OK. This is not a drill. I got curious about the Froment 4 regulator set advertised on Ebay so, using a false name and email address, I emailed the ‘seller’. Below is the exchange of emails between Chavione and me over the last 24 hours:
From: “John Archer”
To: bookenti1958@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 16:43:43 +0000
Hi there,
I see you’re selling a Froment set on ebay.
I’m in West Palm Beach. Can I meet you somewhere and check out the pipes?
John Archer
From: “Chavione Felder” <bookenti1958@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:49:36 -0900
Hi, John!
It´s impossible, because it´s with my grandparent in WI, but I can offer you a 24 hours of approval, however, I´d demand the payment upfront through bank wire. Regards. Chavione
From: “John Archer”
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 21:00:55 +0000
Hey Chavione,
I checked ebay and the pipes are no longer there. Have you sold them?
John A.
From: “Chavione Felder” <bookenti1958@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 14:36:47 -0900
Yes, I did
I have already an offer , my buyer will pay me tomorrow, $6600. If you want to purchase it, I´d demand a higher offer. Thanks. Chavione
From: “John Archer”
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 13:29:22 +0000
I might be willing to make a higher offer, but as previously mentioned, I’d have to see the pipes first.
I suggest you get your grandparents to send the pipes to you by UPS. I’ll pay the cost (I’d have to anyway if I buy them).
John A.
From: “Chavione Felder” <bookenti1958@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 04:55:19 -0900
If you pay me half, I´d gladly request the pipes to my grandfather and you could pay me the other half once you have inspected it, otherwise, I´d sell to my buyer. Chavione
From: “John Archer”
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 13:58:15 +0000
The most I’d agree to pay beforehand is 10%.
From: “Chavione Felder” <bookenti1958@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 04:58:59 -0900
Sorry, but I want 50%.
From: “John Archer”
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 14:03:37 +0000
Sorry Chavione, but I wouldn’t give 50% to my mother. $660, which I can transfer to you before lunchtime, on the understanding that the pipes will be with you before the weekend. I’ll pay the balance to you on collection. If there’s a problem with the pipes - something’s broken, parts missing, I’ll expect a refund of my $660, less the cost of having them shipped to you by UPS.
John A.
From: “Chavione Felder” <bookenti1958@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 05:05:52 -0900
But John!
I have already a buyer, he´s about to pay me, there is only a way to change my mind, you transfer half to my account and I´d request the pipes to my grandfather, otherwise, unfortunately no deal. Anyway, good luck and I hope you might find the pipes with somebody else. Chavione
From: “John Archer”
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 14:21:27 +0000
Sorry Chavione. I don’t know if your buyer has payed you anything yet. If he has, then I should probably back off. It sounds like he’s more interested in the pipes than I am.
My final offer is $6,750, I pay the shipping from WI, and I’ll pay $1,000 deposit as soon as you agree to the above (bank transfer or cash, as you like). This is conditional on the pipes being in good condition when I receive them. If they are not, you refund my $1,000 less the cost of shipping.
If you don’t like this, and if your sale falls through with the other buyer I’ll offer you the same terms for 24 hours.
John A.
Ok, John!
I´ll give you an opportunity, can you wire me the money within 3 hours!? or atleast wire it today, so, I´d call my grandfather to ship it to me, my bank information is:
Bank Name: HSBC
Account registrant and owner: Chavione XXX
ACCT# XXX
Routing # XXX
Keep me updated.
Chavione
So how do I let him know I’m on to him???
