Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

[gunner1]

I just posted a sale on there for a lift unit for a Force 50 hp outboard. I'm hoping I don't get a bunch of wackos!

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

You'll get a few wackos, a few people who are genuinely interested but don't know that what you have won't work for their need, and if you're lucky 1-2 people who can actually use the item.

You also may get a person or two who seem genuine, but who offer to have someone stop by to pick up the item after they mail you a check or money order, which turns out to be for a much larger amount than you sold the item for... they'll offer to let you take a big fee out of the check as long as you give them the rest of the cash. That's a scam.

Erik

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Love it. I buy and sell often on CL. Same rules apply as any other "trading post". Cash only and do not go out of your way to meet the people. You will get a few no shows.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I have sold some items to some success. What I do to eliminate the no-shows is that when an appointment is made I tell the 'possible' buyer that I will be there at 'appointment time' for 20 minutes then I will be leaving to do errands. I make it clear I won't be sticking around.....and I don't if they exceed the appointment time. I definitely get on with the rest of my day or night.
As well, I ask them to call me within 1/2 hr before coming, that way I know to expect them.
I do the exact same thing in reverse when I'm going to look at something. I try very hard to punctual and I call the seller to let them know I'm on the way. I've had very respectful and successful deals come from dealing this way. It weeds out the flakes on the buy side of things.
Like the guys said tho'....expect a few flakes....just think out some good rules for yourself and ask them to be punctual....and of course bring Cash!!
All good
BP

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

i've had great success, with craigslist, and ebay. in God and Cash we trust.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Gunner is right, CL is a great way to sell stuff, but not everybody will actually show up. I will not change my plans at all for people, I let them know when I am available and if they can make it, great, if not too bad.

Also, make sure if the price is firm to let them know. Most people will pay what you ask, but some will try to talk you down (everything I list is at a steep discount because I want it gone). This usually happens when you already have told people that the sale is pending.

Never had a wacko actually show up to my door, but have had a few strange responses (usually offers for trade for services). I don't even answer these.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Oh, I forgot a biggie. Photos are a must. If I cannot get a peek at something first, I usually will not pursue it. Photos sell!

 

[bekosh]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Another thought, if you are in a large city, consider placing the ad in the list for a smaller nearby city. Most people don't look much beyond the first page or two on the list and the search engine isn't very good. In a large city, your ad falls off the front page very quickly and can get lost in the shuffle.

I had no luck selling my old boat on the Milwaukee Craigslist, I'd post it in the morning and it would be on page 5 by the time I got home. But it was on the first 2 pages of the Fond du Lac(40 miles north of Milwaukee) list for 3 days and sold for my asking price to someone from Milwaukee.

Good Luck.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I've both bought and sold on the Minneapolis Craig's list. No problems. I describe thing accurately and ask a reasonable price for stuff. Always add photos. CL lets you post up to four. Post four. Be complete in your description.

So far, I haven't had any no-shows, but it happens. In fact, I bought my car from someone who first told me it was sold. I gave them my number and told them to call me if they didn't show up. I went immediately when they called, and ended up getting the car for 1/3 less than was being asked.

My boat also came from CL. I called within 10 minutes of it being posted and asked the questions I needed to ask. I told the guy I'd buy it for sure, and that I could be there in an hour. He delivered it to my house instead, in two hours.

It's all a crapshoot, but it's far better than the old classified ads in the newspaper.

One thing: Do not post your telephone number in any Craigs List ad. All responses should come to the anonymous email link. It's too easy for someone to do a reverse sort search on your phone number and come and pick up your item "after hours."

 

[uscboy]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Just sold my boat on Craigslist - got a ton of interest, many good, some
lowball. Found the buyer I was looking for, someone who had cash and knew
he was getting a really great deal and was able to fix the problems the boat
had already.

Posted 7 photos - and good ones at that. Within 30 hours I had 18 people
who wanted to buy it. In fact, the one who ended up with it upped his offer
by 66% over asking price knowing it was worth even more than that if you
could fix the problems yourself.

I could have asked for more I suppose, but I priced it fairly assuming the
money an average person would have to spend to get it in great condition.

 

[JB]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Sold Ole Blue (my ML430) on CL.

Got a few who wanted me to finance it and one who wanted to trade. I wouldn't go meet them anywhere. Made them come to me. First guy who showed up had a cashiers check for asking price.

 

[TexasX]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

It's great, that's where I bought my boat last year.

 

[DavidD]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

In the last 3 weeks on craigslist Ive sold a jon boat rig a trailer and a camper.
I havent run into any no shows yet which is unusual.

 

[morriscrazy]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I was amazed with CL. We sold our pop-up camper to the 1st person who called from seeing the ad and pictures on the CL. The CL post in our area gives these warnings: Cashiers Check be from local banks in the area of sale.
( Did not realize people could make fake cashiers checks.) Same with money orders. If people offer more than the asking price with a check, that should be a light bulb turning on in your head, unless they bring it in cash.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I've bought and sold on it and never had any problems.

I also have another local free internet clssified in my town that works pretty well, if not even better than CL but both are pretty popular. My main rule of thumb selling like this is cash money in person. I refuse to ship from a local classified ad. There's just no future in that. If I want to ship an item I list it on ebay.

Also, people read your ad for about 5 seconds unless something grabs their eye. It pays to list a fair price and an accurate description when you list.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

One other thing about Craigs List: You may get emails from people telling you your price is too high, and offering a lowball price. It happened to me with a 14' Lund I had bought to resell. Turned out the lowball guy was another seller who had a similar boat he was trying to sell for more than mine. Funny how that goes.

If you get those emails, or the ones that call you an idiot (those come, too), just delete 'em.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

Beware any offer other than cash. Not long ago, a cashiers or certified check from a local bank was fine. Not now. With today's digital imagery, they are easily copied. If you cannot call the LOCAL lender to verify authenticity, do not accept. Cash backing is needed to get either type of check at the lender anyway. Just tell them to bring the cash.

 

[kennyboater]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

i have used craigslist to buy and sell for about 10-15 transactions; including buying 2 boats and selling 1. had no problems so far

 

[22ISLANDER]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I buy and sell regularly on Craigslist...including the boat I currently own. I find it much better than ebay, and prospective buyers are almost always close by. I do get some scammers, but I never give out my address until a few emails and phone #'s have been exchanged.

Buying or selling, CASH only. If it is a bigger ticket item like a boat, the check must clear before the boat is picked up or the title is released.

Great way to do business and even make a few like minded friends.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Anyone ever sell on Craigslist?

I have purchased a lot of things on Craigslist, have yet to sell anything there though.