Another Craigslist Story

[billysboat]

Been looking for another boat like mine, a 1966 for parts and /or restoration. Found one on Craigslist. Went to look at it on a rainy day after work. It was a basket case. Parts were laying all over the ground and filled the hull.
After about a month of trying to convince the guy I was making a reasonable offer, I decided to buy the boat and parts alone and not the trailer and to pay his asking price.
....so I get there and he is holding the title in his hand. Where's the parts I had seen on the first day I looked at it. The outdrive was stripped of its gears and all that was in the hull was rotted cardboard boxes and a tarp.
His jaw dropped when I told him to forget it. He kept saying all he took was the distributor.
I get home and then looked at the video my son took from his Ipod on the rainy day we first looked at it, and sure enough, I was right. His ad is back on Craigslist and wants $100 more.
Now I'm just a little pissed and wanted to vent. I still want to get this boat for what little is left.
Any suggestions?

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Another Craigslist Story

My suggestion - give it some time. I used to see a good deal on C-List and immediately jump on it, fearing it would never happen again. What I've learned, deals happen every day. I'd give it a month, then go back to him and make him an offer. For me when I'm selling, the value of something diminishes as it sits around waiting to sell.

At the same time, if you really want it and are willing to pay what he's asking, buy it. I've had a few instances where I showed up and the item wasn't as described, and I walked away out of anger. Thinking about it a few days later, I realized it was still a good deal and went back for it.

Good luck.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Another Craigslist Story

My suggestion is to forget it. The guy is either dishonest or not all there, and thinks the stripped-out boat is actually worth something. Walk away.

My .02

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Another Craigslist Story

Have a friend of another family member go and look at it so he thinks he is dealing with someone new. Have them make the offer your willing to pay and see what happens. If the man doesn't come down then its not mint to be and you keep looking for another boat.

 

[chris75h]

Re: Another Craigslist Story

Have a friend of another family member go and look at it so he thinks he is dealing with someone new. Have them make the offer your willing to pay and see what happens. If the man doesn't come down then its not mint to be and you keep looking for another boat.

Yeah we do a version of this on our houses we buy. If we think it is too expensive we have some friends call and just absolutely lowball the property. After a few people calling and giving him a really low price your offer will look even better. Wait a bit then go back to him and make an offer a little less than what you want to pay and see what happens then. It works more than most would think.