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Old 06-05-11, 10:40
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas Greville View Post
These days there are lots of photo, serial number and "details" collectors out there who make detailed enquiries, string a seller along but don't have the ready funds or wherewithal to make a purchase. What is often called a "tyre kicker".
Indeed international sales can be somewhat difficult, the langauge barrier being the first hurdle to take. These days sellers often state "for the serious collector only please" or something to that effect. Well, this sentence can be interpreted in various ways - let's look it up in the dictionary:

se·ri·ous
1. of, showing, or characterized by deep thought.
2. of grave or somber disposition, character, or manner: a serious occasion; a serious man.
3. being in earnest; sincere; not trifling: His interest was serious.

col·lec·tor
1. a person or thing that collects.
2. a person employed to collect debts, duties, taxes, etc.
3. a person who collects books, paintings, stamps, shells, etc., especially as a hobby.

So a "serious collector" could be someone who collects pictures or vehicle details as a hobby, but also a tax man who is not making jokes about the amount of money he is coming to collect! Probably beter to be frank and state "anyone interested in the item better bring a huge pile of cash"!

Regards,
Hanno
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