Craigslist protocol: first come first serve, or bidding war?

[Minnie_me]

We've listed our dining table and chair on Craigslist. There are 3 couples who are interested in it. Here's the scenario:

Couple #1: emails me and asks about the set. Sets up a time to come see the set this Saturday a.m.

Couple #2: emails me and asks about the set. They ask me to let them know if Couple #1 decides not to buy the set.

Couple #3: emails me last, and wants to come TONIGHT to look at the set. They're willing to "bid against" the other couples.

We've never used craigslist before, so I don't really know what the protocol is. Do we have an obligation to Couple #1? (I say yes, DH says no)

What should we do?

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Bidding war! I sold a pair of Fiona Apple tix a couple years ago in Manhattan and I made a nice chunk of change because so many people wanted them. As long as you haven't promised anyone anything, let the games begin...

 

[Mickeyistheman]

Bidding War. Why not? What have you got to lose....

 

[arminnie]

Sell it to the first one who actually shows up with money. Half the people who make an appointment to come by will be no-shows.

 

[Momto3Girls&Max]

Bidding War. Why not? What have you got to lose....

I found a child's vanity on Craigslist and sent an email expressing interest. Seller emailed that me and another person were interested -- would I pay more? I emailed her back and said no thanks. Well, the other interested person didn't follow through, I guess, so she emailed and said it was still available if I wanted it. I emailed her back and asked if I could have it for less since no one else was interested in it. I figured she'd see the irony and flip me off. She didn't -- she offered to sell it to me for less. I'm not really a haggler -- I would have paid her full asking price because I thought it was a good price.

Sell it to the first one who actually shows up with money. Half the people who make an appointment to come by will be no-shows.

I agree -- first come, first serve.

 

[Minnie_me]

So if I let Couple #3 come over tonight to see the set, should I at least call Couple #1 to tell them that they have some competition?

 

[koalababy]

Sell it to the first one who actually shows up with money.

Yep. If you want to be nice you could tell couple #1 that you have someone looking at it tonight and give them a chance to see it first. But ultimately, you should sell to whoever is going to give you the money first. If you wait for couple #1 on Saturday, they may not want it. I wouldn't even concern myself with a bidding war unless both parties are present with cash on hand and let them duke it out.

 

[tinatark]

First come first served - I would let the first couple they need to come tonight to look at it, or it goes to another interested person.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Craigslist is "First Come First Serve".... This is "internet garage sales", you never turn down the offer to sell your stuff.

We have sold and bought much on CL and many many times people are a NO SHOW.....esp, SAT people.

What you do is show the set, if they buy it then you email the person it was sold. DO NOT contact the first people. If they wanted it bad enough they would have come right away to see/buy it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

So if I let Couple #3 come over tonight to see the set, should I at least call Couple #1 to tell them that they have some competition?

No....what you do is tell #3 you have someone coming on SAT....you try and sell the set to #3.