Craigs list, or why I'll stick with eBay

[Robinrs]

I should not have read this. I have some big items to sell and was going to use Craigslist. They aren't easily transportable to a public location.

I have no idea what to do now.

Use it, Allison. Don't let isolated incidents stop you from using CL, it's ridiculous. Just don't put up high priced items and meet them alone.

I just sold my sister's GIGANTIC TV from her condo. I've also sold beds that they had to come in and break down. Just, like many people before said, be proactive and be careful.

 

[RadioNate]

Use it, Allison. Don't let isolated incidents stop you from using CL, it's ridiculous. Just don't put up high priced items and meet them alone.

I just sold my sister's GIGANTIC TV from her condo. I've also sold beds that they had to come in and break down. Just, like many people before said, be proactive and be careful.

I'm going to have to. It is the only way. I can't be carrying a 47" rear projection TV, a crib and 2 9'x12' wool rugs all over town.

I'm getting the stuff moved to the garage so there will be no entering the house.

I'll meet in public for some of the smaller stuff but I really have little choice on the other stuff. It needs to be sold.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

DH has some things he would like to sell. I told him we aren't going to list them on CL. Something about going that route makes me fidgety. I guess he could offer to meet the buyer in the parking lot of the bank and then run inside to deposit the cash, but still, it makes me uneasy.

 

[Silent1CB]

Horrible.
That poor family! OMG.

I've done CL a few times, but I hate having people come here. Once I met someone in a parking lot, but that seems sceevy too. The CL customers I've had always try to cut the price in half. Makes me mad.

I've sold a few things on eBay with success.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

DH has some things he would like to sell. I told him we aren't going to list them on CL. Something about going that route makes me fidgety. I guess he could offer to meet the buyer in the parking lot of the bank and then run inside to deposit the cash, but still, it makes me uneasy.

Honestly people are pretty good with buying/selling on CL. My dh is selling a car tail light this week. A couple of weeks ago he was buying window regulators and headlights off of someone who was parting out a car.

His selling/buying is used car parts and tools. Much easier than going to the junk yard. Plus the junkyard is much more expensive and with CL now, they don't have it.

We have bought cars, boats, other stuff on CL and sold the same stuff.

I guess I don't see it as any different than garage sales. My dh does all the stuff and usually meets them at the gas station to do the transaction.

 

[angie@dvcstore]

What a terrible tragedy everyone should take precautions in dealing with other people defiantly makes you think

 

[DMRick]

How can you be proactive, if you are having people come to your house? How many incidents does there have to be? I have been reading about this all over the net today, and I had no idea there had been so many propblems. I bet this family thought they were being careful, with both of them home. I thought this was isolated, but there are more stories, than..well for those of you old enough to be familiar with this, than Carter has pills.
Will tons of people still use Craigs List? Of course they will, because no one thinks this could happen to them..but I'm just talking for myself...ymmv. Do I think it's ridiculous to no longer use CL? No, I don't. The best way to keep me and my family safe, is to not have strangers from a selling website that has been in the news more and more, come to my house. We won't be using them anymore.
By the way, this person didn't meet them alone. Her husband, who is now dead was also there.

Use it, Allison. Don't let isolated incidents stop you from using CL, it's ridiculous. Just don't put up high priced items and meet them alone.

I just sold my sister's GIGANTIC TV from her condo. I've also sold beds that they had to come in and break down. Just, like many people before said, be proactive and be careful.

 

[DMRick]

I guess I don't see it as any different than garage sales. My dh does all the stuff and usually meets them at the gas station to do the transaction.

I don't let people in my house at garage sales. In fact I'll be having one with my entire neighborhood this weekend. Decided to do it at the last minute, to get rid of the stuff I planned on putting on CL.

I assume the gas station is open when your husband meets them and people can see them. That's much better IMO than having them come to your home. I'm only talking about not having them come into your home (although that other jewelry problem, the lady was taken off her front porch).

 

[DMRick]

This has shown up in a few places today and yesterday and is credited to the Boston Examiner. I know you all don't agree, but I think it's smart if you do continue to sell on Craigslist to at least follow these suggestions. I disagree about giving out your phone number though, since your address is so easily traced..you could be meeting them and their friend could be going to your empty home:

Consider keeping mind these safety tips when buying something off Craigslist:
• Insist on a public meeting place like Starbucks. Do not give them your address. Similarly, do not go to someone's house to buy or sell an item.
• Inform a family or friend of where you are going
• Take a cell phone along
• Consider having a friend come with
• Trust your instincts - if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable for any reason, leave immediately. Remember your safety cannot be replaced by any amount of money
• Keep information such as your home address out of your craigslist advertisement. Ask people to contact you via telephone or email.
Craigslist has been used to execute several transactions over the years and just like any other site, one must take precaution. With the recent crime on Craigslist, one must simply remember the risks engaging in an open marketplace such as this and be above anything - smart.