Craigslist etiquette?

thiswillbe · September 2012

Can someone tell me how CL works? Do you negotiate the price before or when you go to pick up an item? If you indicate you're planning to purchase something, is it usual for it to be sold out from under you?

Mandababy007 · September 2012

Usually this is how I do it, works pretty well so far.

I email/text the person to ask if the item is available, and I negotiate before I meet up. I only meet in a public place (Starbucks, Malls) and test everything out fully. No warranties on CL. I have had someone sell from under me because someone else was willing to pay more, its smart for the seller to give it to the person willing to pay the most. I shop around on it, contact a few people and see who is willing to take the least for the item within a certain distance from where I want to meet.

2brides · September 2012

I primarily sold and didn't negotiate on the price because I priced it to get it out of my house. I told the first person who called and was interested that it was theirs and they told me when they would be at my house to pick it up. If they didn't show, I moved on to the next person who called (I kept a waiting list of about 10 people.)

We did buy a train table and paid what was asked - thought it was fair. L went to the woman's home, picked it up, and now it is in our playroom.

2moms2twins · September 2012

2brides:
I primarily sold and didn't negotiate on the price because I priced it to get it out of my house. I told the first person who called and was interested that it was theirs and they told me when they would be at my house to pick it up. If they didn't show, I moved on to the next person who called (I kept a waiting list of about 10 people.)
We did buy a train table and paid what was asked - thought it was fair. L went to the woman's home, picked it up, and now it is in our playroom.

this - I am a pretty big seller on CL .. and If i am firm on the price i state that CASH ONLY and no SHIPPING IN STATE only ( this helps rid out the spam I found )

I also add a plethora of pic so that people dont ask .. If someone says they are interested ( many do and dont show up ) I tell them they have xxx amount of time other wise i am moving on.

LolaBelle515 · September 2012

From my experience selling, I almost always have someone who says they are coming...not show up. This is astounding to me every time!

So, if you really want something, set a pick up time within 24 hours. That will drastically reduce your risk of having it sold out from under you. The reason that happens is because sellers like me have been shown up before.

2moms2b · September 2012

I sell a lot of craigslist but don't buy as much. I always post the firm price (will negotiate sometimes especially if buying multiple items) and always put cash only (no checks, paypal etc). I also always note that unless the item is small, you must be able to pick up and move. If it is something they have to come to my house to get like furniture, I always have my BIL at my house when they come (that and I am an avid gun lover). I put up at least 4 to 5 pictures and always picture any damage to an item along with list it so there are no surprises. If it's something where size is very important I will list all dimensions.

I am probably in the minority but I do not hold items. By this I mean if you call me on Monday but tell me you cannot pick up until Saturday I take your number and if on Friday pm it's still here I will call you to see if you are still interested. I do let you know this as soon as you tell me there will be days gaps in when you can come. I have never had any problems with people mad about this as I am very upfront about it. On rare occasion I may hold an item. Oh and I am very fast in removing posts once something sells. I also try to post Thursday pm as most people can come look/pickup etc on Friday night and the weekends.

If I am buying something I try to meet in a more public place but for larger furniture type items I take my BIL and M so there are three to 4 of us.

Just use your best judgement and never go alone or be alone when you sell anything.

2brides · September 2012

oh, and if you are buying something, don't text the person at 1:30am. I just sold the kids toddler beds on CL and some idiot texted me at 1:30am asking if thy were available. I don't typically have my phone upstairs, but did that night and it woke me up. Super Angry

thiswillbe · September 2012

Thanks so much, everyone. This was very helpful as I was making my first foray into the CL waters yesterday.

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