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I was apparently second in line; someone had already called about it. So, I did something I've never done before on CL . . . I offered above the asking price - $50. I figured that would clinch it, and it did . . . for a little while. We had a plan to meet the next morning at 9 a.m. Then I get a text at 8:30 a.m. from the seller saying that she had two higher offers and couldn't sell it to me. Luckily, I had sold some shelves on CL earlier in the week and had enough cash to match the higher offer. The deal was back on, and I was literally on my way when she texted again saying the person whose offer I matched just told her what a treasure they had - a Dorothy Draper chest. So, she wanted to hold off and do some research before selling it. Seriously?! I was so furious at this "informant" who ruined my transaction out of spite. Who does that? I'm sorry, but if a person doesn't know what they have . . . that's their problem. If you have no clue what I'm talking about, these chests go for thousands on eBay and 1stDibs.
I was offering the CL seller perfectly good money - more than they initially asked for, and by the way, they were given this piece by a friend who was moving. So, they didn't even pay for it. Anyway, long story even longer, the CL seller ended up selling it for $600 (way out of my price range) to a dealer who then probably turned around and listed it on eBay for a couple thousand or put it in their store for twice that amount. The moral of the story? I have no idea, other than I don't think I or my clients are meant to have a Dorothy Draper Espana chest (remember this post?). And some people are douchebags. The whole dream of CL or thrifting is that you'll find a gem that someone doesn't realize is worth anything. Unfortunately, I think those days are gone.
Some interiors featuring some DD chests, just so I can wallow in my misery . . .
I have that same vase, by the way.
See how they go in any interior? I didn't even see the one hiding in the corner of this room until Google found it for me.
And lastly, even Sex and the City got in on the DD action (I think these chests were in her Vogue editor Candice Bergen's office)
So, do you have any crazy Craigslist stories of the ones that got away?
24 comments:
total Wow story - I call those "unicorns" by the way because the odds of my finding one are about the same! Sad you did not get it, but Wow what a story! M>
You have it right--some people are douchbags. And I'm convinced that dealers are amongst the worst. I mean, hey, I get it that everyone needs to make a living, but c'mon.
I hope something better (if that's possible) comes along soon. If it makes you feel any better, CL around here has been total crap as of late. Nary a DD chest to be seen.
Man, that was quite the find and a huge let-down, but don't get dejected...there are more fish in the sea. I just know your DD day will come!
This is heartbreaking, I feel for you! I've definitely pulled the "offer more" trick before and that usually works. I have been on the other side though where someone else is going to pick up the item for a steal and I have been tempted before to tell the seller that they need to charge more, but I never do because I figure karma always comes back around.
Grrrrr! Why in the world would someone tell them what they had??? Dang. Don't give up hope. I keep telling myself that if I "will" the universe to bring me my perfect kitchen chairs, it will happen. Your hair looks gorge by the way!
Oh no, I would be furious too! I think if you just keep your eye on the prize (whatever that may be), you'll stumble across what you're looking for eventually.
I learned a valuable lesson when it comes to estate sales & CL. You need to work quickly and always be first in line. One time I lost out on a pair of ghost chairs because I wanted to sleep in a little later. But...if it wasn't for that lesson, I would have missed out on an even better treasure: TWO authentic Dorothy Draper dressers.
When I saw them on a local estate sale website, I knew I needed to wake up extra early to be 1st (okay 6th but whose counting) in line. So I did and waited an hour in the cold to score the find of the year!
OMG- I hated that, it made me so mad! Totally unfair, I would also be mourning the loss. This person was going to sand it? Blasphemy! Just keep looking the right piece will come your way!! xox
Laura
Day-um. It hurts even more when you think you've got it in the bag. I haven't had this happen to me but I am feeling your pain right now. : (
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I saw this piece when it first went up on Craigslist and shared it on Instagram and tagged you on it but I guess you didn't see it. I don't really like the espana dressers but that was a deal you couldn't pass up! For the amount she received, it was definitely a dealer. Motherfu.......
Unbelievable! That's just wrong and karma is a bitch!
man oh man. so close...
hang in there.
Aww, that sucks! After Bri's instagram post, I tagged you and Brandy as well hoping one of you would buy it.
That seller should give that money to her friend!!!
On a nicer CL note...when I got the lucite sofa table, the owner offered me a free tulip side chair. It's wobbly and needed work so I didn't take the chair home with me but I thought that it was nice of him to offer.
Ha, that person was so mad that you were getting it, they spoiled it for everyone. I saw a pair of DD chests that got away. I am actually waiting one thing out at the moment. He wants too much, so we'll see what happens.
People kill me!! Yes, the spoiler was just mad they didn't get it and wanted to ruin it for you!! some people just want to suck the fun out of life and I do agree it is getting harder and harder to get a deal.
Yeah that sucks! I'm sorry. I know me and I would be sick over it....hopefully you can move on :) Something better is always around the bend.
Gah! Heartbreaking! So sorry you missed out on such a killer score.
"It could really look awesome if someone takes the time to redo". That's a punch in the gut!
This definitely calls for a strong cocktail and prescription medication. If your physician does not understand how damaging this was to your psyche, have him/her call me.
Super Douche!! That sucks, well at least they didn't get around to "antiquing" it. :(
I think that ass is worse than a douche! I would cry for days!! Something better has to be out there for you. CL karma will pay you back. :)
So close! Things like this sometimes make me wonder if I've ever painted over something really valuable out of ignorance. Maybe I need to do a little research on my upcoming makeover projects...
Just missed one at estate sale in mn! I was 8 in line and first gal got it for $225. Mint!
I just found your blog and i'm also in Nashville! I scored one from a dentist office a few years ago that was using it as their coffee station! It shocks me how many people don't know what they have (esp with how easy it is to just google it!) But I agree one persons lack of knowledge should be your gain! That person is a punk!!!
Darn! I hate went Craig's List deals fall thru. I scored a PAIR of Dorthy Draper Espana Chests for $35!! Plus they delivered it to me for $25. It's one of my best scores on Craigs List ever.
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