Craigslist Advice

[topgunn]

So, I am thinking about selling my Intel iMac on Craigslist but this would be my first transaction. I have typically sold computers on eBay but each new auction seems to bring more stress and trepidation than the last.

But, I do have a few concerns over Craigslist as well. One of the benefits of using Craigslist is that most transactions are face to face. This gives the buyer a chance to inspect the goods and knows what they are getting before they pay. However, I do not want some stranger coming in to my house (my wife and young children are there all the time) to check out my computer. That just seems very odd to me. Does anyone else have similar concerns or ways around this?

Also, how do buyers typically pay? I would obviously prefer cash but I feel like asking for cash makes ME seem shady. I know if I was buying from someone and demanded cash on the spot, I would be a little worried. But I could not accept a personal check for fear that they would stop payment on it after having the goods in hand. I also couldn't accept a money order for fear that its a fake. Not that currency couldn't be faked as well. I am just very unsure about all of this.

Am I being overly paranoid?

Edit: I just found this article from sfgate.com that talks about people getting robbed when people come by posing as buyers to inspect the item for sale. The authors response is to meet in a public place. What would be a good place to meet?

 

[Rasheem]

i would not be to concerned about a stranger coming to your house as long as you are there. also if your concern is the "stranger" seeing your wife and kids and getting all creepy, then you could set up the computer on a table out in your garage. As for the money communicate with the person via email and if they are interested enough to come see the computer tell them that you would like them to have a cashiers check or cash with them in case they decide to buy right then. Good luck. I love craigslist!

 

[condor]

I've used Craigslist to sell an old Apple 17" CRT monitor and a iBook G4. The person who bought the monitor came to my house to pick it up and he was a really nice guy, nothing creepy about it. When I sold the iBook, we met at a Panera halfway between us. Since it was a lot of money changing hands, I thought I public place would be best, as did the buyer. I asked for cash only, and he whipped out a big wad of $20's, which did indeed seem a little suspicious to everyone around us. He was a really nice guy too, so no problems at all.

I would recommend meeting in a public space and taking cash only. The buyer is probably just as worried that you are trying to rip them off. I guess I've been lucky so far.

 

[Redline13]

I have sold a bunch of stuff on Craigslist. Your not out of line asking for cash. It's best for everyone involved. Being a desktop I am not sure that you have a choice reguarding having the potential buyer come to your home to look it over. Talk to the person of the phone first if something seems odd it probably is. The key is to use your best judgment. If it would make you feel better maybe you could arrange to have the wife and kids out for an afternoon while potential buyers stop by?

 

[topgunn]

I have an auto DC to AC adapter so I COULD run it out of the back of my car. However, when I picture myself selling my iMac out of the back of my car in a WalMart parking lot, it just seems way to ridiculous.

 

[ricgnzlzcr]

I sold my ipod on craigslist a few weeks ago. I chose the buyer based on how responsive he was to his emails and eager to buy. We met in front of a store which looked like a drug deal as soon as he whipped out a couple hundred dollars, but overall I'm glad I made the deal.

 

[danny_w]

I love craigslist and have sold quite a lot (and bought a few things as well). I always state right up front in my ads that I will sell for cash only and face-to-face only (so don't even ask about shipping). I still get a lot of emails from scammers, but I just ignore those. I will usually offer to meet at my office, my hose, or a public place (I've done all three).

 

[iShane]

I don't believe that I've ever bought or sold anything on Craigslist. But I did buy an eMac out of my local classifieds and the transaction was great. I went to the ladys house to look at it and then I just took it home that same day. Maybe try your local classifieds too.

 

[CorvusCamenarum]

If you don't like the concept of carrying large amounts of cash around, you can always ask for a USPS money order. They can be had for a nominal fee (95¢ I believe).

If you're concerned about safety, it always helps to bring a friend, preferably a large one if possible.

 

[adk]

If you don't like the concept of carrying large amounts of cash around, you can always ask for a USPS money order. They can be had for a nominal fee (95¢ I believe).

If you're concerned about safety, it always helps to bring a friend, preferably a large one if possible.

A bad idea. I've never bought or sold anything on craigslist without straight cash. I've even used one of those counterfeit pens.

 

[kmarketing]

Hi,

I have to agree... Nothing besides cash. Money orders and checks can be fraudulent and/or bounce within the several days it would take you to have it deposited in your account. Personally, even paypal is not that good out of ebay. It will cost you, and the buyer can always say that he/she did not receive the item since you never shipped it. Its just too much hassle.

Go straight with cash. If they have a problem with that, you can suggest to them that they check the computer out then run down to the atm if they like it.

The one thing that I hate is when they come over and start bargaining when they get there instead of in your communication up to the point before they got there.

Good Luck!