See what happens when a spouse sells something valuable for too little $$ at the garage sale

I received an interesting email last night. At a garage sale yesterday, a husband sold an antique dresser to a couple for a lot less money than his wife wanted for it. The buyers were not able to transport the dresser in their car, so they left to get a truck, taking only the mirror. Before they had time to return, the wife phoned the couple and told them her husband made a mistake in selling the dresser at that price. She wanted more money.

Read on...

Karen,
Not sure if you can help. My husband sold an antique dresser of ours today without first consulting with me (wife). The dresser is an antique. I found one very similar on eBay for sale for $400.00. My husband suggested the price of $100.00 to the couple who immediately said yes. He took their money, gave them the mirror that attaches. They planned to return to pick up the dresser. Minutes later, he informed me of the sale. I was shocked and upset. I had planned to offer it for $250. I immediately called the couple and informed them of the error made on part of my husband and advised them that I could not accept anything less than $250. Needless to say, they were not happy. Was I in error to call them back to ask for more money? My husband apologized to them but they seem hell bent on holding us to the $100.00. Any advice?

Thanks
Sheila

My reply:

Hi Sheila,

You know what? I think it was your husband’s mistake, and he should cough up $150 to give to you to spend as you please.

The deal was done with the buyers. Had they initially come prepared with a truck to take the dresser and mirror at once, there would have been nothing else you could have done. Asking for more after the deal was sealed isn’t quite right.

Of course... If they knew for sure they had a dresser worth at least $400 — even at $250 — it would have been a great price.

So, if they wanted to be really super-nice about it — assuming they had enough money to spend — they could have paid you the difference (in a spirit of compassion for all married folks everywhere!) or maybe even negotiated for another figure somewhere in between. But that’s only if they REALLY, REALLY wanted the dresser AND wanted to be nice.

Did you allow them to take the dresser away at the $100 price?

-- Karen

Her reply:

Karen,
First, thanks SO much for replying. You are right on with your response. They did not come back yesterday for the dresser. The last conversation with the wife of the buyer on the phone was “well, I have a very expensive mirror”. She said that she would have to discuss it with her husband as to what they would do. The garage sale in our neighborhood continues today at 9am. This is a Dutch community and I have been told very ‘tight’. I hope too that they will be soft hearted and will be understanding but I don’t have high hopes. This is the last garage sale that we will have. I plan to sell anything of value on eBay or Craig’slist.

Thank you again for your honest response.

Sheila

What do you think about this situation?
Was the wife wrong to call the couple back to renegotiate the price?
Please comment below with your thoughts.

Between husbands and wives communication is very important. This is evident in every day life — certainly for the long-term health of any relationship — but never more-so than when money issues are involved.

Here’s your tip of the day:
If you having a garage or yard sale, be sure to discuss asking prices with your significant other before selling time!

Do you have a question about second-hand buying or selling?
I’ll be glad to offer my opinion. Email me at karen@avenuestosold.com.