Would you do business with relatives?
By cristi12
@cristi12 (378)
Romania
March 1, 2008 9:36am CST
I'm asking this because I was about to buy a car from my uncle, al Renault Laguna Concorde, combi, fabrication 2000, full options, etc. He wanted 4700 Euros for it, including registration (which is about 1200 E here in Romania). The price was awesome, the car in question being sold around here for 5500, 6000 E, incl registration.
So what happened? two days ago, when I was supposed to pick up the car, he called me and said that he needed 4800 E, I told ok, it's still a good price, no problem, I just told him to wait untill the next day untill I get the money. I stepped on my pride and asked my dad for the 100 E. I actually worked my butt off the last few months to save up some cash, and didn't ask anything from my parents. The next day, I met with my uncle, and surprise surprise. He wanted 4900. I told him to wait for the 100 E untill the 25th, so I wouldn't have to ask my dad again. He said he couldn't and I should call him when I get the money.
Needless to say, even If I'd have the extra 100, I wouldn't even consider buying the car from here. Don't get me wrong, the car is in mint condition, and well worth over 5000 E, but the way he treated me was so awfull I don't think I'll ever do business with him again. My uncle'sa used car dealer, by the way.
Oh whell, I could have really used another car... that way I wouldn't need to get up every morning at 6:00 AM to drive my dad to work. :)) I'm stubborn too, I never give him the car, because I'd have to do without all day. Plus this car would have been great as as a workhorse.
The bottom line is, doing business with your relatives is a bad idea. I didn't think so before because I never tried it.
Would any of you do business with your relatives or close friends?
4 responses
@Chey1970 (1186)
• United States
1 Mar 08
From reading your discussion, made questions arise. So I will ask them.
Why did he keep upping the price of the car? Why not just give you a set price to start with? Was their another competeting with you over the purchase of the car?
Now to answer the question in which you asked. No, I don't think I could do "business' with relatives for if something went wrong, in one or the others opinions, it could ruin the relationship with the relative and even to the point where it could affect the whole family. I rather do business with a strange.
@cristi12 (378)
• Romania
2 Mar 08
Everythime I called, he said that he had to ask for that much money, etc. I think that was the case though, The car was worth well over 5000, and most likely he found somebody who would pay more than me. He told me 4800 when we first talked to encourage me, or to attract me, I don't know. But most likely this was some way of cutting me out, and selling it to somebody else. Grrr... I this kind of stuff.
@owatagoosiam (751)
• United States
1 Mar 08
It is unfortunately true for me that being related to me is sort of a disincentive for me doing business with someone. In your instance, this particular uncle doesn't keep his world. So, I would encourage you to remember this when you think of buying a car from him again.
If business goes bad with a family member, you can't easily get away from it. It changes your perception of this relative .. and you are going to see them because they are a relative.
You might still consider doing business with other relatives, giving them the opportunity to prove themselves and their quality. But, you should keep your word (as your uncle has not done) and always keep an extra bit of respect in your dealings. No use making family relations difficult.
@christineli (525)
• Philippines
10 Mar 08
Hello cristi12 :)
I wouldn't want to do business with a relative or friend. Because in business, each buck should be accounted for. Thus a relative or friend often get offended when you try to account "business-money" even if its just $1. They'd say that you don't trust them, etc. which is not the case. You are just trying to do what should be done in business. And such could be the start of unhappy relationships. But if the relative/friend is as business-minded as you, and is know how to separate business from personal matters, then a family/friend can be the best business-partnet
I wish you the best :)
@bbsr13 (4196)
• India
1 Mar 08
Hello,cristi! it is always unwise to do any type of business with a relative or a friend because the money involved in the business makes the relationship bitter.no matter what happened in your life.after all you learnt a lession.thank you.all the best.
