Well im sorry MaineT but I strongly disagree with you " the morals to pay what it's worth " what does that even mean anyways ? So you're telling me that if you go buy a vendo 81 listed at $1750 and you feel it's probably worth $2500 retail, you will insist on giving the guy an extra $750 based on morals ? That's completely absurd, what is it really worth anyways, it's worth what you are willing to pay and what he is willing to part with it for ! All I'm saying is that when you make a deal and a price is set and pick up arrangements have been made, the deal is and should be done, the machine is technicly sold pending pickup, as Larry stated, if you were not happy with the agreement and wanted to hold out for more money then don't make the deal in the first place ! And I would hardly compare buying from a dealer and colector to buying something from a yard sale ! As far as a deposite goes, he didn't not want one, I didn't see any point on insisting, lesson learned I guess !
The preliminary agreement has been made, but the deal is far from done until the machines are loaded and the cash has changed hands. Some people say, cash talks, bull$h!t walks.
I've gotten to a bunch of machines and the pictures didn't tell the whole story. My offer was contingent on the machines being what they were represented to be. Are you saying I can't back out if that "great working machine" when I got didn't get cold, didn't have a coin mech, and had belt line rust? "But it still works, listen, you can hear the compressor" just needs a shot of freon!
If I'm buying a machine and I'm getting a fair deal, I'm busting a move to get there before they CAN change their mind, because I know it's not done and someone else from SMC can offer more plus a box of cigars! It happened!
If you pay what something is worth, then someone CAN'T offer more. Point blank. Lowball and get someone that is in a tight spot, you better get you wallet out quickly.(I'm not saying you lowballed, but people do looking for desperate or stupid people) Don't give them the chance to get a more beneficial offer. Unless cash is changing hands and your loading.... It means, I agree with the deal, but only until I get a better one, you no show, or back out.
And if you get there and it's a little old lady selling a machine for a fraction the value then shame on you for taking advantage of the elderly. Its ok, right? They agreed with the price, what's the problem! Fixed income, who cares, I flipped it for 4 times the money quick! Let her eat cat food, she doesn't really NEED those meds....
What was the business name of the dealer you were dealing with? Or was it not a dealer like you are suggesting?