Supplying model number and serial number to potential buyers? Would you?

[ShoestringMariner]

So there was an outboard motor this week that I was considering acquiring. It was on the Canadian version of craigslist

In corresponding with the seller, it came to light that his “friends uncle gave him the motor” and didn’t know much about it. Because I’m 1.5 hours away, I wanted to run the serial numbers to be sure it wasn’t hot, so I asked for them.

The seller claims that the “sticker was removed“. So I walked fearing hot goods.

Thinking about it later, I just “assumed” it was a dirty deal. But in reality, how many people would actually give out that info to a stranger on the internet anyway? (Not second guessing my choice, just wondering if most people would shy away from providing that info and if my asking was out of line)

 

[MTboatguy]

When I am selling something that can be identified with a number I never hesitate to give it to them, so they can do prudent checks on it. That said a lot of people won't give them out when asked.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I’m the same way. Perhaps people don’t know that a serial number can be checked on site using a smartphone anyway.