Long distance relationship Experienced sellers HELP

We have only sold calves locally. This year we have had responses from outside the state. I am so nervous about doing business with folks you don't know or who are four states away. How do you deal with long distance relationships?
Thanks for any suggestions.

Well the first question I would have for you is what are you nervous about? Are you worried about payment? Just make sure you are paid in cash or have the check secured before they leave. Other than that, I would say do the things you already do for your customers, offer advice over the phone and through emails. Just make sure that it is understood that you will do what you can to help out, but define what you limits have to be.

ShowmanQ said:

Well the first question I would have for you is what are you nervous about? Are you worried about payment? Just make sure you are paid in cash or have the check secured before they leave. Other than that, I would say do the things you already do for your customers, offer advice over the phone and through emails. Just make sure that it is understood that you will do what you can to help out, but define what you limits have to be.

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I've sold cattle all over...  I have only had a few people back out due to transport or health issues.  Also, one guy paid a deposit & then took 8 months to pay/pick them up (paid for boarding though), but I've never failed to get my money.  The only 2 checks that I have had bounce were when I sold a buyer some hay (wrote 2 checks & the cattle check cleared) & when I performed fitting services for someone.  However, both times they called me & made it right.   

My dad on the other hand hasn't been so fortunate.  He lost 2 trailer loads of steers that he hauled to a processor & the checks bounced.  The guy filed bankruptcy, had his business in one state, lived in another, & had the back account in yet another.  My dad got NOTHING!!  He also had to repo some cattle from a gentleman in southern Missouri. 

When in doubt ask for cash, a money order, a bank check or when accepting a personal check, call their bank & write their drivers license number down on the check & intial it. 

 

i purchased two pregnant cows with calf sight unseen from texas to CA.  transportation was a nightmare, but once it got started it was ok.  usually the problem is coordinating several shipments with enough advance notice and that the animals are picked up from the source cite and someone is there when the truck is there, otherwise the truck leaves, doesn't notify the recipient, and the recipient  (human) then has to grab the ball.