A bought a welder on Craigslist

[fried1765]

I've bought and sold on CL numerous times. When buying, I expect the seller to know very little about the item - because that is usually correct. If something is listed at $2901, but should be selling for $10,000, I don't bother calling. If there isn't a phone number (just a CL email) I usually won't consider it. When selling, I try to disclose every issue the item has. I give the reason I'm selling it. I clearly state my asking price, add FIRM or OBO depending on my intent, and describe that I'm 20 miles east of Bakersfield. I also add a paragraph relating to scammers, Western Union, shipping agents, checks, trades, CODs, and all that jazz.

Buyers can be just as bad. I had a 1980's Mitsubishi 23hp 4wd tractor for sale. I'd bought it used, and it worked fine with a 4' brush hog. A 5' one would cause it to overheat. It had 30 years of weathering on it. I put all that in the ad when I posted it on Sunday. Priced it accordingly, with OBO. Listed my cell phone number. Got an email from a person in Fresno (130 miles away) offering $500 more than my asking price if I'd deliver it to him. I said I would, but only with him sending me a $500 non-refundable deposit, since he refused to come see the tractor. I asked him to call me to discuss. More emails, wanting to know if it was in showroom condition, do all the idiot lights work, etc. I had a dozen pictures in the ad. I gave him detailed answers to all his questions, and sent close-up photos as well. After several emails back and forth, I got a call from a local guy who dabbles in buying and selling used tractors. Said he'd come up three days later if it was still available. I informed the guy in Fresno that I had another interested party, so make a decision. More emails wanting me to compare it to others he was considering, give him pros and cons, and make his decision for him. By Friday night, MY Idiot light was burning brightly.
Saturday morning, the local guy calls and sets an appointment to see it right after lunch. He shows up on time, looks it over, checks the oil, fires it up, and pulls out a wad of $100s. We came to an agreement, including my delivering it to him in town - about 40 miles one way. Hands me the money, gives me directions, and drives off in his mini-truck. An hour later, I unloaded the tractor at his place. He put it back on CL the next day at double the price, and sold it three months later for something less than that.
The week after it was sold, I got an email containing an angry rant from the guy in Fresno. He was distressed that I'd sold it to A DEALER. I told him I'd sold it to a BUYER! He was irate - a classic case of non-buyer's remorse. Had I not sold it, he'd still be asking questions. Three years later, I bet he still doesn't have a tractor....

Yep....there are certainly those forever "tire kicker" types out there.

 

[fried1765]

The price is listed in the ad.

And....unless it sells at the price listed in the ad,..... you really don't care if you ever sell it?

 

[Wasmeneh]

I jad a similar experience buying a welder. Guy was selling a Forney, Mig, Stick, tig unit. We agreeded on a price and I was preparing to get in the truck and drive 2 hours one way to pick it up when he said he waa coming to the beach the next day. So he dropped It off the next day complete with rolling stand and consumables. Even had it in the back seat ofhis truck since it looked like rain. Nice guy a great deal.

 

[jaxs]

For me,the most disgusting thing about CL is phishing for E-addresses and phone #s. I can generally spot scammers and just pass them by. It make's it difficult when serious buyers and sellers refuse to establish initial communication through 2-way email relay. Perhaps if those of you who refuse relay and insist on phone calls and texts only will explain your position,I will understand what you intend to accomplish.

 

[Teachu2]

My past experience with the email relay is that it often takes days to get a reply that it's already sold. Many times, it's no reply at all. With a phone call or text, I waste much less time. Also, I have more confidence in a seller who isn't hiding behind a relay.

 

[fried1765]

For me,the most disgusting thing about CL is phishing for E-addresses and phone #s. I can generally spot scammers and just pass them by. It make's it difficult when serious buyers and sellers refuse to establish initial communication through 2-way email relay. Perhaps if those of you who refuse relay and insist on phone calls and texts only will explain your position,I will understand what you intend to accomplish.

As you have obviously figured out, there are LOTS of scammers on Craigslist.

 

[fried1765]

I jad a similar experience buying a welder. Guy was selling a Forney, Mig, Stick, tig unit. We agreeded on a price and I was preparing to get in the truck and drive 2 hours one way to pick it up when he said he waa coming to the beach the next day. So he dropped It off the next day complete with rolling stand and consumables. Even had it in the back seat ofhis truck since it looked like rain. Nice guy a great deal.

Please list at least a general location in your profile.
It helps everyone with sharing information.

 

[Teachu2]

And....unless it sells at the price listed in the ad,..... you really don't care if you ever sell it?

If it says FIRM, you are correct. If it says OBO, that means "Or Best Offer", which most folks understand signifies I am open to offers. Sometimes I really get complicated, like when I list a price and add "or trade for a _____". Oh, it's soooo confusing!!!

 

[fried1765]

If it says FIRM, you are correct. If it says OBO, that means "Or Best Offer", which most folks understand signifies I am open to offers. Sometimes I really get complicated, like when I list a price and add "or trade for a _____". Oh, it's soooo confusing!!!

In post #4, RNeumann made it very clear that he would absolutely NOT consider a "best offer" on the phone.
No confusion there!

 

[fried1765]

The price is listed in the ad.

I am currently looking to replace my older Ford TLB with something more up to date.

I am looking in the used $30,000 range.

Currently thinking about one that is 350 miles away. Cannot plan a trip yet due to scheduling constraints.
Seller is asking about 10% more than I am willing to pay.

I would absolutely not drive 700 miles round trip, dragging my 14K trailer, prior to negotiating a price by phone.

Recently bought a 2011 Nissan 5000 lb. forklift 250 miles away.
Negotiated price by phone, prior to the trip.