Posted by:
Amyjo
(
)
Date: October 15, 2018 08:15PM
It was the way we were raised. Not to be cynical, skeptical, or doubting of others motives. What a great asset to mold us into morgbots for TSCC.
That is still one of the hardest things I'm unlearning since leaving the cult. How to be wary, streetsmart, and savvy. Most of the time I pride myself on how far I've come.
Then comes the occasional curve ball. I arranged to purchase a used bike today that was outside a local grocery store last Friday to advertise it. It is an older Columbia bike in good condition, and the real appeal was the bike saddle that was vintage leather specialty seat to go with it.
So the guy meets me there today after work to bring me the bike. He had covered the seat with a plastic bag to keep the rain off, so he said (it was drizzly.) I didn't think anything of it, because I'd seen the condition it was in Friday. So we exchanged cash for bike. Loaded it into my car, and off I went.
It wasn't until later after getting home with it, that I took off the plastic bag, and then noticed he'd swapped the seat on me for a standard bike seat. The other one was really nice. This one, not so much. It was a classic bait and switch.
Since I paid cash, got no receipt, nothing in writing ... there really isn't much I can do except try not to be so trusting next time. I could have checked the seat at the parking lot before loading it up in my car. And yet I trusted him to do the right thing.
I know where he lives if I wanted to pursue it in small claims. But without proof of the sale or what he was advertising, it would likely be a waste of my time.
Why is hindsight always 20/20 vision? Just got a little more cynical today, without barely trying.
The bike works at least, for a vintage Columbia. I really do like it. So it isn't a total loss. I can always add a different seat down the road. But for now I'll try hitting the local bike trails before the Indian summer disappears.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2018 08:37PM by Amyjo.