I can understand your disappointment Ian
. Hopefully you have better luck next time
.
I have always found that if you want something you need to 'strike whilst the iron is hot'
.
I put the pressure on them by letting them know that my time is limited and that I am looking at other options. If they don't want to "go out of their way" to have the goods ready for inspection, it tells me that they might be a lazy seller or may just be 'testing the market'. Either way there is a good chance they could screw you around. A genuine seller usually does what they can to co-operate with the buyers. After all, they want to sell, but you don't have to buy!
After months of searching, I found a 90hp Honda outboard that I wanted at a great price. Rang the guy (dealer) and said I will drive up the next day (Sydney to Gold Coast). Left home at 4.30am and got to Burleigh Heads at 12.30pm (local time).
As I was strapping it on the ute, a guy turned up and wanted to buy it. Too late, the deal was done. If I had hesitated by half an hour I would have lost it. Unfortunately, the reality is 'you snooze you lose', even if the snoozing may not be your fault.
Avo