Craigslist and minors... what do you think?

[iheartdisney]

I listed something on Craigslist, and got a meetup time and place scheduled, and in the last email, he mentioned that he is a highschool student. I've never had a reply from a minor before, and my kids are still a ways from teenagerhood, so just wanted to know if there is anything I need to be aware of? Do you think I need to ask if he has his parent's permision, or that too demenaing?

 

[dakcp2001]

Are you meeting to buy something or sell something?

 

[mikkishelles]

I wouldn't meet or sell anything to a minor. There's is too much room for misunderstanding, and it could lead to problems. I would ask that he have a parent present.

 

[iheartdisney]

Are you meeting to buy something or sell something?

To barter. I listed an Android Tablet, and he asked if i would be willing to trade an ipod for it. I looked up the generation and size of the ipod to make sure the values are equal. And we are meeting up at a chain coffee store, so I am obeying the #1 rule of craigslist, to stay in public!

 

[LilyWDW]

I listed something on Craigslist, and got a meetup time and place scheduled, and in the last email, he mentioned that he is a highschool student. I've never had a reply from a minor before, and my kids are still a ways from teenagerhood, so just wanted to know if there is anything I need to be aware of? Do you think I need to ask if he has his parent's permision, or that too demenaing?

A high school student could mean he is 18 depending on his birthday. Are you meeting in a public place? I don't think this should really cause much concern depending on what you are selling and where you are meeting.

 

[seashoreCM]

With a few exceptions, a minor can renege on a contract. This might be taken by a court judge to mean that you may have to undo the transaction at the minor's or his parent's request.

However an adult part to the contract may not rescind.

Most storekeepers deal freely with minors under the assumption that few will actually come forward and rescind.

 

[mjbaby]

I'd ask for clarification on his age - it's true that he could be 18, which is the age (in most places) when a person can legally enter into a contract. If he is younger than 18, I would ask for a parent who can conduct the transaction/exchange on his behalf.

 

[LilyWDW]

To barter. I listed an Android Tablet, and he asked if i would be willing to trade an ipod for it. I looked up the generation and size of the ipod to make sure the values are equal. And we are meeting up at a chain coffee store, so I am obeying the #1 rule of craigslist, to stay in public!

I posted about the same time as you.

I would clarify his age, especially since this would be a barter. Then again, the idea of a barter just doesn't sit well with me at all.

 

[queenbetsey]

I think I would ask him to have one of his parents come with him. If he is on the level that should not be a problem. Also maybe mom might want to know that he is going to swap out a fairly expensive (imho) item that she might have actually given him or paid for for him.
I would make an attempt to make contact with a parent of possible.

 

[DPK400]

Not only would I ask his parent to be there, I would also bring someone as well. To be honest, I would never meet with a minor. Call me paranoid but too much could go wrong and in today's society, perception is reality. For that type of item, you should have no problem unloading it with an adult. JMHO

 

[SandrA9810]

I dont see what the big deal is. My biggest concern over an item like that is if its stolen property. But that goes for some one of any age.

If a kid can legally work at 14 (the age of most freshmen), he can buy his own entertainment during his high school years. And even if it is a gift from a parent, it's his now to do freely with, even if the parent isnt happy about it.

Since it is a barter, do your best to make sure the item you have is real. Doesn't Apple track the serial codes on them? Maybe give them a call and ask them.

 

[rantnnravin]

I dont see what the big deal is. My biggest concern over an item like that is if its stolen property. But that goes for some one of any age.

If a kid can legally work at 14 (the age of most freshmen), he can buy his own entertainment during his high school years. And even if it is a gift from a parent, it's his now to do freely with, even if the parent isnt happy about it.

Since it is a barter, do your best to make sure the item you have is real. Doesn't Apple track the serial codes on them? Maybe give them a call and ask them.

the problem is that minors cannot enter into contracts. Even though it is a "trade" it is still a contract. Op could make the trade with him and if the kid breaks the tablet, the law would allow him to get his ipod back and OP be left with a broken tablet.
I would make sure he had a parent with him and make the trade with the parent, not the kid.
But i'd still be leery about the ipod - there's no way to tell if the HD is fried

 

[NYCDiane]

Not only would I ask his parent to be there, I would also bring someone as well. To be honest, I would never meet with a minor. Call me paranoid but too much could go wrong and in today's society, perception is reality. For that type of item, you should have no problem unloading it with an adult. JMHO

I totally agree. I would never meet with someone who IDs himself as "a high school student" alone. I would ask him/her to bring their parent and I would bring at least one person to sit with me at the coffee shop and another to sit nearby.

I would never go alone to meet someone I met online and especially not a "high school student". Anything can be said or any accusation made.

 

[RitaE]

If a kid can legally work at 14 (the age of most freshmen), he can buy his own entertainment during his high school years. And even if it is a gift from a parent, it's his now to do freely with, even if the parent isnt happy about it.

Legally, that is totally untrue.

 

[java]

As someone that had her teen's Itouch stolen(not stollen and yes I saw that one wink wink) at school. I would worry that it's a stolen ipod.
I would ask how old he is and if he's a minor ask him to bring a parent.
Plus wouldn't you rather have money for it vs. a barter?

 

[tink576]

Only time I've delt with a teen was selling a graphing calculator on Craigslist. The teen had been assigned by his parents to locate one and he did all the initial contact. When it came to meeting up for a sale though the parents "joined in the conversation" and were the ones to actually meet up and purchase the item.

 

[ShesAPirate]

Speaking as someone who had her iPod stolen by a neighborhood teenager, I would suggest having the kid bring a parent along as well. Better safe than sorry!