(Warning: this is not going to be anything spiritual. I need to vent!)
I found this ad on Craigslist:
2007 Outback 28KRS-2 slides (Pennsylvania)
Date: 2011-12-09, 7:50AM EST
Reply to: [obscure-email-address@craigslist.org] [Errors when replying to ads?]
2007 Outback 28KRS-Kargaroo Take all your fun things like a motorcycle, dirt bikes and ATVs with you in this Like new Travel Trailer/ Toy Hauler- Loaded with features including 2 slideouts, sleeps 8, microwave, awning, stereo, crank down stabilizer jacks, ducted a/c and outside kitchen. This has been garage kept and is like brand new. Priced for quick sale.
- Location: Pennsylvania
- it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
So — I’m curious. There are four small pictures, it looks promising, so I send an email to the address in the ad.
From: Debbie Durant <…>
Date: Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 9:32 AM
Subject: 2007 Outback 28KRS-2 slides (Pennsylvania)
To: <you-know-who@craigslist.org>Hi,
Can you tell me your asking price for this? Could we come look at it? We’re in Southern Chester County near the MD/DE border.Thanks.
Turns out it’s an RV dealer.
From: Media Camping Center <mediacampingcenter@mediacampingctr.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Subject: RE: 2007 Outback 28KRS-2 slides (Pennsylvania)
To: Debbie Durant <…>
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for contacting Media Camping Center about the 2007 Outback 28KRS trailer.
Please be on the look out for a reply from Jim Davis who can give you all the details on this RV along with several others we have that are similar.
Please note that unlike many RVs advertised on craigslist by private sellers that do not offer any kind of service, financing or Title & Tags, this Travel Trailer is for sale by a PA Licensed Dealer that offers full service, Notary & Tags along with a FREE Camping Package and warranty.
And while you are waiting please click on the attachments with information about our Free Camping Offer and 20 Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Next RV from Media Camping Center in Hatfield.
Please sign-up to receive our Free On-Line Newsletter with the latest News, Sale Flyers, Specials, and Travel Tips. www.mediacampingctr.com/newsletter.asp
Media Camping Center
RV Sales
Rt. 309 Hatfield, PA 19440
215-822-1345 or 800-880-0335
www.mediacampingctr.comPlease review the contact information below and if anything is incorrect please contact us as soon as possible so that Media Camping Center can correct or delete. Our desire is to provide you with the requested RV information and contact you in a way you are most comfortable with.
If your phone number was not included please call 800-880-0335 for more information about the RVs available and on display at Media Camping Center in Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
Click on the Facebook Photo below and sign up to be a fan on Media Camping Center’s facebook page and receive a weekend of FREE CAMPING.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
Wow. All I wanted was to know the price, not develop a personal relationship. So Jim did email me later:
From: Jim at Media Camping Center <sales4@mccrv.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Subject: 2007 Outback 28 KRS in stock.
To:…
Hello Debbie, This is Jim Davis with Media Camping Center in Hatfield. This 2007 Outback can be seen on our website at www.mccrv.com. This unit is like new. We are located between Allentown and Philadelphia on Rt. 309 near Souderton. This unit is priced in the low $20s price range and is here for your inspection. If you have any other questions please contact me at 1.800.880.0335.
OK. This was better: direct and to the point. Now I realize it’s more money than I want to spend for an impulse purchase. Also, I realize the configuration is one we don’t want, with the sleeping area sliding out from the back of the unit. Fine, I’ll just email him back this evening.
When I get home, I find a message from these folks on my home answering machine.
BIG RED FLAG!
I did not give them this number. I do not want to be called about this. I just wanted some information. If they meet my expectations and respect my boundaries, I may take my business to them in the future.
This was an overreach.
So I sent Jim this message. I tried to word it nicely. I tried, honestly I did.
Hi Jim,
After looking at the picture, I realized we didn’t want one with the extension out the back. Thank you for your time. Please remove my contact information from your system. Someone from your office called my home phone, and I was not pleased by that. We are not prepared to buy at this time; I was just curious why a price was not included. If I wish to be called I will give you my phone number myself.
—
Am I crazy? Do I set up a bogus one-use-only email address for such inquiries? Is this considered legitimate marketing practice?