They are pretty similar... People aren't going to compare and contrast that closely. If you didn't have them side by side it would look like an obvious copy. Shame on Trial Parts!
Sounds a bit odd dude... Does she still fancy him? Are they flirty... Actually f**k that I'd feel completely undermined by that willy, take him to one side and have a word. You know where nice guys finish...!
Dress up like a ninja in the dead of night and steal them
...or just ask local businesses if you can nab a few. I think the blue ones tend to be rented but you may be able to find someone with a stack of standard pallets that they don't want. I asked a printing firm who couldn't give me enough as they were in their way!
Selling bikes for years? Surely he should have learnt something about valuation then.... div
Edit: funny that he thinks by "outdated model" you meant 26" wheel