Opinons wanted on Craigslist competition

woolyAcres · Jul 17, 2015

In the past month I've missed out on 2 tractors to a local fellow who appears to be flipping them. He and I seem to be targeting the same size machines (25-35HP 4WD with loaders). He buys them then reposts the exact same add with a higher price to a neighboring craigslist rather then the one he bought it from, he even uses the pictures from the original seller. Although I find his flipping frustrating there's really nothing truly objectionable about it. What is objectionable is he lies about the ownership and who knows what else. I know this because I've contacted him about both machines and he claims to have owned them for several years, or they've been in the family and he's selling for his brother, etc. But it's not true. I spoke to the original owner of one of the machines after this fellow bought it. When I saw it resisted on Craigslist, I contacted the number I'd used before but was told he'd just sold it. Turns out the flipper gave him a real sob story and the seller fell for it. Dishonest, but not illegal or unheard of, though the seller was very upset by being taken. When I contacted the new owner about it, he claimed it was in the family for 25 years and he was selling it for his brother. The original owner told me this was total BS.

So my question is, how would you handle this? One part of me says, 'don't be a sore loser'. The buyers and sellers in these transactions are adults and need to be responsible for their own actions and I just need to move on one of these deals faster than he does. But another part of me sees a dishonest character, lying to make money, and I'd like to warn potential buyers. If he were straight forward about his dealings 'I just found this on Craigslist for a song and I'm cleaning it up a bit and trying to make a few bucks' at least I could respect that.

I'm curious. How would you handle this? Speak up? Shut up? Butt-out?

dusty3030 · Jul 17, 2015

What are you going to do?

They are a dime a dozen - I am sure for the one guy you have spotted on tractors you could find 100 doing it with cars and trucks near you. It's nothing new and it's not just a Craigslist thing either and people do it everywhere and always have. Boats, phones, dogs, horses, appliances - whatever can be bought and sold.

2grit · Jul 17, 2015

Unfortunately, there are scum everywhere. One thing you can do if you really want to get involved is post your own ad on Craigslist as soon as you see the fake. Highlight the title so that it will be seen and point out the fake in the ad. The scumbag will probably just keep on doing what he does but you will probably help some by doing this

EddieWalker · Jul 17, 2015

I have a good friend who makes a living off of Craigslist and buying storage containers. She is a real go getter and is constantly on her phone posting things for sale on CL, and contacting people with something for sale that she can then list and resell for more money. She has built up such an inventory that she has opened a store with all her stuff in it. She told me that a big part of the game is turning in each other as spam or complaining about them to get them off of CL. She does it to her competition, and they do it to her. She will relist an item multiple times a day because of this game that they play. To her, it's fun and she doesn't take it personally. I think she makes enough money doing this that it's all part of doing business.

As for the guy beating you out on the tractors, I say it's all fair game in making a living. He didn't steel anything, and while he is being dishonest with what he is claiming about the tractors he is selling, and probably other things that he is selling, it is CL, and anybody believing what they are being told is already behind the curve. Either beat him at his own game, play dirty, or if it really bothers you, walk away.

crazyal · Jul 17, 2015

There are a bunch of retired people around here who go to yard sales and pick up anything they can to either sell at their yard sale or through CL or ebay. They will haggle with the seller to get the best possible deal to make the most profit. I have seen people buying tractor attachments, like turning plows, only to paint them and double the price. It's just a part of life, accept it and move on. If you're looking for a tractor and are worried about this guy trying to get a jump on you call the seller and tell him what the other guy is doing (the sob story only to flip it) and that if he's willing to wait until you come and look it over he stands to make more if it's what you want.

Hdoilcan · Jul 17, 2015

I just sold my tractor on CL. The buyer and I went back and forth fir about two weeks. He gave me a sob story also...... telling me his wife says to buy new because of 0% financing and on and on. He finally gave me what my bottom dollar was. He had is phone number in his email so I search his name and number and found out he owns a used tractor business in Quackertown, PA. I knew he was buying it to resell it and he is a scumbag for lying to me but that's ok..... he gave me my bottom dollar. Check out ebay...... he has the tractor he purchased from me up for sale right now for $6,000 more than what he paid me. Search L3540 on ebay and you'll see it.

Garandman · Jul 17, 2015

In MA if you sell more than four vehicles per year you have to register as a dealer. If it's titled and you flip it they can hit you with avoiding sales tax. State AG's usually have a consumer hotline to advise.

There's a local guy flipping sport bikes like this. He isn't a dealer and was having the titles signed but with the buyer left blank. He bought a bike out from under a guy and I believe he's now got the AG breathing down his neck.

bx25jim · Jul 17, 2015

I deal with craigslist a good bit. With that said, the only thing you can really do is get a flagging and posting program. There are many out there and some are better than others. I usually just flag the peoples posting off every time they post. It gets fun at times and can also get old. Its all in how you want to handle it. There are also people that you can contact that will charge you a small fee to flag his ads.
Other than that, not much you can do. You may loose a few sales, he may make a few more than you, but in the long run....it will come back around. See if there is a law like another member stated about selling in bulk with out paying taxes or business license.

Sprinklerman · Jul 17, 2015

If there is a tractor you are interested in , contact the person and then keep flagging the add so it goes away , the other guy may not have seen it yet .

Teachu2 · Jul 17, 2015

I sold my 1984 Mistubishi MT250D on Craigslist to a guy with a story who turned out to be a backyard dealer with a BS story. He got no better deal than I would have given him if he'd have been truthful. He relisted the tractor for triple what he'd paid two hours after I delivered it. I got rid of it, he paid cash, and it's done.

I bought it on Craigslist and sold it on Craigslist, and was satisfied with both transactions. If the guy who sold it to me lost/made money or broke even, I don't care. Same for the guy who bought it from me. I had another interested party who wanted me to trailer the tractor 150 miles each way to deliver it to him sight unseen - without a deposit, for $500 more than I was asking. He was torqued when I sold it to a "dealer", but I told him I was a SELLER who had a BUYER.

There sure are a ton of scams. TRACTOR IS IN GOOD CONDITION