Often it doesn't pay to be 'nice.'

[DaviDC.]

The most recent Dell mini 9 was gotten for a guy I used to work with. He watched me install the new SSD & OS X & was so excited about this little computer. Earlier today he tells me he can't afford to buy it but wants to borrow it for a trip he's taking this weekend. WTF? I told him no & now he's pissed off. Too f@$king bad.

"Well, let me borrow yours then."
"No way."
"Aw man; you're just being selfish."

Perhaps I am being selfish. Tough $hit. The nerve of some people astounds me.

[rgG]

Tell him you will rent it to him, for the weekend.

[mattkime]

luckily it shouldn't take long to unload one of those things. but he's not getting anymore favors!

[AAA]

I would suggest he buy (cough) something from a retailer, and discover he dislikes it so much he is compelled to return it.

I would think he'd be fine with that, from the little I know about him.

[Doc]

Offer him a payment plan.

[decay]

so how much does Best Buy charge for tech restocking fees?

[richorlin]

Rent it to him for the weekend for $150 but require payment up front plus a $250 (or whatever your costs were) security deposit. That way, when he refuses to return it, you're covered. If he does return it, you can then sell it and be $150 ahead.

[AlphaDog]

Isn't the gall of some people astounding? Sadly, I've known people like that, too. Hold firm! And be glad he didn't tell you he'd forgotten his checkbook and would just mail you the money as soon as he got home with "his" new Dell mini.

[RAMd®d]

And apparently you do.

Way to go.

This guy could be playing a version of AAA's "Buy, Use, and Return" suggestion. Or he may well have been planning to buy the computer and suddenly can't afford it.

Regardless, he is no doubt insane expecting you to *loan* him a computer you bought and prepped in anticipation of selling it to him, that is has no intention buying. Seriously.

And don't forget the corollary to your axiom: The customer is not always right. And really, this guy isn't even a customer.

You should easily break even selling that, and possibly make a profit.

[cbelt3]

richorlin-
I"m reminded of the lines in the film version of "A Clear and Present Danger".

Ryan: Is this Helicopter available ?
Owner: Yes. The price is two million dollars.
Ryan: Uh, may we perhaps rent it instead ?
Owner: Of course. A Deposit of Two Million dollars is required.
Ryan: Will you take a Company check ?