One man thought he’d snagged an absolute steal when he stumbled upon a second-hand cabinet online for a mere £25.
Yet, he was utterly astounded by the subsequent events following its collection from the seller.
Andy Coates, who goes by @AndyWoodturner on X, took to the platform to recount the saga of the bargain cabinet, expressing his shock at the seller’s cheek.
Initially, he simply intended to inform his 8,975 followers about the great deal he’d discovered. His post read: “I have to go out to get food…and although ill, I will put a mask on and go to collect this…how could I not for what they want for it?! Nice cabinet to restore and put back into use…it’s almost identical to my M&W…will need a new door making, but that’s a simple job.”
But after picking up the cabinet and handing over the cash, Andy quickly returned online to share an odd twist in the story.
He continued: “Well, that was an interesting hour. Went to collect it. Bloke says, ‘I’ve had none other people contact me about it. But you were the first, so, here you go’ [sic]. “
Andy recounted how he paid the man the requested £25 for the cabinet and then headed off to Tesco for some shopping. It was during this time that the seller rang him up. The seller claimed Andy ‘wouldn’t be able to pick up the cabinet’ as it had been sold.
Confused, Andy informed the man that he must have dialled the wrong number, as he was actually the person who had just purchased it.However, after Andy hung up the phone, it rang once more.
When Andy queried the caller’s intentions, the seller revealed: “Well, the other man, the one I thought you were, asked for my number and called me. He said that the display box is a tool cabinet, and worth a lot of money. He said he’d have given me £125.”
Andy, puzzled, inquired why the man was sharing this with him. The seller proposed: “Well, I was thinking, if you could bring it back, I’ll give you your money back and five pounds for your petrol and time.”
Taken aback by the suggestion, Andy responded: “That’s not going to happen, mate. You advertised it, I came and paid what you asked, and now I’m going home.”
The seller persisted, claiming the cabinet could fetch “worth hundreds” once restored. Andy retorted: “And he’s not wrong. But none of this concerns me. You sold it to me, and I bought it. It’s now mine.”
The seller lamented: “But I could have got a lot more. I could have restored it and got even more.” Andy reaffirmed his position, stating: “All ‘true’… but not my concern. It’s now mine. And will remain mine. And now I’m going to hang up and get off home.”
The seller expressed his frustration with “Thank you for nothing,” to which Andy coolly replied: “You’re welcome. ”
The series of tweets recounting the incident became a viral hit online, amassing over 238,000 views and numerous likes. The comments section also filled up with people sharing their own tales of audacious sales encounters.
One individual recounted: “In the antique shop I once had a silver christening set for sale. Customer said ‘Can I have it for half price as I don’t want it for a Christening?’ Quick as a flash my husband said ‘I want a Ferrari but just to sit on the drive, do you think they’ll sell me one for half price?'”
‘Another added: “One of our holiday let visitors said ‘Have you got anyone booked for next week?’ No. ‘Well can we stay on an extra week for free then, seeing as it’s empty?’ Again, no.”