Help me figure out what to do guys, I'm in serious need of some wisdom!

[angllady2]

Ok, so here's the story. I have a few adult normal female ball pythons up for sale. I state in my ad I prefer to do local, but can ship through SYR if need be.

I have two people who contacted me at roughly the same time who want all three females. One is local to me, but he says he needs until next weekend to pay for and pick up the snakes.

The other needs them shipped, so he'd like a discount due to the high shipping charges for three snakes. However, he has cash in hand he says, and will pay for the snakes right now.

I am stuck on what to do. I really would rather not deal with the shipping hassle to be honest, and I've never shipped before either. BUT if I turn down his offer, what is to say the other guy won't back out and leave me stuck with the snakes.

If the local guy buys them, I'll end up with a little bit more in my pocket than if I discount them to the guy who needs them shipped, but I guess it's not that big of a deal.

I'm stressing myself out to the point of giving myself a headache, because I just don't know what to do.

So, help me make up my mind, ok ?

Gale

[Mike41793]

I would tell the non-local guy that you have someone else interested in them this weekend but if for any reason he backs out you'll sell/ship him the snakes. I'd take my chances and guess the non-local guy will still be interested if the local offer falls through.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would say go with the local deal, but tell the other guy that you will contact him in a week if the deal falls through. You clearly stated that local sales are preferred so give that as your reasoning.

[Vypyrz]

I would tell the local guy that others are interested with the money. See if he is willing to put up a deposit as a holding fee for one week, if not, then ship them...

[satomi325]

I think you should try the local guy first. And like Mike said, let the non local guy know you have someone lined up already and that if that first guy backs out, you'll let him know.

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[JLC]

Plus, you're under no obligation to discount the price of the snakes just because you have to ship. Shipping isn't your first choice anyhow...so if someone insists on buying them and having them shipped, they should pay your asking price, plus shipping.

I'd go with the local deal as well. Always a bit of a risk that it will fall through, but it doesn't sound like you'll have trouble finding a new buyer in a timely manner if need be.

[Steve-J]

I agree with Mike, from the buyer's perspective, I waited a week earlier this year for that exact reason, the seller was waiting on someone local, after a week I found out the deal fell through and I went ahead and sent the payment and was glad i waited. . .

[Vypyrz]

Plus, you're under no obligation to discount the price of the snakes just because you have to ship. Shipping isn't your first choice anyhow...so if someone insists on buying them and having them shipped, they should pay your asking price, plus shipping.

I'd go with the local deal as well. Always a bit of a risk that it will fall through, but it doesn't sound like you'll have trouble finding a new buyer in a timely manner if need be.

Judy has a good point. I would still consider making the local buyer show his commitment to the transaction by putting up a deposit. Unless you think that they are true to their word...

[angllady2]

Thanks everyone for your advise. Truthfully you just confirmed for me what I already wanted to do, but couldn't bring myself to because I hate hurting someone's feelings. I contacted the guy who wants them shipped, and he was very understanding. he agreed if the local person backs out he would be happy to get them still.

Gale