In recent years I've purchased boats, vehicles, etc. from individuals where I wasn't going to have the cash on hand to purchase the item until I sold my previous vehicle/item. When I approached the seller I would offer a significant cash down payment to have the item taken off the market. The stipulation would always be that If I didn't return within 30 days with the remaining purchase amount they were free to keep the money and sell the item to whomever they want. While this bought me time to gather my finances, it also prevented items from being sold out from under me. This approach has served me well many times, though it has always been with individuals, never entities.

What are some other creative ways you've managed to acquire items?

That sound like a good way to get jacked up

Saved until I could afford it and then bought it.

How so?

Valid purchase option, but not very creative. Keep in mind, I paid cash for all my purchases, so I could actually afford them.

How do you get your money back if they keep your $ and tell you to buzz off?

Offer to pay them in lottery tickets of a lesser value. Saves they buyer money and gives the seller a chance to get rich.

I suppose I've been lucky. Or maybe I've just worked with a better class of people. Everyone I've worked with has been honorable. There are a few honorable people out there still.

Now that's creative! Not sure it would work, but definitely creative.

Keep in mind the only person in my scenario that could get screwed is the buyer. If he fails to show up in the agreed upon time, the seller still gets to keep the cash, and sell his item to the next person.

I would contend that the buyer isn't even being screwed since that is the arrangement everyone agreed on.

Its like something out of the show Shameless.

Sadly, too many of you fellas are looking for scams where none exists. Or at least those of you that are chiming in. In my case, the buyer and seller walked away from the deals satisfied.

It is wise to put any deal in writing, but I'd especially put this type of deal in writing. You want it stated that the seller has accepted cash, and that cash applies to the full amount owed.

The other risk you run as the buyer is if the seller wrecks the car before you close the transaction. What happens to your down payment then?

I can't imagine trusting anyone with a sum of money, and expecting my phone call or text to get answered when I have the rest of it this day and age.

Having a dad who's a CPA, I learned at a young age you never pay asking price, even at the grocery store, there's always wiggle room.