I dont use Craigslist anymore. Facebook is where I've had the best luck the last couple yrs. We have local buy-sale-trade-jobs etc Facebook page for our county.
Why do Craigslist buyers waste your time?
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I'm finding that most sellers are idiots too.
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
I'm finding that most sellers are idiots too.
Yes, it goes both way. I have arrived at places selling "Like New" item with stains and scratches all over, and the seller would say "I don't see any stain or scratches, what are you talking about".
When I point it out, he / she would say, well may be you should buy a new one in the store instead. Then the next day I found a real like new item for the same price from another craigslist seller.
It is just the general population, we have a lot of people that are dumb and lazy among the nit pickers. Since most of us aren't working in retail, we never had to deal with it.
I'm finding that most sellers are idiots too.
Yes, it goes both way. I have arrived at places selling "Like New" item with stains and scratches all over, and the seller would say "I don't see any stain or scratches, what are you talking about".
When I point it out, he / she would say, well may be you should buy a new one in the store instead. Then the next day I found a real like new item for the same price from another craigslist seller.
It is just the general population, we have a lot of people that are dumb and lazy among the nit pickers. Since most of us aren't working in retail, we never had to deal with it.
I have been pretty lucky with Craigslist. I have both bought and sold on there but every now and then you get the guy that makes you just want to scream!
Originally Posted By: supton
One thing I dislike about the selling/buying aspect though is the notion that tire-kicking is more or less verboten.
I don't mind tire kicking within reason. I can certainly understand wanting to check out a big purchase before pulling the trigger, but some people seem to just want to waste time. In the case of the trailer, there's no motor to check, no drivetrain, no belts. It's just a metal frame with some very basic wiring and a very simple axle. It doesn't take long to determine the condition of it if you have the slightest clue what a trailer should have. People throw a lot of homemade junkers on Craigslist too, so everyone wants a deal, but they don't want a POS trailer.
Luckily though, I signed away the title to my trailer this afternoon, so I was able to find someone who was actually ready to buy.
I also had a painless CL transaction shortly after that for some Ryobi tools I probably won't be using anyway. Most transactions are easy, but once in a while you have something for sale that really brings out the nut jobs and lowballers.
Oh, and one thing I noticed, with all the tire kicking the mower got, nobody bothered to check the oil or even ask about it. At all.
One thing I dislike about the selling/buying aspect though is the notion that tire-kicking is more or less verboten.
I don't mind tire kicking within reason. I can certainly understand wanting to check out a big purchase before pulling the trigger, but some people seem to just want to waste time. In the case of the trailer, there's no motor to check, no drivetrain, no belts. It's just a metal frame with some very basic wiring and a very simple axle. It doesn't take long to determine the condition of it if you have the slightest clue what a trailer should have. People throw a lot of homemade junkers on Craigslist too, so everyone wants a deal, but they don't want a POS trailer.
Luckily though, I signed away the title to my trailer this afternoon, so I was able to find someone who was actually ready to buy.
I also had a painless CL transaction shortly after that for some Ryobi tools I probably won't be using anyway. Most transactions are easy, but once in a while you have something for sale that really brings out the nut jobs and lowballers.
Oh, and one thing I noticed, with all the tire kicking the mower got, nobody bothered to check the oil or even ask about it. At all.
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Originally Posted By: eljefino
I also dustbin requests for VINs. They never lead anywhere. If someone is clicking around on their computer running carfaxes and not pounding the pavement yet they aren't serious.
VERY bad idea! From your end, they may not look serious because something came up that makes them not want the car. What really may be happening is that they may be getting the build sheet and see that it's missing the options they want. Or there might be something in the history that they don't want. If they're ponying up the cash for a Carfax subscription, they're serious buyers.
The build sheet folks are really serious buyers. If the car meets their specifications, they will show up with cash and not spend any time kicking tires. If the car doesn't meet their specifications, they won't waste any more of your time.
That said, I know there are people on CL who share your incorrect view of the VIN seekers. I always tell them what I'm doing with the VIN and when I get the build sheet, I always email them a copy. I've never had anyone blow me off.
I also dustbin requests for VINs. They never lead anywhere. If someone is clicking around on their computer running carfaxes and not pounding the pavement yet they aren't serious.
VERY bad idea! From your end, they may not look serious because something came up that makes them not want the car. What really may be happening is that they may be getting the build sheet and see that it's missing the options they want. Or there might be something in the history that they don't want. If they're ponying up the cash for a Carfax subscription, they're serious buyers.
The build sheet folks are really serious buyers. If the car meets their specifications, they will show up with cash and not spend any time kicking tires. If the car doesn't meet their specifications, they won't waste any more of your time.
That said, I know there are people on CL who share your incorrect view of the VIN seekers. I always tell them what I'm doing with the VIN and when I get the build sheet, I always email them a copy. I've never had anyone blow me off.
A mother, assistant principal at our school district came to check out my car that I put on sale. I give her the keys to test it, and I sat down in the passenger seat. She fires the car up, and guns the engine in the 1st gear as if she is drag racing and then she low balls me on the price which was a perfect no haggle price.
Good bye...Good riddance.
Another guy comes along in the hour. Takes one look at the car inside out, underside, and under hood. Pays me the exact amount listed on the window and takes the car away.
Good bye...Good riddance.
Another guy comes along in the hour. Takes one look at the car inside out, underside, and under hood. Pays me the exact amount listed on the window and takes the car away.
Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I also dustbin requests for VINs. They never lead anywhere. If someone is clicking around on their computer running carfaxes and not pounding the pavement yet they aren't serious.
VERY bad idea! From your end, they may not look serious because something came up that makes them not want the car. What really may be happening is that they may be getting the build sheet and see that it's missing the options they want. Or there might be something in the history that they don't want. If they're ponying up the cash for a Carfax subscription, they're serious buyers.
The build sheet folks are really serious buyers. If the car meets their specifications, they will show up with cash and not spend any time kicking tires. If the car doesn't meet their specifications, they won't waste any more of your time.
That said, I know there are people on CL who share your incorrect view of the VIN seekers. I always tell them what I'm doing with the VIN and when I get the build sheet, I always email them a copy. I've never had anyone blow me off.
I could see giving a VIN on a $15k two year old car, one wants to make sure it's not a write off. When I'm done with a car, it will be in as described condition and its competition will have fred flinstone holes in the floor.
Just my experience, but people wanting VINs are trying to get bank financing on a 15 year old jalopy, or are trying to start an email paper trail of asking 20 OTHER questions, then they start this tire kicking game of "But you SAID it was clean, and there's lint in the ashtray." Or if they think carfax found them the perfect two owner car, any problems they have are due to deviousness or sabotage, not old age or wear and tear.
Long story short, anything I sell is priced to move and will find a buyer. Initial conversations should be spent discussing that yes it is indeed as advertised, and when are you coming to look at it? Bring your mechanic, I will be here on time, so will you. I have the title, you have the cash, here is my phone # if you get lost.
If you are driving more than an hour, that is on you, it is a used item that shows wear and tear, I am not sorry if it's not what you expected. I tried to get the best and worst of it in the photos which are well lit and focused. It's also 5-15% of the price of a new whirligig. I know the market and am in about the top 25th percentile for value, ergo, you can find a better car but odds are you'll find three junkier ones for the price first.
If you want to whittle me down on price, show up in person and do it. You may try and approach it from the "not as advertised" angle but I'm likely to cut you off and say, look, make an offer, I'll counter, if you don't like it, walk. You can also try the "it's all I have" or "will you take a trade" because it doesn't hurt to ask, but I will answer curtly.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I also dustbin requests for VINs. They never lead anywhere. If someone is clicking around on their computer running carfaxes and not pounding the pavement yet they aren't serious.
VERY bad idea! From your end, they may not look serious because something came up that makes them not want the car. What really may be happening is that they may be getting the build sheet and see that it's missing the options they want. Or there might be something in the history that they don't want. If they're ponying up the cash for a Carfax subscription, they're serious buyers.
The build sheet folks are really serious buyers. If the car meets their specifications, they will show up with cash and not spend any time kicking tires. If the car doesn't meet their specifications, they won't waste any more of your time.
That said, I know there are people on CL who share your incorrect view of the VIN seekers. I always tell them what I'm doing with the VIN and when I get the build sheet, I always email them a copy. I've never had anyone blow me off.
I could see giving a VIN on a $15k two year old car, one wants to make sure it's not a write off. When I'm done with a car, it will be in as described condition and its competition will have fred flinstone holes in the floor.
Just my experience, but people wanting VINs are trying to get bank financing on a 15 year old jalopy, or are trying to start an email paper trail of asking 20 OTHER questions, then they start this tire kicking game of "But you SAID it was clean, and there's lint in the ashtray." Or if they think carfax found them the perfect two owner car, any problems they have are due to deviousness or sabotage, not old age or wear and tear.
Long story short, anything I sell is priced to move and will find a buyer. Initial conversations should be spent discussing that yes it is indeed as advertised, and when are you coming to look at it? Bring your mechanic, I will be here on time, so will you. I have the title, you have the cash, here is my phone # if you get lost.
If you are driving more than an hour, that is on you, it is a used item that shows wear and tear, I am not sorry if it's not what you expected. I tried to get the best and worst of it in the photos which are well lit and focused. It's also 5-15% of the price of a new whirligig. I know the market and am in about the top 25th percentile for value, ergo, you can find a better car but odds are you'll find three junkier ones for the price first.
If you want to whittle me down on price, show up in person and do it. You may try and approach it from the "not as advertised" angle but I'm likely to cut you off and say, look, make an offer, I'll counter, if you don't like it, walk. You can also try the "it's all I have" or "will you take a trade" because it doesn't hurt to ask, but I will answer curtly.
Those are all valid points, and I agree that you can probably sniff out those time-wasters in the first email. I just hope you're willing to give out VINs to people who have good reasons.
One could imagine legitimate cases even for beaters. For example, your specimen may have a sport suspension and the buyer just wants a donor car to swap springs and swaybars, and then he'll just turn around and sell your old car when he's done. He may very well want to see the VIN to verify its equipment. He may also want to check to see if there are any outstanding fees at the DMV that he's incurring (that can happen in California).
One could imagine legitimate cases even for beaters. For example, your specimen may have a sport suspension and the buyer just wants a donor car to swap springs and swaybars, and then he'll just turn around and sell your old car when he's done. He may very well want to see the VIN to verify its equipment. He may also want to check to see if there are any outstanding fees at the DMV that he's incurring (that can happen in California).
I use Craig's List on items too big to ship at a reasonable cost. Despite all of the pitfalls and hassles with E-Bay at least you have some control over the situation. I actually hate CL being honest as almost every person that contacts you tries to low ball you to death with absolutely ridiculous and insulting offers and you get tons of window shoppers too that do nothing but waste your time. It is really hard to wade through all of the trash to get to the decent and sincere buyers.
I basically have got to the point I set a FAIR price and put right in the ad the price is non negotiable. When people try and low ball me I just ignore their messages and wait for the serious buyers. I try my best to weed out the window shoppers before any meetings too.
I don't have as much trouble these days as I used to since becoming a real hard-arse during the sale but you still get the morons who drive you nuts. The last set of take off tires( off my new truck with approx 1000 miles on them so like new )I sold were listed at $500( $900+ for brand new )and I was willing to meet the buyer half way for a pick up. More than a fair deal for both of us. The "buyer" agreed to that price and we arranged to meet for the sale at a spot 35 minutes away for me.
Unfortunately, when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
He went along with everything and we even loaded the tires into his truck before he hands me $250 and says it is the best he can do. I about popped him in the mouth I was so angry. He had the nerve to wonder what I was so up set over.
I got those tires back in my truck asap and told him if he ever contacted me again he would be very sorry and then I left. Now I won't even let a person LOOK at what I am selling unless I see the cash 1st. Obviously I don't mean they have to buy it before looking but I want to be sure they have the agreed to amount with them.
Most, not all, CL buyers are nothing but cheapskate losers and you need to be prepared for every brain dead idiot out there to waste your time and try and haggle you down to a price that is completely ridiculous. Main reason I will only use CL for items too large to ship. Just too much hassle otherwise.
I basically have got to the point I set a FAIR price and put right in the ad the price is non negotiable. When people try and low ball me I just ignore their messages and wait for the serious buyers. I try my best to weed out the window shoppers before any meetings too.
I don't have as much trouble these days as I used to since becoming a real hard-arse during the sale but you still get the morons who drive you nuts. The last set of take off tires( off my new truck with approx 1000 miles on them so like new )I sold were listed at $500( $900+ for brand new )and I was willing to meet the buyer half way for a pick up. More than a fair deal for both of us. The "buyer" agreed to that price and we arranged to meet for the sale at a spot 35 minutes away for me.
Unfortunately, when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
I got those tires back in my truck asap and told him if he ever contacted me again he would be very sorry and then I left. Now I won't even let a person LOOK at what I am selling unless I see the cash 1st. Obviously I don't mean they have to buy it before looking but I want to be sure they have the agreed to amount with them.
Most, not all, CL buyers are nothing but cheapskate losers and you need to be prepared for every brain dead idiot out there to waste your time and try and haggle you down to a price that is completely ridiculous. Main reason I will only use CL for items too large to ship. Just too much hassle otherwise.
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The ones who want you to drive it across town will have you over a barrel. They can hum & haw & lowball, knowing you don't want to drive it back home again.
I have very good experiences with both buyers and sellers on Craigslist.
Most items I sold from $30 to $2,400 within a day and no problem with any buyer. Sold 1991 Honda Accord with 200k miles 4 years ago for $1800 within hours without bargaining.
Bought several items, new and used, for much less than anywhere else.
Most items I sold from $30 to $2,400 within a day and no problem with any buyer. Sold 1991 Honda Accord with 200k miles 4 years ago for $1800 within hours without bargaining.
Bought several items, new and used, for much less than anywhere else.
I've had good luck my last couple of CL sales, but I've had time wasters and lowballers too.
My favorite was when I was selling some of my oil stash, I got a call from a guy 45 miles away, with a suspended license, who expected me bring the oil to him, since he couldn't drive! I was really wondering what he intended to use the lube for if he wasn't driving, but didn't ask.
Selling my bike this year was an experience. I just politely showed the lowballers the door and insisted on a fair price and eventually got it.
My favorite was when I was selling some of my oil stash, I got a call from a guy 45 miles away, with a suspended license, who expected me bring the oil to him, since he couldn't drive! I was really wondering what he intended to use the lube for if he wasn't driving, but didn't ask.
Selling my bike this year was an experience. I just politely showed the lowballers the door and insisted on a fair price and eventually got it.
What I've found eliminates many of the time wasters is to simply say, call me or meet me at XYZ shopping center, look at the car, get the VIN, etc.
Well that and don't even bother with the buyers or sellers who claim they are an agent for someone, their son, husband, uncle, neighbor is deployed to _______, or recently killed in combat. On those last ones I simply say that I'm sorry for their loss, or I'll pray for them, but this car won't meet my needs on the odd chance it's not a scam artist trying to tug on the heart strings.
Anyone really interested will meet or call. Those who aren't or aren't worth dealing with are unlikely to call or meet publicly.
I text or send my wife the tag of the car that meets me, just in case something bad happens. I would like to think I have some pretty good radar for this sort of thing. Most cars I'm selling are similar to what eljefino describes. Sub-$2000 cars that while still good transport, they are not worth losing a life over.
Well that and don't even bother with the buyers or sellers who claim they are an agent for someone, their son, husband, uncle, neighbor is deployed to _______, or recently killed in combat. On those last ones I simply say that I'm sorry for their loss, or I'll pray for them, but this car won't meet my needs on the odd chance it's not a scam artist trying to tug on the heart strings.
Anyone really interested will meet or call. Those who aren't or aren't worth dealing with are unlikely to call or meet publicly.
I text or send my wife the tag of the car that meets me, just in case something bad happens. I would like to think I have some pretty good radar for this sort of thing. Most cars I'm selling are similar to what eljefino describes. Sub-$2000 cars that while still good transport, they are not worth losing a life over.
I've had very bad luck with Craigslist over the years.
If something is of very little value, I'll either Freecycle it, donate it, leave it in the alley, or just give it away to a friend. If something is of marginal valley, like an old car, I can usually find a friend, friend-of-a-friend, or somebody looking to get an extra car for their kid.
I'm willing to eat a $500 loss than play CL games again.
If something is of very little value, I'll either Freecycle it, donate it, leave it in the alley, or just give it away to a friend. If something is of marginal valley, like an old car, I can usually find a friend, friend-of-a-friend, or somebody looking to get an extra car for their kid.
I'm willing to eat a $500 loss than play CL games again.
Originally Posted By: javacontour
I text or send my wife the tag of the car that meets me, just in case something bad happens. I would like to think I have some pretty good radar for this sort of thing. Most cars I'm selling are similar to what eljefino describes. Sub-$2000 cars that while still good transport, they are not worth losing a life over.
I've just brought my wife along with me. Last time she stayed in the car while I test drove the truck. Not perfect but I'd think most would think twice about doing something with someone who saw them and was waiting for them. Unfortunately in that case the truck had more issues than I wanted to deal with.
I text or send my wife the tag of the car that meets me, just in case something bad happens. I would like to think I have some pretty good radar for this sort of thing. Most cars I'm selling are similar to what eljefino describes. Sub-$2000 cars that while still good transport, they are not worth losing a life over.
I've just brought my wife along with me. Last time she stayed in the car while I test drove the truck. Not perfect but I'd think most would think twice about doing something with someone who saw them and was waiting for them. Unfortunately in that case the truck had more issues than I wanted to deal with.
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Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Unfortunately, when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
He went along with everything and we even loaded the tires into his truck before he hands me $250 and says it is the best he can do. I about popped him in the mouth I was so angry. He had the nerve to wonder what I was so up set over.
I got those tires back in my truck asap and told him if he ever contacted me again he would be very sorry and then I left
I would have had a very hard time containing my rage.
Unfortunately, when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
I got those tires back in my truck asap and told him if he ever contacted me again he would be very sorry and then I left
I would have had a very hard time containing my rage.
I've had pretty good luck with Craigslist. I've sold 3 pairs of tires for a total of $255. I had a few guys who said they'd let me know tomorrow and then never call back. But, there were other guys right after them who were interested and willing to meet up with me. I would meet the guy about halfway between where he was and where I was in a busy public parking lot. They would inspect the tires for a minute, say, "you wanted $X for them, right?" I'd say, "yep," they hand me the cash and take the tires. Easy money.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
He went along with everything and we even loaded the tires into his truck before he hands me $250 and says it is the best he can do. I about popped him in the mouth I was so angry. He had the nerve to wonder what I was so up set over.
I had this happen with an old wood stove, it was chinese junk and nothing special. Had it in "Uncle Henrys" (local pennysaver) for a couple weeks at $150 and I was about to drop the price to $75 just to get rid of it. Was a heavy bugger, "two man lift". Wife and I load it into my truck, I meet someone at my work. As it was a two man lift we loaded it into the back of the buyer's truck (bumper to bumper) before cash was exchanged then she offered me, no kiddin, $75. I rolled my eyes and pretended it was the most awesome deal anyone had every beaten out of me then skipped away gleefully.
But yeah, know your position is weakened for every effort you make to show your stuff. The contrary point is if you AREN'T a loser and convey that from the get-go... polite phone manners, properly spelled email, no silly email addresses, local ISP, local phone number on caller ID, you can skip ahead of the deadbeats. Particularly on medium ticket items that are too much money to withdrawy from an ATM-- $500 or so.
when we met the guy turned out to be a real loser.
I had this happen with an old wood stove, it was chinese junk and nothing special. Had it in "Uncle Henrys" (local pennysaver) for a couple weeks at $150 and I was about to drop the price to $75 just to get rid of it. Was a heavy bugger, "two man lift". Wife and I load it into my truck, I meet someone at my work. As it was a two man lift we loaded it into the back of the buyer's truck (bumper to bumper) before cash was exchanged then she offered me, no kiddin, $75. I rolled my eyes and pretended it was the most awesome deal anyone had every beaten out of me then skipped away gleefully.
But yeah, know your position is weakened for every effort you make to show your stuff. The contrary point is if you AREN'T a loser and convey that from the get-go... polite phone manners, properly spelled email, no silly email addresses, local ISP, local phone number on caller ID, you can skip ahead of the deadbeats. Particularly on medium ticket items that are too much money to withdrawy from an ATM-- $500 or so.
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