Craigslist rant

So I responded to an ad about a rug I was interested in buying, and we agreed that I'd stop over to look at it today.  When I emailed them to tell them I'd be there this morning, I get a message telling me that someone else was interested, and first come first served.  I told them I'd be right over if they gave me their address.  Heard nothing.  Just e-mailed to ask them if they sold it.  "Crickets".  So basically just wasted a rearranged morning    because of their lack of consideration. I realize they have no obligation to me, but whatever happened to common courtesy?

Me: This widget is $200, want to buy it? Free local delivery  

Her: How about $180

Me: Deal, I'll be right over

**I arrive**

Her: $160 right? 

Me: No, $180

Her: I only have $160

Me: Bye

Her: Wait - here's $177

Me: Groan, fine

Car selling is worse. 

Me: Here's this car for $7000. Blue Book is $8000. 

Everyone: Will you take $1300?

This happens on Facebook Swap as well.

Sure, I feel for you,but it's a totally different scenario.  I'm also skeptical about how often that would play out, since it's outright lying, and how often do private sellers do delivery on craigslist? As far as the car goes, you accept the offer or not, I don't see a problem with that. As it turns out, seller finally responded, saying that the rug hadn't been sold, but that he was expecting someone to come by later that afternoon.   I told him I'd be right over, but didn't hear, So maybe he thinks he can get a better deal.  That's fine,but I'm through.  

RobB said:

Me: This widget is $200, want to buy it? Free local delivery  

Her: How about $180

Me: Deal, I'll be right over

**I arrive**

Her: $160 right? 

Me: No, $180

Her: I only have $160

Me: Bye

Her: Wait - here's $177

Me: Groan, fine

Car selling is worse. 

Me: Here's this car for $7000. Blue Book is $8000. 

Everyone: Will you take $1300?

I despise Craigslist. It's just never worth it IMO

I actually had a mostly positive experience using CL recently. I had posted a Roth above ground oil tank for a few hundred and reduced to $100. As soon as I reduced I heard from someone who wanted to pick up that night (a Friday), coming from rockland county. My husband gets home and asks the guy's name. (I didn't post my name or info other than location.) Ends up my husband knows the guy through work. 

He couldn't come that night but came on Monday. In the meantime I got about a dozen other people sending me messages about the tank, and some were kind of funny, like "I'll pick it up now, call me." One woman's husband emailed me and then after I responded letting him know it was pending pick up, she called me and told me to call her husband because he really wanted it. 

I def prefer keeping it local through Swap but using CL worked out this time. I was happy with the crazy coincidence that my husband knew the buyer. 

Same thing happened with my sister knowing the seller.  I actually bought something from someone recently who turned out to be best friends with someone I had a wild crush on in high school 50 years ago!  Most of my experiences have been positive, and I really enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories.  This guy just happened to be a jerk.

Craigslist is like a box of chocolates....

I never use Craigslist. It's full of scammers and liars.

I've used it successfully a handful of times.  I only deal with local folks where I can go and see/touch the item I'm considering.  If I am uncertain about a location or individual I take someone with me.  

I love Craigslist. I've bought and sold safely and successfully there. 

I bought a 12-foot curtain rod from a guy and he came over and dropped it off. 

A guy came into my place to buy my desk; he was awfully nice. 

I sold a mission-style bookcase for $175 to a woman in Manhattan; I drove it in, delivered it and she gushed her gratitude for my efforts. And gave me cash. 

I drove up to Wayne and went through the 40 bikes a guy had in his garage: I picked one and paid him $50 cash. He helped tie it to my car.  I'm still riding that great bike. 

It is what it is. You have to be careful and judge each situation objectively and carefully. Speak to the person on the phone if you can. 

You can find wonderful items and fantastic bargains on craigslist. 

Now, let's talk about the personals on craigslist. THAT'S some crazy sh!t. 

I've also had good luck with Craigslist from my limited experience.

Happily bought a nice pantry cabinet from a nice family in Summit after negotiating a lower price.

Also bought a church pew (on behalf of a neighbor) from a nice guy in Easton who helped me carry to the van.

Also sold a sailboat (my brother's Sailfish which I REALLY miss). Helped a nice lady tie it on to the roof of her van down in Red Bank.

All cash. No scammer offers.

I got the most wonderfully cared for patio/deck table and chairs for the same price as I sold my set via craigslist - perfect! I have sold a lot of items on craigslist that just would not sell or I would have had to give away locally for it to sell. Its a wider audience. And yes, I have many people say they are coming and do not show...or turn to crickets. I try to avoid being one of those crickets as you try to figure out if the item you have to drive for is a real fit for your need. I have met up with people at other locations as well, and have never had a no show in those situations. Yes, it really sucks when someone screws up your time. On balance, have not had too many of those

Ha, I just checked and see that the rug is still listed.  Either he didn't sell it, or he can't be bothered to delist it.  I notice that some things are harder to sell than others, e.g., bed frames which are highly personal, and other decorative  items.  On the other hand, it's almost impossible to get a decent tv stand.