Buyer Didn't Show Up After Verbal Agreement For Sale

[Matt2364]

Hi, I listed 3 tickets to the ohio state vs. wisconsin football game on craigslist. Someone called me less than an hour after I listed them and said he would take them for my asking price and would pick them up at 11:00 AM on game day. He never showed and will not answer my calls. My friends and I upgraded our tickets ($30 each) and turned down other offers because we had agreed to sell to this guy. He never showed, is there anything I can do?

I consider this to be extremely rude and would love to do something to get back at this guy. Oh, and getting my money back would not be so bad either

[Mr. Knowitall]

Sue him in small claims court. Claim "detrimental reliance".

[Matt2364]

What is the chance that I could get some money back from this, also, how much do you think I could get? I am not trying to force him into bankruptcy or anything, lol, just don't want to loose money for his mistake. Will I have to hire a lawyer or anything?

[Matt2364]

Could someone please walk me through the steps to make this happen or direct me to a information base that would explain it. Thank you very much, everyone has been very helpful.

Also, I think he lives in Wisconsin. Can I still file with the small claims court if he is out of state?

[Matt2364]

We agreed that he would purchase the tickets for $450.00, since the tickets are really only worth $180 face value, what is the amount that I can ask for? Also, could I get in trouble for trying to resell the tickets at a price higher than face value?

[Mr. Knowitall]

The odds of recovering? Who knows. The guy could be a complete deadbeat. The judgment will likely be easier to enforce if you sue him where he lives, but whether you can collect is anybody's guess.

Google the scalping laws for your state.

[Matt2364]

Hypothetically, say it is illegal to sell tickets for more than face value. If so, is there anything I can do? Could I still sue for detrimental reliance and try to get my 90 upgrade fee back?

[Mr. Knowitall]

When you Googled your state's scalping laws, what did you learn?

[Matt2364]

How is scalping combated? There are no federal laws directly governing ticket scalping but many states place a fine on the act. Generally the fee is for the amount in excess of the fare price, but again, this varies from state to state. At least sixteen states have laws against the resale of tickets, while at least seven states (Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) require a license to broker tickets. Four states (North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Virginia) allow municipalities the right to allow or deny ticket resale.

I am assuming this means that scalping is legal in Ohio, punishable only by the venue if they desire.

[Matt2364]

I just called him and tried to settle, but he was pretty pissed that I even called and asked for money. I recorded the call, can I use the call for evidence if I take him to small claims court?