Basically to show that the seller didn't steal the item.

When I don't know someone and they are perfect strangers, I always ask for a receipt to show proof of purchase.

I've had one incident in the past where the buyer got angry because he felt insulted and didn't want to sell the item to me. Today I get the same response from someone. Why is that an insult? I don't know them, why should I trust them? I just don't want to buy stolen goods, simple as that.


My question verbatim:



The first time this happened the guy just seemed really irritated, but the second guy was really angry when he called me. It was almost like a road rage incident only about i-pods and over the phone. He kept mentioning that I'm insulting his good nature, and how he was willing to help "ME" (yeah right) by selling it for a lot less then retail ($90 for an 8 gig nano, new in box never opened). He said his daughter didn't want it (yeah, right). But yeah, he got all angry because of it.


Did I do anything wrong by asking? Those items were probably stolen, yeah? Why else would they get so defensive?

I know most people don't care if the item is stolen or not, don't ask, don't tell. But after being ripped off a couple times where people stole my stuff, I'm not going to buy someone's stolen goods. F' those guys.


What do you guys think?

 

Maybe these are the same people who get upset when they use their credit card at a store and get asked for their ID. I don't think your request is unreasonable or rude. Sometimes when you show character it just shows the lack thereof in others.

 

If you really don't want hot merchandise then go to a store. It's a piece of cake to fake a receipt. Plus if they still had the receipt, they'd probably return it to the store.

 

what if he won it in a company giveaway. or got it as a gift.

 

I think thats a fair question definately. That wasn't a pink nano that you were going to buy was it? My sister's purse just got ripped off, inside was her brand new pink nano. **********ers.

 

Uh, I don't have a receipt for my Nano...I hardly ever keep receipts for personal goods...but i didn't steal it...I know I have been asked for a receipt before, for an YYYY - I really didn't want to show the guy my receipt, because I purchased it (I'm a dealer) for 20% less than I what I sold it to him for. I was a little offended/worried he would want a discount or criticize me after asking me what I paid for it.

It's an expensive item, while 20% doesn't seem like that much, for big dollars, it's big dollars.

 

I try to save some money here and there, and I don't mind buying slightly used items to save money, especially in this economy. This guy claimed he bought it a couple months ago and can't return it because its been more then 30 days and would rather have money then store credit. That's why I asked for a receipt, and why he was selling it.

Normally if an item is opened and slightly used, I'll ask for a receipt too because most criminals are too stupid or too lazy to fake receipts, especially for small time items such as this.

 

a reasonable person wouldnt get upset, that unreasonableness that you are encountering is probably a strong indication you dont want to do businuss with that person in the first place.

and spelling owns me right now

 

i wouldn't get upset over it...I'd just tell you I don't have the receipt. I barely keep any of my receipts.

 

I wouldn't be mad or offended, but I wouldn't be able to show it to you either as I only keep unimportant receipts, like from gas stations, bars, and starbucks.

 

If I got a great price I could not give a crap where it came from lol

 

I don't think it is unreasonable. If I were selling something like that though, it would be because I got it as a prize from a raffle or something. Little bit more of a solid story.

 

It is a reasonably request...especially with car parts. The police do not take kindly to people who buy stolen parts (assuming it can be proven they are stolen) and ignorance of the item's origin is no excuse.

Also, asking why it is being sold is perfectly reasonable as you are trying to determine whether it is trashed, or any other possible issues.

In the end, if they don't want to sell it because of your request, **** em!!

 

i dont even keep receipts anymore lol

 

Even if that is the case, I don't see a reason why the seller would then say, "Sorry, I don't have a receipt, I got it as a gift and don't need it" etc.

I don't think what Daniel is asking is unreasonable at all. Regardless of how they got it. It isn't unreasonable to ask why someone is selling something and/or show proof that they own it.