qualified buyers

[steve shea]

What is the definition of, or what best describes qualified buyer? I do not feel 'qualified' any longer. I've got fun tickets in the bank, is that enough? Or is there some other criteria? Is it just a way of discouraging dreamers, tire kickers or picture collectors? I have been a dreamer and a tire kicker for full disclosure. So not feeling qualified I do not think that I would pursue adds that say qualified buyers only. Therefore I guess it works. When I sell my Italian S, should only Italians apply? Just wondering. Maybe it is just a way to keep the riff raff out. Kind of like a gated community, you only get in when you are allowed in. Heh Heh

[Frank Beck]

What is the definition of, or what best describes qualified buyer? Kind of like a gated community, you only get in when you are allowed in. Heh Heh

Yahtzee.

Hopefully the following comments wont be perceived as smug or snooty. We all have our preferences for everything we do and as long as we aren't violating ethics we should enjoy those liberties.

While Raj and I disagree on many things it appears that perhaps we share this common philosophy. "IT HAS TO BE A GOOD FIT." (And yes; there are many curiosity seekers, photo collectors, data gatherers, etc who are not ready, willing, and able buyers which is by the way a fitting definition of a "Qualified Buyer".)

This is the premise I use in regard to restoration work. Some customers love the romance; I simply don't have time for that. If a guy wants a zillion pics of the process and LOTS of conversations on the phone, we're not the shop. Our poster boy is the guy who tells me where he wants to end up, leaves me alone, pays his bills, and I make sure he's dazzled when we're done. Frankly, restoration work is a royal pain and in an appreciating market like we're enjoying, I'd rather stick to simply doing my own cars. If I'm selling a car I normally don't "invite" someone into the restoration process. This will be reserved for someone that I qualify. If that person doesn't come along, fine; I will sell the car when its done for whatever the market will bear.

Not EVERYONE is invited to your Christmas party, right?

[steve shea]

OMG you are gated communities. Well ok then. I do not think the car is secondary. What are we here for? A gentlemen's club? Ha ha you guys are a mutual admiration society good luck with finding qualified applicants. I guess the customer is not right. Now I know.

[Frank Beck]

OMG you are gated communities. Well ok then. I do not think the car is secondary. What are we here for? A gentlemen's club? Ha ha you guys are a mutual admiration society good luck with finding qualified applicants. I guess the customer is not right. Now I know.

That's rich Steve; your innocence is adorable. Of course we're "gated communities". When it comes to race or restoration customers I look for the 1%, not the 99%.

[geneulm]

BLAAAAAHHH! (the sound of me throwing up after reading this thread)

[steve shea]

I hope the cream rises to the top for you. I guess I struck a nerve. Oh to be in the enviable position to turn people away must be nice.

[Frank Beck]

Oh to be in the enviable position to turn people away must be nice.

It is.

Much like vintage race support that we offer; the moment the work outweighs the fun is the moment I quit offering it.

Steve, honestly do you REALLY think I would say the things I say on this board if I were at all concerned about winning customers? Ha!
I'm in this biz because I want to, not because I have to.

[rower]

I think you guys are ridiculous. In an amusing way.

Post history gives you that 1%? Jeez, to pay for race support already qualifies you!

[steve shea]

That's the whole idea. These guys are serious. heh heh I see Raj deleted his comments.

[Frank Beck]

Jeez, to pay for race support already qualifies you!

Oh my gosh. THAT couldn't be farther from the truth! I've had the wanna be, cry baby, blame everything-on-everyone-but-themselves type of race customers and had to FIRE THEM!

The responses here have the aroma of entitlement. Westerner's especially battle the idea that their money should be good anywhere and everywhere. Newsflash: Not if you're a jackass.