Title?

So, how to title this post: People are Scary? I don't understand what's going on with them? I'm getting distrustful of many people's motives these days? But let me back up...A friend I worked with last year called me out of the blue to ask me how much I would want for ALL of Patt's tools because her husband was setting up a shop and was excited to get professional quality tools. Much as I enjoyed J., she's from the south(no offense) and probably watches American Pickers and I just felt hinky about it, especially after I explained to her that Mr. Stargazer had multiples, yet she was still pushing for a price for everything. There is an OVERWHELMING number of sanders, routers, drills, airless paint sprayers, saws of various kinds, bits, etc...and they are mostly high end Makita brand or other non-weekend warrior type things. My husband was a PROFESSIONAL. Then tonight a longtime acquaintance called and suggested bringing over a few friends who would probably want to buy all the tools as well as the Jeep and van. Who knew that I would suddenly gain instant popularity as Tool Widow? I trust this guy more, but still feel anxious about doing something so drastic, although I really don't want a bunch of strange people from Craiglist lurking around my house for a weekend either. Yes, I AM wringing my hands in indecision right now. Surely people I know wouldn't screw me over take advantage of me, right? *grimace* Patt would most certainly insist that they would, especially considering his experiences with his family and their "no good deed goes unpunished" mentality. I've also been working myself up over comments on his on-line obituary. Regarding the first one(no longer there), my husband didn't join the Coast Guard because he was such a huge patriot and wanted to protect our freedoms; although he had great memories of his travels in the military, he was a Vietnam era 18 year old who was trying to avoid getting drafted into the Army. (as it turned out, his draft number was low, but he didn't know that at the time!) The latest comment is from a guy who went to junior high and high school with my husband, is a neighbor of my parents who now lives in his mother's basement and who took total advantage of my husband's expertise when he was building a staircase in his house. Patt couldn't stand him! Yet according to his comment, he treasured his friendship(WTH?) with Patt and Margaret. What friendship? Sometimes I really do hate people. I'm now going to take my bitter little self off to bed with a book.

Comments

[Jay]

My opinion - wait on the tools until you have time to figure out how you want to part them out. If there are multiples, maybe you want multiple sets and can have more folks that get to remember Patt over the long term. Are either of the girls "handy"? They might want a set. Don't be rushed - the tools are not going any where, and they must have some value since people are coming out of the woodwork to get at them.

[Adrasteia]

People are such assholes. I'm sorry but this post made me laugh. "What friendship, you little shitwit?" LAWLZ I love you. I second Jay's suggestion. Don't deal with the tool thing immediately unless you have a serious need for immediate cash and/or space. You're going through something totally overwhelming right now, and the last thing you need is to worry about getting screwed over on a bunch of tools. They will still be valuable in a month, or six months, or a year. Sanders are not going to stop being needed. And I suspect anyone who suddenly pops out of nowhere to demand prices on the belongings of a recently deceased person from his widow. Have some goddamn tact, please. Manners, y'all. Utilize them.

[Rebecca]

Don't do anything with the tools until you are ready. It doesn't matter if other people are ready, it only matters if you are ready. This is your time to do what you need and want. And yes, people are assholes. Sometimes, rather large ones. ;-)

[Karan]

You are experiencing what I call the swooper effect...people who normally well meaning get excited about a deal or a freebie, swoop in and attempt to take advantage of someone in some sort of circumstance. I think you are smart to be cautious. Hire a tool appraiser and get the true value for all the gear, then see if you can sell it through a consignment business.

And be sure to keep some of the tools for yourself because you never know when you'll need to fix stuck lock on a slider!

[kayak woman]

What all those people said!! (Hi Jay!) Go slow.

[Susan]

Oooh, this is hard on many levels. I'd feel so uncomfortable not knowing what things are worth and getting screwed over.

People suck!

[Ally Bean]

I love Karan's assessment of what is going on. She's so right. Swoopers have descended on you. Very odd, but I suppose predictable.

Sell the tools when you are ready and happy with what is going on, NOT when others want you to sell them. There's no rush, is there?

[Tonya]

Strange! I wonder if these people wanting to buy the whole "lot" are planning to turn around and sell at auction? (A very popular enterprise).

[Mary]

I wonder if you could find somebody who deals in used tools who could help you set a fair price? Maybe a pawn shop person could help or direct you? It would be worth paying someone for a couple of hours time to make sure you're not getting taken advantage of. Because it is sad to say, but Karan is right, there's swoopers out there. They know you just want it over. Also, if Patt used those tools for his business, you'll want to check with your accountant, selling those tools is something that will likely need to show up on a tax return.

Hugs.

[Marie K]

You're right to be wary. Unfortunately, some people will take advantage of others, especially during a hard (emotional)times. On the other hand, some may be just looking for tools!

[Michelle]

Hmm. The first woman sounds a bit grabby. Ick. The guy could be trying to do you a favor, but then again, maybe not. I have had too many experiences with the "no good deed goes unpunished" thing lately to not be wary of these things as well. I have no printable words for people who would take advantage at a time like this.

[Eileen]

Wait with the tools. Sell them individually for what they are worth. People will help.

[Zazzy]

Oye, I missed this post. People are so predatory! I think that this is one of the reasons you're generally advised not to make any major decisions for the first 6 months or so. If you have someone you can trust to help with this, great. Otherwise, try not to stress yourself out. Wait until you are ready.