Hints for craigslist buyer?

[DoBug]

I'm looking at some patio furniture on Craig's list. Any thoughts on avoiding rip offs etc? Any personal safety issues? All new to me

Thanks

 

[cinderellamom123]

I sell a lot on craigs list. From the seller side, I only accept cash at pickup.
For you, obviously, take a good look at the item. I would bring someone with you if you feel uncomfortable. expect to pay cash as there are a lot of scams with money orders out there.

 

[jgreco]

Call first and feel out the person on the phone. Bring someone with you, tell someone else where you'll be going.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

ask if it's possible to see the patio furniture in the front yard (as opposed to the backyard).

We sell a lot on CL but rarely anything big enough to have folks come by the house (we meet in public places). When someone has needed to come to the house I always make sure DH is home. So do take someone with you. Do go with cash and be ready to take the set with you if possible.

I've held items for people if they pay with cash and want to come back and get it but I'm honest and would never just take someone's money. If you pay in advance and come back to pick up the set you do run the risk of it not being there when you come back....

 

[CarolineB]

Set up a separate e-mail account for craigslist or use the anonymous feature to protect you e-mail account or you'll start getting a lot of spam.

Obviously if you're going to try to negotiate the price, have correct change for the amount that you might spend (have some smaller bills.)

 

[Malakaiii]

Great suggestions so far. I'd add...

- Ask about any possible issues with the item before you arrange to meet (save yourself the time if it is missing parts or damaged)
- Make sure you see pictures before as well
- Bring someone with you whenever possible
- Agree on a price with the seller BEFORE meeting them in person. I hate when people try to barter with me on site after already agreeing to the price in my ad. I always list items OBO but that means agreeing on the price before I meet. Do this via email or on the phone.
- Make sure you leave with all the bits and pieces. If a piece is missing and they say you will get it later, pay for that part when you get it.
- Personally I won't hold items, so it might help if you say "I can pick up tomorrow evening" or give a time that is not more than 48 hours away. They can sell to whoever they want and 'first come first served' is a standard practice
- Be NICE... I've not sold to people just because they were rude to me. I'd much rather sell to someone who is polite and pleasant.

 

[Judique]

Set up a separate e-mail account for craigslist or use the anonymous feature to protect you e-mail account or you'll start getting a lot of spam.

Obviously if you're going to try to negotiate the price, have correct change for the amount that you might spend (have some smaller bills.)

As a seller of one item, my recent experience with spam was pretty over the top. I can't stress enough to use the anonymous feature!

As a buyer, please be realistic. I was selling a new, in the box appliance for less then half price. Some people offered me 10% of the price. (I got my asking price within a week.) I was willing to negotiate but I was also willing to wait for the buyer who would come closest to my price.

I love craigslist and have had very few issues.

As a buyer the one issue I had was a seller who had my number and set an appointment with me and sold the item but let me drive there several hours later anyway. 'Oh sorry - I sold it this morning. I know I told you not to come till this afternoon even though you were willing to come immediately.' This was a big ticket item - over $2k - the seller should have been a little more considerate. Wasted my time and about $15 in gas. I was pretty annoyed.

 

[DoBug]

Thank you very much for the replies.

I will bring someone with me and plan on bringing cash.

How do I set the anonymous setting in my account?

thanks