Asking "How much?"

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by azfordman

I actually do get asked that a lot when people learn I work out of my home selling tropical fish.

Hmmm, that's understandable. I can hear it now on your street: "Did you hear that the fella in 4312 just bought a new Cobra?"... "WTF?!? You mean the guy that supposedly sells fish out of his basement?" ... "Yeah, he's probably running a crystal meth lab down there instead."

[azfordman]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Hmmm, that's understandable. I can hear it now on your street: "Did you hear that the fella in 4312 just bought a new Cobra?"... "WTF?!? You mean the guy that supposedly sells fish out of his basement?" ... "Yeah, he's probably running a crystal meth lab down there instead."

Seriously.....with my electric bill at around $600 a month (My Mom a few miles away is around $150) I am surprised no authorities have questioned what I am doing here!!! LOL!

[Ronbo]

I don't think there's anything wrong with that question as long as it's followed by "If you don't mind me asking". A lot of people (especially younger people) are mainly curious what it takes to get to your level. (You never know, your car could inspire them to do better)

It's kind of ironic that discussing what something costs today is so difficult, yet telling someone what things used to cost 20yrs ago is no big deal.

Rest assured the person your talking to probably can't go a month without a paycheck. Do them a favor, tell them what fulfilled dreams really cost.

[RodKnock]

How much did you pay for your house? Do you have loans against it? How about your Portuguese Water Dog, how much did you pay for him/her? The antique table in your living room? How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal, so I politely decline to tell people, but you may tell them.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal....

Uhhh, more often than not, people that tell you they are making money are not, and vice versa. I agree with Rod; it's personal.

[CoolCarl]

I don't have a cobra, but when people ask what I paid for my car, motorcycle, etc. I tell them. Makes no difference to me.

If I happen to be asking that question about their car and they don't tell me I think in the back of my head, "Hmm, he probably paid too much and doesn't want others to know how much a fool he is." Or something like that.

[HealeyRick]

Wonder how much of this is a regional thing. Start asking those kind of questions in New England and you'll soon learn not to.

[patrickt]

Carl, there's some element of truth to that. Actually it would be kind of fun to respond to someone with exactly that reply: "I paid too much and even though I don't know you I don't want you to know how much of a fool I am."

[Archrms]

Do you think these people ask the owners of Mustangs and other cars how much they cost? Or are they just being rude to us Cobra owners?

[khansmith]

Since mine was a kit and not a beautiful kirkham,SPF or ERA; I tend to be pretty open (that is not a critique it is honest envy). First, I tell them that I wanted to learn the basics about cars and this fit the bill. Then I talk about how you tend to have more cost control with the build route IF you control your emotions and then I give them my out of pocket AFTER I tell them how many hours I have in it

[grybrd123]

I have an SPF coupe, and although I get a gazillion questions everywhere I park it, not very many people ask what it cost - I think fewer than ten since I got it over a year ago. But, when I do get asked, it seems to be by knowledgeable guys who know what the car is, ask lots of questions, and are really interested. I try not to be too specific, but tell them roughly what it would cost to buy a new one today and to look at the Shelby web pages (which they can do without my help anyway). Some who guess are high, and some low.

I don't mind being asked, but prefer to give a sort of ballpark figure and not actually tell them what I paid.

David
SPC 0123

[azfordman]

I wonder if it is also an age related thing.... Not to say it justifies it, but perhaps it is a more socially acceptable question among younger crowds....? Kind of like sending a text instead of calling and actually talking to someone.... I have many 20-something customers who consistently text me questions....bugs the heck out of me!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Carl, there's some element of truth to that. Actually it would be kind of fun to respond to someone with exactly that reply: "I paid too much and even though I don't know you I don't want you to know how much of a fool I am."

When I see a Ferrari around town, I don't go up the owner and ask how much he or she paid for it or how long did they wait for delivery?

Wow, what a fool he waited for his Ferrari longer than an ERA owner waits for his Cobra. (just kidding, take it easy).

[FIA-ERA]

Here you go Rodknock! This one is just like you like them! "Hi 66prototype. I must agree with him. It is the best for me! How much did it cost you with that?" Here's the link, last post:http://www.shelbyforums.com/forums/1...spoiler-3.html

I'm betting he is a young guy with a lot to learn. I will bet he doesn't get a response to that one also! The guy he's asking owns a rare 65 Shelby used for 66 Shelby development and components. Now THAT is a hard car to place a value on!!

[Ronbo]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How much did you pay for your house? Do you have loans against it? How about your Portuguese Water Dog, how much did you pay for him/her? The antique table in your living room? How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal, so I politely decline to tell people, but you may tell them.

Of course you can politely decline to answer, just as they can politely ask. Most of what you listed isn't exactly a big secret anyway.

Now be honest, are you more comfortable talking about the price of things you own with people you consider peers? My point being your reaction is probably more protective than personal.

I mean, I don't really know you, but if we were to meet at a gathering we couldn't discuss what we spent on our cars? (especially after 20yrs when we'll be bragging about how we only spent about $100k "back in the day")

I'm not trying to pick on you bud, none of us would have much to talk about if we all thought the same.

[CoolCarl]

I asked this question to the 2 people I worked with tonight.

One of them would think the person being asked the question stole it.

The other person thought the car wasn't theirs.

No clue what that means except that we're all different.

[m5extc]

I agree a little bit with everyone. I have no problem telling people that there is a broad range, or they start at, etc. If someone is interested and we all can tell if someone has half a clue, I don't really mind talking about it. What bothers me is when I am in the driveway with the car and someone comes by that I do not know, start asking how much by like the 3rd or 4th question. I just get nervous when people eyeball my stuff at my house, where my family lives.

Andrei

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Ronbo

I mean, I don't really know you, but if we were to meet at a gathering we couldn't discuss what we spent on our cars? (especially after 20yrs when we'll be bragging about how we only spent about $100k "back in the day")

Well, once they took our hats and coats, ushered us to the private room for Kirkham owners only, gave us our brandy and Cuban cigars, sat down in the large comfortable leather reclining chairs, then we might chat about how much we spent on our Kirkhams, our most recent art purchases as well last year's Hawaiian vacations.

But, the room would have to be swept for bugs and no transmissions could leave the room. Soundproof.

Famous X-files line. "Trust no one."

Protective? Personal? I see no difference. It's none of anyone's business.

Now, if someone else chooses to live their life differently, then G-d bless them.

[azfordman]

So....if a stranger asks "How much horse power does it have?" is that a rude, offensive, none of your business question? Most car guys I know are happy to brag about a detail like that...I've got more than you do, etc....so what's the difference? Again, not trying to stir the pot, I'm just not understanding the "rude" part of it....playing devil's advocate so to speak.

[RodKnock]

Maybe this will explain it better. Sometimes words aren't enough.