll take down your relatives business" in a very threatening manner. I was nothing but nice to this person and this is how I get treated. I feel that some people get thrills from this kind of thing.
Advice is needed, thanks in advance.
Buyer gave a deposit of $100 towards the purchase of a $4,200 vehicle I'm selling. A relative of mine was available to let the buyer take it for a test drive and ultimately received the deposit on my behalf (because I was at work). A receipt was given on my relatives letterhead for her business that she owns (just because it's the first piece of paper she could find). The receipt has the buyer's name, the depsoit amount and the vehicle purchase price. I clearly stated to the buyer several times that the car is under my name and if they're comfortable taking it on a test drive and giving a deposit to my relative then that's fine with me. The buyer stated that works for them.
A day later I called the buyer and told them I couldn't locate the title and I am having a new one sent from the state and it will take 7-10 days. The buyer stated that will be fine with them. Six days later the buyer calls and gets into an argument with me and states that they don't feel comfortable with the situation and want to back out of the deal and want their money back. I told the buyer that I took the car off the front lawn and off of the internet with the intention of selling it to her. I turned down 2 other potential buyers that called about the car because I figured the car was sold to the buyer. I told the buyer that's the whole reason behind a deposit. They threatened to take me to civil court over the issue and ended the phone call. Two days later I received the title in the mail.
Three days later I tried contacting the seller to give the money back and they would not call me back or text me back. Two more weeks go by and my relative gets served with a civil suit.
Yes I was arrogant at first but then I offered the money back. I feel that I tried to do the right thing and now I'm being sued. I have the receipt as proof that the buyer was going to buy the vehicle and text messages and phone call times that I tried to give the buyer back the money but they obviously refused and now they're suing for $500 plus the court costs. I think I might send a certified letter with a return request and a cashier's check in the buyers name to the buyer. If they refuse that then I feel that I've done everything except go to the buyers house, which is ridiculous and might get the police involved. Also I did file a complaint with the local Police for a threat from the buyer. The buyer stated "I know where you live" and "I'll take down your relatives business" in a very threatening manner. I was nothing but nice to this person and this is how I get treated. I feel that some people get thrills from this kind of thing.
Advice is needed, thanks in advance.
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