Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1129312941296129812992003

Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    figure they could see they were setting up an odd duck situation but no.....

    I guess it is better than, "Hi, I'm Darrel and this is my brother Darrel, and my other brother Darrel".

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    No, but one of the kittens was an absolute dead ringer for him.

    I am not sure if that is good enough proof. He may sue for libel and slander.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Now THAT is a good tip! Must go check on Herculon.

    If you wait long enough you might inherit one.Just get it cleaned though!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    If you wait long enough you might inherit one.Just get it cleaned though!

    Let's see.....

    No, I actually do have bigger things to concern me than being siued by a dead cat but I appreciate the concern.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "If you wait long enough you might inherit one."

    Not from me. We bought one in 1986 for the den. We gave it to our housekeeper in 1995. It was like new when her husband came to get it. I think that she still has it.

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...you;d figure they could see they were setting up an odd duck situation but no.....

    You said it...I'd say your parents new exactly what they were doing. ;)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Thanks Richard, I will check it out. :D
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Buy a Herculon fabric sofa (also known as Olefin fabric). Sofas made of this material are practically indestructible.

    I think that J.C. Penney's still makes those sofas…


    Back in the mid 70’s on our way out of the mall we were walking through Penney’s to get to the parking lot and we came upon a 4 piece sectional that caught Mrs. jmonroe’s eye. It was made of that stuff and she figured it would be perfect for the family room with 2 boys that always had friends over. Being sectional, she was constantly reconfiguring that room. It seems like it always had a different set up. I thought it was great; kept her occupied and out of furniture stores. :)

    Don't dare purchase a used one unless you have it professionally cleaned. That fabric can hold some real soil and germs if it isn't cleaned ever so often. Still, it holds up to most any treatment.

    As far as cleaning it, we took the covers off of the pillows and tossed it in the washing machine with cold water and some mild soap product (I think it was Woolite). Put in on the spin cycle again, tossed it in the dryer for a few minutes on low heat and then stuffed the pillows back in while it was still a little damp and we never had a problem doing that. It never shrunk and we did that lots of times over the years.

    We had that thing for a looong time. We finally gave it to someone whose kid moved out of a dorm and got an apartment their junior year at school.

    You just can’t kill that stuff.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,706
    >Don't dare purchase a used one unless you have it professionally cleaned.

    I wouldn't buy or use any used furniture due to bedbugs.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    We have had a J.C. Penney's bedroom suite for over 43 years. It has been relegated to the back bedroom but it is still as good as when we bought it new.

    Goodness, back then, who knew we would live long enough for our new furniture to become antiques !! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    "If you wait long enough you might inherit one."

    Not from me. We bought one in 1986 for the den. We gave it to our housekeeper in 1995. It was like new when her husband came to get it. I think that she still has it.


    You gave it away and not to me? How selfish of you.... :surprise: ;)
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,706
    edited March 2011
    "...what do you do if you live in an area that doesn’t have a small business dedicated selling only to American-made furniture? Fortunately, the majority of furniture sold in national chains Bassett and La-Z-Boy are made in U.S.A. I should know. My formal living room has a sofa and loveseat made by Bassett and the less-formal family room has a sofa and loveseat made by La-Z-Boy. If you want to check them out, check out my new “Buy American Home Inspection” video on YouTube here. You’ll also see just how possible it is to buy American-made products from American-owned companies in many areas you might not think were even possible."
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usn93bPS-n4

    Website for store identifying USA made furniture.
    http://www.homefurniturefl.com/

    "Just because a product is made in U.S.A., however, doesn’t mean we’re avoiding sending our American consumer dollars to China. An April 8, 2009, Wall Street Journal article detailed how one furniture company – Craftmaster, Inc. – was weathering the economic downturn. Dongguan, China-based Samson Holding Ltd. owns the American-sounding Craftmaster brand, and their Taylorsville, NC plant basically assembles furniture after importing large amounts of upholstery fabric, wooden frames and other furniture parts from China."

    Source:
    Buy American Mention of the Week

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You gave it away and not to me? How selfish of you....

    SELFISH ??? Look who’s talking. To me it sounds like you want EVERYTHING. Start thinking of your poster buddies for once…will ya. :mad:

    That guy has enough for all of us (even a host or two, maybe). :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You are right. I apologize.

    You gave it way and not to jmonroe? How selfish of you!

    There! That's better.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,858
    edited March 2011
    last week brought the Fusion in for service. While I was waiting, I walked the lot and saw some vehicles that interested me.
    A few days later, I got a letter from the same dealer. Basically, it read that they are looking for used 07 Fusions in excellent condition, KBB listed it's value as XXXXX and they thought it could be worth more.
    It was enough to make we want to go for a test drive.
    I got my numbers, wrote down some notes, and went over there today.
    What I was interested in was not there.
    Kind of disappointed, stopped to top off the tank and noticed gas went up after holding steady for the last few weeks.
    None of that will matter tomorrow when we head to New Hampshire to watch a couple of NCAA tournament ice hockey games.
    Although we are going to 2 games, I had to buy a 3 game package.
    2 tickets ordered online from Ticketmaster and printed out on my home printer would have cost $173.
    Going to a local Ticketmaster retail outlet was $40 cheaper???
    I'm going to try to sell the game 3 tickets, but I figure I would have no chance to sell tickets I printed from my home computer.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    You gave it away and not to me? How selfish of you....

    Maybe you can ask if you can get on the housekeepers list.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I got my numbers, wrote down some notes, and went over there today.
    What I was interested in was not there.


    And we didn't get the condo in Florida. We bid $95k and it went for $98. We probably should have gone higher, but who really knows.

    I thought if we did want to leave a car there I think I would look for a 2 or 3 year old Fusion. They are excellent cars for the money, lots of room and comfortable. Ii'd also consider a Sonata. But, for now, it doesn't matter.

    It is a learning experience. Sometimes it is worth it to go higher if you really want something....monetary value is a hard thing to judge...to me, if we had kept it for say 10 years......$3000 is $300 a year.....but, all you can do is try your best and hope.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Bummer. What happened with the other one? I'm sure you already said that but I'd have to go back and find it.... The one with furniture....

    I suppose this means I have to look for another place to stay the first week of November...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,858
    Driver, Don't get discouraged. The deal could fall through. There are plenty of other condo's in FLA, and from what what I have been reading, the prices are still trending down.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,858
    Is your wife tossing you out on the street that week? :P
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Good guess, but not this time. We ted to go down that week because the younger girls have that week off. Over in the parks everyone there in from NJ becaue a lot of schools close that week.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    What happened with the other one? I'm sure you already said that but I'd have to go back and find it.... The one with furniture....

    Your memory is good. The lady who owns the one with furniture changed her mind and wants to stay until at least the Fall. The bank one had a few advantages, better floor plan and bigger windows in the right location.

    There is another one available but they are asking quite a bit more for it. We might put in an offer. Probably should have gone higher, but now i know what they mean by the phrase, "Buying a pig in a poke"


    The idioms pig in a poke and sell a pup (or buy a pup) refer to a confidence trick originating in the Late Middle Ages, when meat was scarce, but cats and dogs (puppies) were not.[ The idiom pig in a poke can also simply refer to someone buying a low-quality pig in a bag because he or she did not carefully check what was in the bag.

    Not exactly, we know what we are getting, but we have no idea what others are bidding. Buying through the bank is very risky, and they sell it with none of the responsibilities a normal sale would have...it is truly as is, you are on your own.

    Might be better to do it through a real estate company, where you do have some rights...such as problems have to be disclosed.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    There are plenty of other condo's in FLA, and from what what I have been reading, the prices are still trending down.

    Yes, the deal could fall through, and there are always 1 to 3 units available at any one time. 3 out of 72 units isn't too high considering 1 in three homes in Naples is empty.

    I agree, house prices will probably go lowerer and prices won't be going up any time soon. Also, it would actually be better if we could take possession in November...later in the year.

    It's a minor disappointment...and it is a learning experience, and usually these things turn out for the better.

    I really appreciate your words of encouragement though...it all helps. :cry:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,858
    In the fall you can go back and offer her less money.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Is your wife tossing you out on the street that week?

    LOL...If Fezo could stay in 52 different homes for one week he could sell his place and live in a different place every week. What a great plan!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    In the fall you can go back and offer her less money.

    That's a possibility. Actually, we did arrive at a price, and she said she would honor that price if she does go ahead and sell. I think, with the furniture and appliances, and repairs her house is probably about $5k more,
    and we know it is in excellent condition. So, that one might actually be better....maybe it was meant to be.

    If prices drop more, yes, we could offer less, and save a few $1000 buying it later in the year. :)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Just buy 52 time shares

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    If Fezo could stay in 52 different homes for one week he could sell his place and live in a different place every week. What a great plan!

    I could do that in Naples. Just get a post office box and move every week into another empty house. The wife and kids might not like the plan but what the heck....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I could do that in Naples. Just get a post office box and move every week into another empty house.

    What a great plan. Then you can publish a book "How to Live on Practically Nothing in Sunny Florida and Get Your Name on as many Will Lists as Possible".

    I'll get it published and sell it. Then we will make so much we can actually buy our own homes!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,248
    It's my birthday week...maybe I could find ya a couch here, or have the girls bunk in one room, as by then, the middle girl will be home from grad school & hopefully employed! :)
    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Had a terrible ride to the hotel in a Chevie Van....that was awaful...noisy, uncomfortable etc.

    On the way from the convention centre back to the airport (about a 30 minute ride) the hotel doorman called for the next car in line, a Lincoln Town Car. Not sure if these are actually limos or taxis...I think they are limos (Atlanta). The car was spotless, big and comfortable, and nice trim on the inside.

    It seems a little inefficient in that it is a huge car, but the interior is not as big as many smaller cars. The seats are down pretty low too. I get the feeling a Ford Taurus would probably be larger inside, and the seating would be higher. However, for a used car, at the prices these go for...it too is a lot of car for the money. Though I doubt there is much "feel of the road", there is something to be said about one of these highway cruisers.

    If we ever get a place in Florida maybe I would consider one of these, but I doubt they would fit in too many garages.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    It's my birthday week...maybe I could find ya a couch here

    Happy birthday! How much do you charge to stay over and does that include breakfast?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,248
    Don't think we've quite hit the bottom yet here in Florida...sure there will be many good deals to be had. Look around June or July possibly to see what's out there. I know in my neighborhood, there aren't too many left, as the one across from my street has new folks moving in today & read where my neighbor's home is "pending" so it'll be changing occupants in the near future...good actually since the current owner cares nothing about "curb appeal"... a all! The new owners on the other side have done a major redo out front & it looks beautiful actually...compliments all of us really...am very glad. Gonna be 1st time parents by June also! This'll be the 3rd generation of kids with mine being the 1st...we're here 24 years here this July. Not ready to move yet since it's been paid off for many years now.

    Not sure if we'll do a condo, small house or a villa next time around actually & if we'll even stay in Florida...have to see where the middle girl ends up. Love the Carolina's, could be neighbors Richard, depending on where the girl gets a job but we need a place with mild temps due to my spinal issues...can't do too much cold weather.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Given your back I'd vote for staying in Florida. Actually, I have been ready to move to Florida since grad school in Tallahassee.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,248
    Left for college in New Orleans but came back after graduation & stayed to raise our family here...all timing due to my postal career...just "fell into the job" and stayed for 30 years now...turned out to be a great decision! Just gettin' tired of the heat & hurricane's and we loved NC when the boy did summer programs at Davidson & Duke...people were so friendly & nice summers...great place to end our lives, so to speak with a lowish cost of living to boot! :)

    Of course, timing will also decide where we do end up after all as usual...as it does in most everybody's lives. Who knows, we could end up in a really cold place to spend retirement!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,125
    edited March 2011
    If we ever get a place in Florida maybe I would consider one of these, but I doubt they would fit in too many garages.

    I am sure the TC is the benchmark for garage size in Florida. TCs are plentiful down there. Glad you got to ride in one. Now you know what true motoring is.... :P

    On a side note, you are correct that as big as they are the interior isn't as huge as would expect, especially in the rear legroom category. The extra width is nice though.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    the interior isn't as huge as would expect, especially in the rear legroom category.

    I think the rear seat in a Fusion is higher and has more legroom. It has a feeling of being substantial though....as in solid, quiet, elegant leather, nice wood trim. It isn't quite my thing yet, but I do get it. If I could own about 10 cars, I would like to have one of these to take for a ride once in awhile, that would be fun.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,334
    "...Who knows, we could end up in a really cold place to spend retirement..."

    I have this little farm up here in NY overlooking the Hudson valley that I could let go if the price was right. Nice views of the hills and cold as a witch's...uh...you know.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I have this little farm up here in NY overlooking the Hudson valley that I could let go if the price was right.

    Looks like we have enough properties on this site to have a "Sales from the Frontlines" Timeshare Plan.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,334
    edited March 2011
    "...Timeshare Plan..."

    If it's timeshares you want I will consider selling a week's stay in the barn. This will include a wonderful work-study program in the attached greenhouse. Lots of healthy exersize lifting 100lb. bales of potting soil up onto the potting bench.

    Oh, and did I mention, there's a classic Corvette parked in there that you can look at. ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    If it's timeshares you want I will consider selling a week's stay in the barn.

    Does there happen to be a "farmers daughter"?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Apparently sold for $254,000 last year!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,334
    "...Does there happen to be a "farmers daughter"?

    My, my, you are a dirty old man aren't you! Sorry, no daughters, just sons. One of them owns the Corvette. He's a martial arts instructor with a bunch of black belts so be careful you don't scratch his paint. ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2011
    My, my, you are a dirty old man aren't you!

    No no, it's just you know, all those stories,........farm, have to sleep in the barn, but, whatever you do, don't.......................................

    That would make staying there a real exciting experience.

    Not sure about the sons, but I am sure there is some kind of angle we can work on. Maybe there's something we can think of with the Corvette too.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Better get rid of that farm and enjoy yourself or you will end up like most farmers. Poor all their life then die rich !! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,248
    Thanks but no thanks...we've already done the New York thing already...born & raised there until almost 15, have no desire to go back...anyways, I can't afford Westchester County any how...too rich for our blood! Planning to go back for the 40th year high school reunion next year, but that's about it.

    Wouldn't be surprised if we do end up in NC...seems like the best compromise area right now.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Better get rid of that farm and enjoy yourself or you will end up like most farmers.

    I have a brother in law who had a farm. He said, if he won a million dollars he would just keep farming until it all disappeared too! :cry:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,640
    I am still working on a plan to get down to North Carolina. Not going too well at the moment, but still trying!

    might have to wait 3 years until my last kid graduates HS. Have to get her into a NC state school, and we can just sell the house and move down at the same time!

    Gonna be nice to not be tied down to schools or kid activities finally. Can pick where i want to live into my "golden years", and not have to give it up for them.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,248
    Trust me, the kids are always gonna be in the decision making...it's just the nature of the beast! But we want to be around when the grand kids get here so we can be there for them. I had all four grandparents growing up & felt bad for my kids when my folks showed no interest in them at all...hurt me more than them. G-d compensated by giving me in-laws that were so awesome that my kids didn't feel they were missing anything. But we wanna be around to help with whatever.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,861
    All this talk about Florida. We just got back from a short weekend jaunt to Clearwater to see a couple Phillies spring training games with my family. The temperature difference between leaving Tampa this morning and arriving back in Pittsburgh? 50 degrees.

    Clearwater is beautiful, and I do love the gulf but it is extremely congested down in Clearwater Beach where we were staying. If you drive anywhere, there is traffic. If you go to a restaurant, usually a minimum of an hour wait. Gets old rather quickly. All in all though it was a nice trip, and a pleasant break from reality.

    To keep this auto related, the Taxi we took to dinner last night was a very old Studebaker.
    2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE, 2024 BMW i5 M60, 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
This discussion has been closed.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.