Buyer Side/Seller Side
Here's something I learned a long time ago about the sometimes-aggravating processes of buying or selling horses: The best way to get better at being on one side of the equation is to gain experience on the other side. In other words, you become a better seller by having had experience as a buyer, and vice versa. The more times you've walked in the other side's boots, the fewer rocks you're going to feel with each step.
When I present a horse for sale to a prospective buyer, I make it a rule to have that horse as perfectly groomed and otherwise turned out as I can possibly make it. If it's a show horse or show prospect, I have it ready and dressed it in my best tack before the buyer ever arrives. If it's a trail horse, it's saddled and ready to go for a test ride. I do a super-cleaning of the barn, sometimes even get out the paint brush, and see to it that all the other horses are brushed and clipped. I've even been known to strip my garden of flowers in order to have buckets of them greeting my shopping guests when they arrive. I have copies of the horse's papers and pedigree on hand to give out, and sire ads and videos when available.
I learned to do these things in response to what I've encountered as a buyer--horses that hadn't seen brush nor clippers in weeks (or months); horses that had to be rounded up from the back 80 before I could even get a look at them; junky barn aisles and dirty stalls that spoke volumes about the owner's daily management regimen; owners who couldn't seem to locate the necessary paperwork; owners who expected to get a diamond's price for something still in the rough.
On the flip side, I respond promptly to sellers, even when I've crossed their horse off my list, and return their videos and DVDs if they want them back. Having been a seller, I know that "thanks, but no thanks" is more appreciated than the black hole of no reply.
Whether on the buyer side or the seller side of equine commerce, the Golden Rule comes into play, and it's pretty easy to remember: Just do unto the other side as you would have it do to you!
posted by Juli Thorson @ 1:32 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Interesting comments on the horse market...I've had sellers refuse to send a video..what is that?, or for $10.00 they'll send it, and by golly they want the thing back in two days.....or you get the video and it was done with the camera out of focus or a video of a minute detail which has no relevancy is video'ed for 10 minutes. Amazing. I've experienced sellers who are having a bad day because they're absolutely rude!!! (Do you want to sell the horse or don't you?) No, I'm not retarded but they may think I am as I've put up with their bs for over 10 minutes ... just being polite don't you know....or their sale horse appears to have been locked in the lower 40 for the last five years with zip grooming, feet out to here, an undershot jaw and blind in one eye. You know, the original "buck-snort" taking your life in your hands and no wonder they'd like to get rid of "it".
Its similar to parking your filthy car on the local street corner, sticking a "for sale" sign on it and expecting some dummy to pay top blue book for it.....not a chance!!!
I am surprised many horses are ever sold with all of that going on.
I have been on both sides and I have to say the selling side tried my patience more then the buying. I wrote the horse was "for experienced riders only w/a quick start and good stop" I had Mothers of small children call, beginning riders and extremely timid riders show up at the farm for this horse, solely based on her looks. They were univeral in the "She is SO PRETTY" comment. I turned most away at the door. As for the buying side, I mostly get horses that are green, ott or have intimidated their owners so that they have become pasture decorations so I don't expect much from the owner when i go to look. It IS nice when the horse is in, clean and the barn is well lit. Most of the time I am looking at the horses eye, watching how they move,running my hands down their legs, and checking out the general attitude of the owner and horse and how they are together. Mostly the horse tells me alot more then the owner ever does...
Thanks for this post. At the moment, I'm horse shopping. My husband's idea. I'm dragging my feet.
Found a very wonderful horse, pretty, great manners, not spooky, just a little rough on the gaits. Would love to lease him to see if we can fix that.
Not sure how to make that appealing to the owner. She has anxiety about who buys him and seems trusting about us. She has little kids and no time for the horse and wants to cut expenses.
We've had horses for 30 years and they all have lived to 25+ and been healthy.
In leasing, does it sound reasonable to exchange keeping the horse at our barn with no expenses to her (such as vets,farrier, feed and great home) for our being able to ride the horse and the right to return him if he doesn't work out.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Marvel,
What you're proposing is something called a care lease, and it's quite commonly done. Some owners are OK with it, others are not--it's a highly personal thing, but it never hurts to propose it. It's a very good idea to spell out all expectations and "what ifs" in a written agreement signed by both parties.
Good luck, and hope it works out for you!
Juli Thorson
Having done both buying & selling I would much rather be the buyer. When I go to look at a horse I perfer that the horse not be tacked and ready to ride. I like to see how it interacts with other horses, how it moves with out rider, how "easy" it is to catch, how it stands while being saddled, etc. That all tells me alot be for I even ride.
I have been on both sides as well I and I agree the selling side is much more trying than buying.
ON VIDEOS - that's just part of the deal, use DVD's. They are cheap to make and cheap to mail. Why anyone would refuse to send out one, want it back or charge for it is beyond me. UNLESS the buyer is within a resonable driving distance then I say " Come look at it in person! You're out a couple hours of your time tops and if a potential buyer can't do that then I deem them not very serious or ready to buy. I will not mail a video to someone who could drive over for a look. We sellers don't have bugs or anything - I have hot coffee and snacks ready at my barn for potential buyers and I often take folks out for lunch afterward. As far as returning the video - I say KEEP IT. Better yet - leave it in your trainers barn, maybe some else will see it and buy my horse. Show it to your friends! By all means hold on to it.
ALSO - I spend quality time working on those videos, as buyers you must understand that not every video is going to be perfect for every person. No, I am not going to re-cut the video to add "a trot to lope transition to the left" or "an extended trot while bending to the right" just for one potential buyer - what you'll see is a walk - trot - lope, both directions, a stop and back, and maybe an extention of the jog on the rail. If you like what you see and want to see more... fly on in and come take a look at the horse!
On the buying side - I have seen too many sellers try to hide faults with thier horses with creative video editing and photoshop - I always, always, always go and look at the horse - usually with a professional trainer at my side.
Also don't send me a video of the horse only one direction - or just in from pasture. Show me your best product because I am not going to call for another video nor will I go look at a horse off of a half-ass thrown together video. I am also not going to pay for a video or return it the next day. If your ad states "serious inquiries only" I am not calling because I just saw too many dollar signs to count, plus i think its rude.
I can tell on your video if the horse's tail has been done - so don't lie. I can tell if you are glossing over a soundness issue - If I detect a lie, I am so out of there, and you'll never even know why.
I can appreciate a good set-up at a barn, but i know that looks aren't everything...just have the horse ready to go. Its all about the ride.
Post a Comment
<< Home