A bought a welder on Craigslist

[Kubota L39]

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.

When you get there and find it's not quite as nice as you thought, do you re-negotiate or pay what you agreed to. As a seller, I find buyers always want a better deal - why should I give you my best price sight unseen, when you just want to use that as a new starting point when meeting in person.

 

[jaxs]

When you get there and find it's not quite as nice as you thought, do you re-negotiate or pay what you agreed to. As a seller, I find buyers always want a better deal - why should I give you my best price sight unseen, when you just want to use that as a new starting point when meeting in person.

No by cracky,fried1765 is a man of his wordath::salute: and if he's agreed to the price,he will pay up and take it. This horse poo of having to look at stuff before making up your mind is fool's play.

 

[Ritothebull]

Buying and selling used stuff is always an adventure and every deal is different. Technology should be making these type of transactions much simpler but unfortunately it's a bit too complicated for some people.

 

[ArlyA]

Ritothebull got this right :thumbsup: I deal with CL a bit, and I'm always amazed when some people want to sell something on it, but don't know how to add a photo, or even send you one. Yes I need photos or I hear, "trust me, it really is Blue paint" then you show up at there house and its clearly red in color and in poor condition. Many don't expect questions or even post details in the ad, or negotiation its price! Only a few people post that there price as "firm" but inevitability, we find wherever they're retailing condition, is much more rustic, than what they'll willing admit to. So yes, its an adventure.

Buying and selling used stuff is always an adventure and every deal is different. Technology should be making these type of transactions much simpler but unfortunately it's a bit too complicated for some people.

 

[looch]

Ritothebull got this right :thumbsup: I deal with CL a bit, and I'm always amazed when some people want to sell something on it, but don't know how to add a photo, or even send you one. Yes I need photos or I hear, "trust me, it really is Blue paint" then you show up at there house and its clearly red in color and in poor condition. Many don't expect questions or even post details in the ad, or negotiation its price! Only a few people post that there price as "firm" but inevitability, we find wherever they're retailing condition, is much more rustic, than what they'll willing admit to. So yes, its an adventure.

Exactly why I started this thread. A Craigslist (or whatever classified system) transaction that happens without any snags is something of a rarity - for me at least. Of course, if you find that wherever you go smells bad, it might be you (me) - a valuable lesson that one of my dogs taught me when he smeared poo on my face without my knowledge.

 

[RNeumann]

Two types of buyers- those that want the item you are selling and those that look for “deals”. I want buyers who want what I have and have found that if I don’t negotiate outside of in person I eliminate those who want a “deal”.

People who seek deals- whether purposefully or not, are predators in my eyes. Looking for the guy who lost his job or the widow who doesn’t know what she really has. They tend to get a thrill for saying “I only paid $5 for that and it’s worth $50!!” I know these people, some are family, some were co-workers and some are friends.

I am also a seller who knows how to attract people who are looking for the item I have. Good photos and an accurate description. I also take the time to answer questions etc. But remember (and many deal seekers forget this) I am no more obligated to sell the item than you are to buying the item.

OP and seller obviously had a good transaction and both parties were happy. That’s the way all transactions should be! Hopefully we get some photos of this welder AND some photos of the work it does! Haha

 

[fried1765]

No by cracky,fried1765 is a man of his wordath::salute: and if he's agreed to the price,he will pay up and take it. This horse poo of having to look at stuff before making up your mind is fool's play.

Yup..... exactly correct!
"fried1765 is a man of his word".

And Fried1765 expects a seller NOT TO LIE ABOUT ITEM CONDITION!
If the item is NOT as described, Fried1765 will NOT BUY it, at a prior agreed price, and the long drive will have been a total waste of his time.

Obviously, you believe that Fried1765 is a 78 year old TOTAL FOOL!
When defining fools,.... you really should look in the mirror!

 

[Kubota L39]

Yup..... exactly correct!
"fried1765 is a man of his word".

And Fried1765 expects a seller NOT TO LIE ABOUT ITEM CONDITION!
If the item is NOT as described, Fried1765 will NOT BUY it, at a prior agreed price, and the long drive will have been a total waste of his time.

Obviously, you believe that Fried1765 is a 78 year old TOTAL FOOL!
When defining fools,.... you really should look in the mirror!

The thing is - the seller may not be lying about the item condition. They say Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder, it's sometimes hard for a seller to look objectively at whatever he's selling and recognize it's faults.
Maybe it's pride of ownership, or just flaws he's learned to live with - I wouldn't want to base my offer on the owner's perspective of something, sight unseen.

 

[fried1765]

The thing is - the seller may not be lying about the item condition. They say Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder, it's sometimes hard for a seller to look objectively at whatever he's selling and recognize it's faults.
Maybe it's pride of ownership, or just flaws he's learned to live with - I wouldn't want to base my offer on the owner's perspective of something sight unseen.

My point here is that a price can be agreed to PRIOR to making a LONG trip.

Then: If in the opinion of the buyer, the item is NOT AS DESCRIBED, the offer can be modified as appropriate.

Driving several hundred miles, to look at a $2000 listed item, described to be in excellent condition, and having agreed by phone to pay $1800, only to find that the item is a POS, is what I am referencing.

An agreed OFFER over the phone, in my opinion, is NOT an outright COMMITMENT to buy.
It is an OFFER on price, pending viewing the item.

Question to the seller: I know you are asking $2000, but will you sell it to me for $1800?
Answer from the seller: Yes!
Response from buyer: I will be there tomorrow (logically understood: intending to buy for $1800, if item is as described).

Unless the seller is armed and dangerous, the prospective buyer cannot be forced to purchase anything.

 

[Kubota L39]

My point here is that a price can be agreed to PRIOR to making a LONG trip.

Then: If in the opinion of the buyer, the item is NOT AS DESCRIBED, the offer can be modified as appropriate.

Driving several hundred miles, to look at a $2000 listed item, described to be in excellent condition, and having agreed by phone to pay $1800, only to find that the item is a POS, is what I am referencing.

An agreed OFFER over the phone, in my opinion, is NOT an outright COMMITMENT to buy.
It is an OFFER on price, pending viewing the item.

Question to the seller: I know you are asking $2000, but will you sell it to me for $1800?
Answer from the seller: Yes!
Response from buyer: I will be there tomorrow (logically understood: intending to buy for $1800, if item is as described).

Unless the seller is armed and dangerous, the prospective buyer cannot be forced to purchase anything.

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, however as a seller- say I priced it at $1800 to begin with? Would you then only offer $1600 - to which I would respond "I'm asking $1800, come take a look & see what you think".
Why is the burden on the seller to arbitrary lower his price without the offered price being set in any way? Should I initially price it at $2200? Or wait until you get there & If you're interested say "I can't do $1800 like we discussed, but i'd take $2000" ? This may sound silly, but it's what you want to do. In reality, once the seller comes down - he can't go back up.

I don't mean to argue, but I've been frustrated by this type of thing as a seller and don't know if there is a right answer.
If I'm selling something - I'll research what similar items are selling for, maybe talk to a dealer or someone that sells that item & see what they think it's worth, & I try to be realistic with my price.
I'll set it (depending on how expensive an item) within $50 or $100 bucks of what I'm willing to take - just because every buyer wants to knock something off so they can feel better about it. I'll answer questions, post good photo's, etc - but I'm not going to entertain any lower offers without you there, cash in hand.
As someone else said - there are serious buyers & people looking for a deal. I'll respond to the serious buyers.

 

[fried1765]

I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong, however as a seller- say I priced it at $1800 to begin with? Would you then only offer $1600 - to which I would respond "I'm asking $1800, come take a look & see what you think".
Why is the burden on the seller to arbitrary lower his price without the offered price being set in any way? Should I initially price it at $2200? Or wait until you get there & If you're interested say "I can't do $1800 like we discussed, but i'd take $2000" ? This may sound silly, but it's what you want to do. In reality, once the seller comes down - he can't go back up.

I don't mean to argue, but I've been frustrated by this type of thing as a seller and don't know if there is a right answer.
If I'm selling something - I'll research what similar items are selling for, maybe talk to a dealer or someone that sells that item & see what they think it's worth, & I try to be realistic with my price.
I'll set it (depending on how expensive an item) within $50 or $100 bucks of what I'm willing to take - just because every buyer wants to knock something off so they can feel better about it. I'll answer questions, post good photo's, etc - but I'm not going to entertain any lower offers without you there, cash in hand.
As someone else said - there are serious buyers & people looking for a deal. I'll respond to the serious buyers.

Well.....my "serious" answer is:
If we can't negotiate a potential price on the phone, I am not willing to drive 700 miles round trip, with my trailer, to HOPE that we can work out a price agreement.

I would get 9MPG, and waste a LONG day of my life.

I guess the simple answer then is... Seller: ( per RNeumann in post #4) If you don't like my posted price, don't call me.

That might not work so well for the seller, as he has chosen to arbitrarily blow off a potential buyer.
Works just fine for me though!
It is rather unlikely that the seller is the only one on the planet with one of these widgets for sale.
I will look somewhere else.

 

[Ford850]

Two types of buyers- those that want the item you are selling and those that look for 電eals? I want buyers who want what I have and have found that if I don稚 negotiate outside of in person I eliminate those who want a 電eal?

People who seek deals- whether purposefully or not, are predators in my eyes. Looking for the guy who lost his job or the widow who doesn稚 know what she really has. They tend to get a thrill for saying 的 only paid $5 for that and it痴 worth $50!! I know these people, some are family, some were co-workers and some are friends.

I am also a seller who knows how to attract people who are looking for the item I have. Good photos and an accurate description. I also take the time to answer questions etc. But remember (and many deal seekers forget this) I am no more obligated to sell the item than you are to buying the item.

OP and seller obviously had a good transaction and both parties were happy. Thatç—´ the way all transactions should be! Hopefully we get some photos of this welder AND some photos of the work it does! Haha

I agree with this for the most part. While I love to wheel-n-deal sometimes, when it comes to selling stuff on CL I want serious buyers and stick to my price. I post many pictures, clearly showing both the best and worst issues with the item for sale. I describe everything in detail. I always note "the first person to show up with $xxx.00 cash gets it" or something similar. I research first and start with a fair selling price so there's no need to haggle in order to sell it. I've always been able to sell my stuff within minutes, hours, or worse case a couple days one time. I'm happy, and the buyers have always been happy. I've never had to deal with the spam, trolling, whatever crap that I see others deal with. Good clean transactions. Maybe I've been lucky?
Oh, and I don't worry if someone asks for a lower price. It hasn't happened often but I simply say "maybe in a couple weeks if I still have it...".

 

[looch]

Hopefully we get some photos of this welder AND some photos of the work it does! Haha

A picture of the welder should not be a problem, but that was the only thing the seller was offering - no brass spheres to go with it.

 

[Teachu2]

I enjoy buying and selling on Craigslist. Since I moved to a more remote location, I've had to be creative. I work in Bakersfield, so I can bring items to town and meet up after work. I can buy the same way.
As a seller, I generally restrict my sales to the local area, unless it's a big ticket item. It pays to research market prices. I had a four-seat ATV that was VERY low hours and miles, and I advertised it up to 300 miles away. Buyer came from 250 miles away, when he called, he asked if I'd take less and my reply was "Cash talks. You know what it's worth, let's make a deal." He brought cash, negotiated a deal and took it home. Easy deal, and I tossed in a still-in-the-box cover and a couple helmets - after the deal was done. Made the buyer extra happy. Sold my damaged 16' landscaping trailer in two days, only listed on local CL, no phone negotiation, cash deal, happy buyer and seller. Wanted him to see the damage before negotiating. Had to take over the loan on a Tundra 4x4 Double Cab. Had about $8k in body damage. Took several pictures and posted ad on CL from Fresno to Los Angeles. My phone was blowing up within an hour - and every caller had a Middle-Eastern accent and was a dealer. Told six of them what the bottom price was, and that I had lots of interest. Had two of them waiting in my work parking lot after work, first one there wanted a lower price - until I turned toward the second one. Sold it right then.
As a buyer, again it pays to know market prices. My wife decided she wanted a German Shepard puppy. She found a couple of breeders a few hours away, and was leaning toward a $1800 puppy. I went on CL, found a litter locally, and she picked out a terrific puppy (now a wonderful dog) for $275. She wanted a nice gun cabinet like her Dad had when she was a kid. Took me a bit to find one on CL, but it had been listed 29 days earlier. Seller still had it. Twelve years old, never had a gun in it, bought it for her ex and it was in the way. Matched our office furniture well, so I took the wife and we went to see it. Lots of dust, so the wife starts wiping it down to check the finish. She opens a drawer, looks in, and closes it back up. Sticker inside said "Ethan Allen". Bought it for $125 cash, and later priced a new one, $2200. Didn't matter, the seller wanted it gone and that's what the market would bear. I've bought lots of metal at pennies on the dollar the same way, and passed up THOUSANDS of items (especially tools) that were priced higher than new.
Knowledge is king, both buying and selling. Either way, I want to be fair.

 

[fried1765]

I enjoy buying and selling on Craigslist. Since I moved to a more remote location, I've had to be creative. I work in Bakersfield, so I can bring items to town and meet up after work. I can buy the same way.
As a seller, I generally restrict my sales to the local area, unless it's a big ticket item. It pays to research market prices. I had a four-seat ATV that was VERY low hours and miles, and I advertised it up to 300 miles away. Buyer came from 250 miles away, when he called, he asked if I'd take less and my reply was "Cash talks. You know what it's worth, let's make a deal." He brought cash, negotiated a deal and took it home. Easy deal, and I tossed in a still-in-the-box cover and a couple helmets - after the deal was done. Made the buyer extra happy. Sold my damaged 16' landscaping trailer in two days, only listed on local CL, no phone negotiation, cash deal, happy buyer and seller. Wanted him to see the damage before negotiating. Had to take over the loan on a Tundra 4x4 Double Cab. Had about $8k in body damage. Took several pictures and posted ad on CL from Fresno to Los Angeles. My phone was blowing up within an hour - and every caller had a Middle-Eastern accent and was a dealer. Told six of them what the bottom price was, and that I had lots of interest. Had two of them waiting in my work parking lot after work, first one there wanted a lower price - until I turned toward the second one. Sold it right then.
As a buyer, again it pays to know market prices. My wife decided she wanted a German Shepard puppy. She found a couple of breeders a few hours away, and was leaning toward a $1800 puppy. I went on CL, found a litter locally, and she picked out a terrific puppy (now a wonderful dog) for $275. She wanted a nice gun cabinet like her Dad had when she was a kid. Took me a bit to find one on CL, but it had been listed 29 days earlier. Seller still had it. Twelve years old, never had a gun in it, bought it for her ex and it was in the way. Matched our office furniture well, so I took the wife and we went to see it. Lots of dust, so the wife starts wiping it down to check the finish. She opens a drawer, looks in, and closes it back up. Sticker inside said "Ethan Allen". Bought it for $125 cash, and later priced a new one, $2200. Didn't matter, the seller wanted it gone and that's what the market would bear. I've bought lots of metal at pennies on the dollar the same way, and passed up THOUSANDS of items (especially tools) that were priced higher than new.
Knowledge is king, both buying and selling. Either way, I want to be fair.

Quite a different scenario.

There are MANY fewer potential cash buyers for a used $30,000+ TLB, than a damaged 16' landscaping trailer, or a Tundra with 8K body damage.

 

[Teachu2]

Quite a different scenario.

There are MANY fewer potential cash buyers for a used $30,000+ TLB, than a damaged 16' landscaping trailer, or a Tundra with 8K body damage.

Buyers and sellers both need to do their homework before making a deal, regardless of the venue. But, just for laughs, suppose you contact the seller of that $30k+ TLB and offer him $25k and he says "OK, I'll do that." Then what? You still haven't seen it in person, so you still have to drive just as far to it, it still may not be in the condition you expect, and the seller is under no obligation whatsoever to honor the deal you made on the phone anyway! No way I'd buy an untitled piece of equipment of that value off Craigslist, anyway, nor would I sell one there. Too much risk and exposure - can't verify that there is not a loan against it, that it's not stolen, or that it even will be at the remote location the "seller" gives you. Might just be an empty barn on a foreclosed property - empty except for the four armed men there to collect your $25k in cash. If there is a TLB, it might be to bury you with.
There are better ways to conduct business of the $30k variety than Craigslist. But if you are looking for a 55 gallon plastic drum to make a counterweight out of (did), or a used welder (bought two and sold one), or buy or sell a titled vehicle (3 each), or pets, or office furniture, or lots of other things that you understand the market value of and can evaluate the condition of accurately, it's a pretty good means of getting buyers and sellers together.
One of the welders I bought was from an older gentleman who was downsizing and cleaning out excess equipment. It was a Lincoln AC-225 "tombstone" - and I already had the AC/DC version. He had it on a very neat rolling stand/welding/cutting table, package deal only. I wanted the table, had to buy the welder to get it. Sold the welder two days later for $25 less than the package price - still have and use the table. When I sold the welder, I agreed to meet the buyer in a WalMart parking lot in broad daylight. Safer for everyone. Same with the Tundra - had him meet me at work. I've even done deals at the Sheriff's Office. I'd just as soon not provide strangers the opportunity to case my property. I once sold some reloading equipment out of my apartment - two months later, lost my gun collection in a burglary. I don't think that was a coincidence....

 

[aczlan]

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.

That is on the seller, they chose not to respond to your email...

Ritothebull got this right I deal with CL a bit, and I'm always amazed when some people want to sell something on it, but don't know how to add a photo, or even send you one. Yes I need photos or I hear, "trust me, it really is Blue paint" then you show up at there house and its clearly red in color and in poor condition. Many don't expect questions or even post details in the ad, or negotiation its price! Only a few people post that there price as "firm" but inevitability, we find wherever they're retailing condition, is much more rustic, than what they'll willing admit to. So yes, its an adventure.

Looking for a pickup that seats 5 to replace a rusted out Dodge and I am amazed at how many sellers dont say if their vehicle is a regular cab, or larger and either don't have pictures, or just have them from the front so you can't see cab or bed size...

I've bought lots of metal at pennies on the dollar the same way, and passed up THOUSANDS of items (especially tools) that were priced higher than new.
Knowledge is king, both buying and selling. Either way, I want to be fair.

Yep.

Aaron Z

 

[jaxs]

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.

That is on the seller, they chose not to respond to your email...

Aaron Z

Truth of the matter is that once you "come out from hiding" to reveal your phone number and/or email address,80% don't communicate any longer because all they wanted was the # and addy. If you prefer handing out your information rather than "hideing"until communication is established,it's a free world. Some,no make that most people prefer "hiding" so their inbox doesn't overflow with spam and having telemarkerters calling. I have a friend that didn't like "hiding"until he realized how much spam he picked up by "revealing all". Me,I'll chose to "hide"until I know it's actually a buyer or seller instead of some goat faced phisher.

 

[looch]

Truth of the matter is that once you "come out from hiding" to reveal your phone number and/or email address,80% don't communicate any longer because all they wanted was the # and addy. If you prefer handing out your information rather than "hideing"until communication is established,it's a free world. Some,no make that most people prefer "hiding" so their inbox doesn't overflow with spam and having telemarkerters calling. I have a friend that didn't like "hiding"until he realized how much spam he picked up by "revealing all". Me,I'll chose to "hide"until I know it's actually a buyer or seller instead of some goat faced phisher.

Straying a ways, but it's my thread, so...

I have a couple of domain names and my hosting service provides unlimited email forwarders. I have an email address for every site/service for which I have signed up: tbn@; craigslist@; etc. I also keep all of my Google stuff separate: youtube@; phone@; playstore@. And then I have a generic, throw-away address: spam@. If I start getting spam, I know exactly who got hacked/sold out.

 

[Jstpssng]

There's a big difference between somebody who calls and asks intelligent questions about the item for sale, truly comes across that it's something he wants and is interested, then asking for your best price before taking up more than your time and his; vs the guy who simply sends a text offering half of your asking price. I put right in my ad; I cannot receive texts. I've found over the years that interested buyers pick up the phone; tire kickers will text or email.
I'm one of those who probably doesn't write a good ad; different people are looking for different things. to me if you need to know what color the interior is on a $3000 pickup, you probably should go order one off the lot. (Although I did include pictures to show the condition.)