How to handle yard/estate sale thugs?

[V.C. Brunswick]

I have to say that despite a few really nice dealers I know and have met in person, a portion are incredibly rude. So rude one wonders how they get any business. I'm not even talking about them acting like they know something they don't and then being rude when you share your expertise, I'm talking about cussing you out or calling people names (stupid, idiot) if they ask a price on something and you decline to buy it.

That unfortunately is because they have often become the local go-to person for a particular specialty, whether it be glassware, antique jewelry or whatever -- a position often achieved through the ruthless tactics outlined by some of the other posters in this thread -- that in essence they've become "the only game in town." While you or I would never do business with such a person, there are many others who will.

 

[LolitaHaze]

If they are mean and petty, I would be the same

Follow them back to their car when they take their ill-gotten gains back. When they return to the market, let their car tyres down. You might have to wait a week before you get an opportunity.

It's what they deserve even if it is childish and mean . Stuff 'em

Hah! Mike! I once gave this guy the stink eye for getting the one thing I wanted! And boy was he getting it good until he looked at me and I smiled. I'm not so tough!

 

[John in Covina]

Just remember folks since you only go around once in life you got to grab for all the gusto you can get.
Why should anyone be concerned for, have sympathy for or empathy for anyone else in this world?
There is no value in being nice or fair -you just get screwed out of what you want.
You'll be taking all of your meals through a straw the next time you get in my way.
Other people are bugs to be smashed.
Ethics, social convention and politeness are used by the inferior to hold back the superior.
In the end eveolution has taught us that it is the survival of the fitest - where do you fit in?


Unfortunately the great lesson that is being taught is if there is nothing outside of ourselves, no higher authority, then we are the center of the universe.

 

[MikeBravo]

You say these people are being mean and petty, and that in turn a person should be mean and petty toward them. If your response to this behaviour is mean and petty, you are actually condoning their behaviour by your actions. Plus you are operating on the idea that two wrongs make a right.

You are also encouraging people to commit acts of vandalism.

I'd say that if attending these sales is a trying experience then it isn't worth going to them.

Absolutely, it is best to avoid those situations in the first place

 

[MikeBravo]

Hah! Mike! I once gave this guy the stink eye for getting the one thing I wanted! And boy was he getting it good until he looked at me and I smiled. I'm not so tough!

Oh good Lord, don't let them see you do anything! That's just dumb

And of course if there a kids involved, leave the tyres alone

 

[rocketeer]

I once bought some WWI RNAS wings and insignia from a seller at a car boot sale. As I talked to her another guy said to me " Are you buying that" I replied "probably" then got all the History about this service(pre-RAF) and did the deal even though he kept asking "How much", and I got a slight reduction as I bought everything. It was great to see the steam coming out of this professional dealers ears.
Oh and yes I did the same as the pro dealer probably would have done, put the lot on eBay and had a City break on the proceeds £££.
Kerrchink

 

[BigFitz]

Brass knuckles?

 

[Justin B]

I've never felt threatened at a sale, or most anywhere else. I find a simple softly spoken reminder brings out the manners in most people.

"Concealed carry is legal here."

Say it with a smile and one hand in a pocket.

 

[SHOWSOMECLASS]

Why not talk to the regular violators.
Let them know in advance or before the sale starts, you will call the police or intend to end the pattern they have established.

 

[TomS]

I see a definete change in the yard sale experience. I guess as it becomes a business for many profit comes ahead of civility.