I need to scream

gimmietimmies

We moved into a new house last Christmas, because we were in dire need of space. Prior to that, we had a tiny kitchen, that couldn't fit a table bigger than the one we currently have. We definitely needed a bigger table, since ours really couldn't fit more than four, maybe five, if your legs were tiny. So, knowing that the hunt was on I started looking at dining sets, to see what might work. Dh and I came up with a few options.

Fast forward to getting our house, the market slid in our area, all the cash we had put into the other house was now going to stay there, since selling was a bad option, and we now had to rent out the old house. So no cash for a new set. I stalked the used sites, and I'm now infuriated. 

I have lost put on more sets than I care to count, because I could reply back instantly. I always tell people in my replies to please phone, no mobile internet. Heaven help us if someone actually picks up a phone. Those, I'm not bothered about, since they don't seemed bothered and there was no commitment.

Three times now, I've found a set in our budget (which keeps disappearing, each time something happens to my van, or other stuff). Three times we agreed on a price, arranged a pick up time,  got a truck arranged, all in the same day. All three times I get an email (and obviously with no response - no mobile email), then finally a TEXT to say that they had sold the set to someone else who had just picked it up. WTF is wrong with people? If they said it was first come first served, I would understand, but that wasn't the case.

So, last night I found a set, emailed the seller, went back and forth, then as usual, agreed on a price and pick up time. I let them know since it was a bit of a drive, to call if something came up (the drive to their house alone is an hour, not to mention picking up the truck on the way). I just got an email telling me that someone was coming by this am to take a look. Holy wtf again? 

I'm not a happy camper. If she'd said first come, I would have made two trips up today, and paid for it. What happened to our pick up time. Have people lost their manners completely? I don't conduct myself this way, I don't schedule other buyers unless someone is a no show, and I rarely get no shows. Argh, sorry, I just needed to vent, if you made it this far, I know, tl;dr,I owe you a brownie.

benniferbaby

People are so impatient and impolite! I'm sorry! I could understand (not condone, but I could see it happening) if this happened to you once, but multiple times? Insanity.

I hope you find the right table from the right seller soon!

gimmietimmies

Once, I was okay. It happens. But several? I'm pissed. I was so close sending back a snot-o-gram, but realized that would have been to no one's benefit, and wouldn't have felt better. Today was just a day of rude people, and I had done nothing to attract it. I got stood up from someone buying some items off me, and prior to the lady who was going to sell me her table, I got a reply back from another seller about his table, which I had responded to much earlier.

I showed dh the response, even he was like wtf is wrong with people. I messaged the guy, and asked what the measurements were. The response was a string of four letter words, with the measurements, and asking me how stupid I was. I replied back that he didn't include the measurements on the ad, I cp'ed it, and said good luck selling if you're only going to be a jerk to people. 

I guess nice still finishes last. I need a glass of wine (I already whined, I'm good there).

Pesky

That is beyond rude.  I'd be livid too.  

MesmrEwe

We ended up just having ours made then going to the furniture store to purchase chairs for it.  If you don't mind doing a little finish work, it's not that tough to do yourself!!  You'll save yourself TONS!!!  We paid $400 for a 65" round that folds into a 48" square with 2" butcherblock for the top.  It's heavier than heck, but AWESOME!

 If you've got any Amish or Mennonites in your area that may be where to check out!  Remember to consider the value of the time that you're wasting trying to find a "good deal" when you could either purchase one that you need to finish or have someone custom make it for you and finish it yourself...

GooglGirl

DO I hear you loud and clear on this one!! I am going through exactly the same thing!   We actually have the table but no chairs.  So we figure if we get a good deal on a set we will take it and keep the extra table in the basement.   WELL I have had the same run around as you.   It's like if you aren't emailing or messaging from their driveway forget it you won't get it.  But why they agree to your price and then you are on your way they let you know someone else grabbed it!

I, like you have totally given up on this and have decided that at the moment I don't care if I use patio chairs.  I hope that one day something shows up and it actually works out because I am soooooooooooo sick of the run around I am getting from these people trying to sell stuff!

I hope you get the set you are looking for and it works out soon  

stever

That sucks! I'm sorry, GT. And how the heck do you guys even attempt to all sit around a table for four?

anchiba

That seriously sucks. We're in kind of a similar situation: just bought our first home recently, and although we feel incredibly blessed to even find a home in our budget (had to be under $135K), being a single-income family means we have little to no money for much-needed renovations and furniture. We have only a small round secondhand dining table and need to get a bigger one, and right now all we can afford is secondhand.

I've been looking at Craigslist, but I've heard awful stories like yours about terrible sellers. So now we're just sticking to thrift stores around our area.

I hope everything works out for you and you find an awesome dining table!

gimmietimmies

stever:

That sucks! I'm sorry, GT. And how the heck do you guys even attempt to all sit around a table for four?

We don't. We sit the kids there, S still has a high chair. Our island has bar stools or since the kitchen and great room are essentially one room, you can sit on the couch and use the coffee table. I don't care for that. Fine for crowded parties, but not for everyday.

For the suggestion of having something made, yes, there is an Amish store (4 hrs north - shipped though, we don't have Amish in Canada), and a Mennonite store, and a local place that does furniture from reclaimed wood. The unfinished furniture store went under. Out of all those, the local place was the least expensive. See pic:

This is what we want to save for, unless we can find something second hand. So, this set comes in at the low low price of $1295 for the table, not including the extra leaves ($100 each), or the benches at $495 a piece. I'm not sure how much chairs were, and if we wanted the armoire, which we don't need, but I like, is a mere $1895.

So guess what, the picture options were cheaper than the Amish and Mennonite store. Ashley wasn't any better, once you added in enough seating for just us. They are about average price, the only thing less expensive is the Ikea set. I just can't justify spending $1200 for something that will look beat up in a few years (judging by the floor models).

Sigh, it almost makes me want to take a road trip to Spokane, or further.

mwd

GT, I completely support your idea of going with something from CL, as it will be beat up in a couple of years.  Save the brand new stuff for after the kids leave.  What about estate sales or estate sale warehouses? Any retailers have scratch and dent sales?   What about IKEA as a temporary fix?

We have a coffee table that was someone's workshop project.  We are trying to wait to buy new furniture until we move, but the top is starting to split.   As garage sales are starting to wind down around here, we may have to invest now.  I don't want to show the house with crappy furniture. 

gimmietimmies

mwd:

GT, I completely support your idea of going with something from CL, as it will be beat up in a couple of years.  Save the brand new stuff for after the kids leave.  What about estate sales or estate sale warehouses? Any retailers have scratch and dent sales?   What about IKEA as a temporary fix?

We have a coffee table that was someone's workshop project.  We are trying to wait to buy new furniture until we move, but the top is starting to split.   As garage sales are starting to wind down around here, we may have to invest now.  I don't want to show the house with crappy furniture. 

I dunno, still feel wary of cl, etc. thing is, the newer stuff we've been looking at is the rougher finishes, so even if the kids scratch it, you can't notice. As for estate sales, they're not at all common in our area. I auction stalk, and the post pics ahead of time. Either it's not the right size, or it isn't a deal at all.  The table we currently have was a discontinued Sears set that is really nice, $399 marked down from $1600.

Ikea is an option, but we've kind of stayed away. Both tables that work will end up being the same price as some of the regular furniture stores, but take on scratches  easily. We've had (and still do) have some older pieces that in spite of the kids look great. Which is why I like handmade or antique, built to last.

 One option is cl out east. My cousin is talking about coming out near Christmas. I could have him bring something in his truck. Second hand furniture isn't so pricey, and they know what antique means. 

I'll see if I can find the listings I'm talking about, I think you guys will be shocked at what people think is a fair price for used furniture here.