Craig's List Question

amhough

I'm just curious about what to expect if I'm trying to buy something off Craig's List. 

Last night I found a posting for a Graco PNP with bassinet/mobile/changing station for $40.  I immediatley emailed the poster indicating that I wanted it, but wanted to inquire as to the condition since a pic was not included in the original posting.  The OP responded saying that he would email me a pic tonight when he got home from work, but that the unit was less than two years old and in excellent condition.  I responded saying that I looked forward to the pics, but was prepared to buy it, and pick it up tomorrow if that worked for him.   

Tonight, instead of photos I got a message saying it had been sold to someone else!

I guess I am curious if I am incorrect in expecting that he wouldn't have sold it out from under me when I said I wanted it, was willing to come get it ASAP.

 WDYT?

thetwistedwillow

They will sell it to the very first person who shows up on their door!

live*laugh*love

The only thing I could think of is if his wife had sold it while he was at work and didn't know about it until he got home.  I have had that happen to me and while it was disappointing, I ended up finding something I liked better, for cheaper!

whidbeymomma

It could be his wife sold it, or if he had multiple people asking/claiming it he went down the list. I sold a couch (though I posted pics right away) by going down the list to schedule times for people to come look at it...

MrsBeckO

Sure it wasn't the nicest thing to do, but if someone was interested in coming that night to pick it up and pay him cash, I'm not surprised he went ahead and sold it instead of sending you the pics and giving you the opportunity to change your mind.

CL is hit or miss. Don't take it personally. ?

triplenine

it depends... Sometimes it is like 1st come 1st served... He may have had a few responses before you that said they wanted it and he gave it to the first person who picked it up sight unseen.  Usually a few people say oh I want it and never follow thru so he might have taken whoever was able to get there first.  Craigslist is tricky because the stuff does go fast sometimes. notlike ebay where you are bidding, CL is based on discretion of the seller

sam19

CL is first come, first serve. If somebody was willing to come pick it up tonight then I'm not surprised it was sold.

spiffy

Unless they say otherwise, it's first come first serve.  I know that I usually hold off on a person coming from work, but most people do not.

Honestly, he went above and beyond the standard by emailing you that it had been sold at all. Most people don't.

MarineWifey1106

I have both purchased items and sold items on craigslist and it is pretty standard.  For the most part the first person to show up gets it because so many people will email and say they will be by to pick it up or that they want it and then you never hear from them again. 

mamaofliam

I have sold a few things on Craigslist and every single time I get several "I am interested" but then they are no-shows when we schedule a time for them to come. So I have learned to give priority to whoever actually shows up with the cash in hand. Sorry, it stinks for honest people who would actually buy it and aren't just giving the seller the run around.

chloephoebecali

There are lots of shady people on CL and they say they are going to come and buy/pickup, but they don't always (even when it is free stuff, they supposedly DESPERATELY need, with sob story and all).  It can be very frustrating.  So, I think most sellers do first come, first served.  The other buyer was probably able to swing by immediately.  Just keep in mind for next time you see something you like.  Go and get it as soon as possible because you can't count on in being there when you get around to it. 

Keep your eye on CL.  I am certain you will find another PNP.. I always see so many!