Reasonable wait for a returned item

[Gapwedge]

Okay, here's the scenario.

You're the seller and you've found a potential buyer who's not quite sure if what you're selling will work. You agree to loan it to them to try it out, and the potential buyer picks it up the next day.

After a week, the potential buyer says "Nope, doesn't work for me". How long are you willing to give the buyer to return the item.
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VAPIR NO2

[John]

A day or two max I would say.

[lms]

I would not loan it out in the first place. The best I would do is to have them meet me at the range to try it out.

[mysticalwarrior]

It should be returend the same day it was turned down unless there was extenuating circumsatnces to prevent it and they had better be good.

[jvincent]

I have to give the infamous "depends" answer.

Was there an indication of how long the trial was going to last initially, how easy is it for both parties to meet, etc.

[Gapwedge]

I have to give the infamous "depends" answer.

Was there an indication of how long the trial was going to last initially, how easy is it for both parties to meet, etc.

The scenario is not that complicated.

However, to answer your questions:

1. No prior indication of how long the trial was to take. However, you receive notice that the trial was not successful after 1 week.

2. Lets say: one lives in east end, the other lives in west end. Transfer done by an intermediary (who lives in east and works in west).

So - initial pickup done next day, 1 week trial - not successful. How long do you consider is reasonable to wait to get the item returned?
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Hans Stuck

[jvincent]

I'd say a week is reasonable.

I know that given my work/golf/pickup kids schedule there are often stretches of two or 3 days where I just won't be able to meet. Now factor in the other person's schedule and it's easy to see an exchange taking a week.

[justsomeguy]

A day or two maximum - but I wouldn't have loaned them out in the first place. What if you have another interested buyer?

Do you even know this person? Personally, I think it is unreasonable for someone I don't know to even ASK to borrow them for a week. I certainly hope they left some kind of deposit.

I've met potential buyers at the range before and let them hit a small bucket (irons only, not woods). I might offer a full refund if they buy them and decide a week later they don't want them (provided they are returned in the same condition). But having a complete stranger walk away with the clubs AND the money is NOT an option.

[jeffc]

unless there are extenuating circumstances, it should be returned within a day or two and it should be ther person who borrowed it to ensure he makes the effort, not the other way around. By and large I don't like to lend equipment - my fear is it comes back with a ding, sky mark, etc. though if it were someone I knew I'd probably be a bit flexible on that.