Bad Craigslist sellers

[alex.bruns17]

I had a pretty bad experience on criagslist today I contacted a man about his snapon box for sale very plain and lack of info. I emailed left my number and got a text within minutes my first question is what is the series of it he proceed to curse at me and tell me he is a busy man and doesn't have time to tell. I just wanted to see if anyone here had these type of experiences and could maybe tell me the series of tool number of this box . also this is the ad not putting it up to bash him just wanted to know the tool Id. https://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5242912368.html

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[XS29L9B]

I had a pretty bad experience on criagslist today I contacted a man about his snapon box for sale very plain and lack of info. I emailed left my number and got a text within minutes my first question is what is the series of it he proceed to curse at me and tell me he is a busy man and doesn't have time to tell. I just wanted to see if anyone here had these type of experiences and could maybe tell me the series of tool number of this box . also this is the ad not putting it up to bash him just wanted to know the tool Id. https://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5242912368.html

I have sold a LOT of things on CL and usually the experiences have been positive. Some weirdos out there, but they usually surface at the parking lot where I've gone to sell.

Cannot say I've had anyone rude or berate me in an email. You got a special seller, from the sounds of it.

 

[grissom]

A CL seller had a pair of bucket seats for sale and in the ad it only showed a picture of one seat. Since the seller was 90 miles away from me I asked if he would email photos of both seats.

The response was " It's possible but I am not inclined to make the effort for the low price that I am offering for them. The pics I post are excellent representatives of the condition the seats are in"

Since the seats are hard to find I take the chance and drive for 1.5 hrs to get there. The seller uncovers the seats and I immediately notice that the seats don't match each other as the they came out of different model year trucks
so the fabric is different.

He says "oh, I never noticed that" and I am thinking WTF a..hole

Over 3 hrs driving

 

[Zrexxer]

It looks like a Classic 60, KRA2407. Don't waste any more time on that ********.

I called about an engine drive welder a few years ago that didn't even have a picture.
"What make is it?"
"umm, I dunno."
"WTF do you mean you don't know?"
"My mechanic painted it with a spray can and he covered up the name."
"WTF again... you're trying to get $1500 for something, and you can't even tell a buyer what brand it is, and your excuse is that somebody painted over the name?"
"Yeah."
"What would possibly possess me to drive 60 miles to look at something when you don't even now what it is?"
"I dunno."

 

[Jeff95TA]

Apparently he was kidding when he said to call or text for more info!

 

[carotene]

Water off a duck's back. He's crazy or an a-hole or both. Craigslist is all about working the numbers whether buying or selling. I've bought and sold tons on that site. You just need to accept that there are people out there who are not honest, sane, or rational.

For whatever reason, a high % of crazies flock to that site. I'm guessing the fact that it is free with no system of accountability is a huge factor.

 

[GDPossehl]

It looks like a Classic 60, KRA2407. Don't waste any more time on that ********.

I called about an engine drive welder a few years ago that didn't even have a picture.
"What make is it?"
"umm, I dunno."
"WTF do you mean you don't know?"
"My mechanic painted it with a spray can and he covered up the name."
"WTF again... you're trying to get $1500 for something, and you can't even tell a buyer what brand it is, and your excuse is that somebody painted over the name?"
"Yeah."
"What would possibly possess me to drive 60 miles to look at something when you don't even now what it is?"
"I dunno."

That one should have ended with "Good luck, *****!"

 

[Ponchoguy]

I had a pretty bad experience on criagslist today I contacted a man about his snapon box for sale very plain and lack of info. I emailed left my number and got a text within minutes my first question is what is the series of it he proceed to curse at me and tell me he is a busy man and doesn't have time to tell. I just wanted to see if anyone here had these type of experiences and could maybe tell me the series of tool number of this box . also this is the ad not putting it up to bash him just wanted to know the tool Id. https://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5242912368.html

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Yes, two stories:

1) I bought a Matco MB503 toolbox and side shelf from a seller. It was local. I think he wanted $65. I get there and the toolbox is missing the drawer clips to hold it in and the shelf is a little beat up. He said, "It is what it is". I said, "So is my offer, take it or leave it". He took the $40 offer. He was nasty about it, but I didn't care. I got the parts from Matco for free and fixed the box up nicely.

2) Another time, a guy was selling some manuals so I went to check them out. He was a middle age, heavy set guy with a lot of bratty kids running around and a wife constantly yelling at him. He was apparently getting ready to move to Florida. So, he shows me the books and I just ask, making conversation, "When do you plan to move to Florida?" The guy flies into a rage and says, "Look, I know your game. You're going to come here and try to low ball me figuring I gotta dump this stuff because I'm moving. Go scratch off.".

My reply was, "Keep your old crappy books, keep your bratty kids and your miserable wife. Looks like you'll be packing it up fatso." I got in my car and left. LOL.

 

[Zrexxer]

That one should have ended with "Good luck, *****!"

It pretty much did, except I don't think I wished him good luck.

 

[Blue]

A 7-drawer snapon toolbox for a grand? Really?

 

[jimgood]

SCREW YOU!! IN DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO YOUR SNAP ON RESEARCH FOR YOU!

 

[Pack Rat]

In my limited experience I've found more bad craigslist buyers than sellers.

 

[AirJunky]

I've done hundreds of deals on CL over the years. I've had people to my house for them & never had a problem. But over the last couple years there have been a couple of robberies that came from a CL deal. So I started meeting people at a local pub/restaurant. The lot is well lit with traffic all around. And if they are late or don't show up at all, all I'm out is a few bucks for a beer &/or a burger.

If I call on someone & their not answering questions or providing pictures, then I move on. Just recently I responded to an ad for a Jetski, and the guy is a slacker. We arranged to meet at the public boat ramp on Sunday, but he backed out. I asked him for a couple more pictures (that were in focus, which is hard for him to pull off) and to let me know when is a better time to meet & he's never gotten back to me. I won't be contacting him back at all. And if he does try to make another meeting, then I will tell him point blank that I'm going to make him a low offer for all the run around he's giving me.

 

[matt_i]

Just let it go. Some sellers can't even make enough effort to complete the transaction.

Also, anything that's for sale, will always be shown & demonstrated outside my house with all the doors closed. Iow, no window shopping thru my garage.

 

[Thumper68]

I few years back the local college hockey team was in the frozen 4, they won their first game and since I had nothing better to do I checked CL for tickets to the next game, found a guy with 4 e-mailed then called and confirmed that they were for the game I wanted to see and made arraingments to meet him at a store close to his home on the day of the game and get the tickets.

I was a 2.5 hour drive to meet up, I get about half way and give the guy a call to confirm that we will be on time to meet him, no answer so we keep driving. about a half hour later he texts saying that he decided to give the tickets to his buddy.

I was able to get tickets from the arena at twice the cost, good game even though our team lost.

******

 

[Lassen Forge]

A CL seller had a pair of bucket seats for sale and in the ad it only showed a picture of one seat. Since the seller was 90 miles away from me I asked if he would email photos of both seats. The response was " It's possible but I am not inclined to make the effort for the low price that I am offering for them. The pics I post are excellent representatives of the condition the seats are in"

I think I would have been one of those CL buyers that said "OK, I'll be over" and not showed up. You ain't got the time, well, sorry, neither do I. It's not like that picture cost you anything... so you're apparently pulling a fast one.

... Just recently I responded to an ad for a Jetski, and the guy is a slacker. We arranged to meet... he's never gotten back to me ... if he does try to make another meeting, then I will tell him point blank that I'm going to make him a low offer for all the run around he's giving me.

You're generous. I would assume he's no longer selling it and move on. If he calls you back, it would be "Sorry, dood, too late, you lose". But I bet he doesn't. Or he will - after he fishes it out of the bottom of the lake.

 

[58Yeoman]

Someone posted a set of new overload springs for a Ford Ranger in the free section yesterday. I figured that I was driving to that town yesterday for some other stuff, so I texted him. No reply. Later, while I was in town, I texted him again. Still no answer. I figured he's either at work, or already gave them away.

I got home and checked, and the ad was still up. But, of course, I texted the wrong number. His ended in 3 and I dialed 8. DOH!

 

[zkling]

Yes, craigslist is full of trash, take that as you will. Sometimes it can be a real ego booster, but still infuriating.

Recently there seems to be a crop of lite industrial tool resellers that know next to nothing about the item. Some ads are downright comical due to their sheer ignorance.

 

[graffix000]

I had a pretty bad experience on criagslist today I contacted a man about his snapon box for sale very plain and lack of info. I emailed left my number and got a text within minutes my first question is what is the series of it he proceed to curse at me and tell me he is a busy man and doesn't have time to tell. I just wanted to see if anyone here had these type of experiences and could maybe tell me the series of tool number of this box . also this is the ad not putting it up to bash him just wanted to know the tool Id. https://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5242912368.html

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

Is that reading, as in reading PA? I am right outside of Pottstown PA if so. Move on from this one as there are plenty more boxes out there.

 

[Pack Rat]

Recently there seems to be a crop of lite industrial tool resellers that know next to nothing about the item. Some ads are downright comical due to their sheer ignorance.

Hey! I've noticed that too. I typically ignore that type of add.
They really don't know what they have but they know how to overprice it.

 

[slow]

if no details, such as mileage on a vehicle, it is not worth my time. Give the details up front or I am not your buyer.

Ryan

 

[GDPossehl]

I usually get a kick out of it when people are surprised that I either called them back or actually showed up.

My wife has been following a classifieds group on Facebook and there are tons of good deals that we have grabbed. Communication seems to be easier since you have a profile of who you're dealing with available... that and any dufus can use Facebook (I choose not to). Even then it's full of flakes. We're often the 6th person to respond to a post and end up with the item because the others were no-shows.

Our best score so far has been a 100 bottle dual zone wine fridge for $150. The 20 bottle fridge we had before we got for $40 and sold for $50.

If I had a truck I could probably jump on more deals.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I've never had any bad sellers. If it's something I'm really interested in I always call or email and make sure to have a lot of communication to make sure everything is legit.

Only experience I ever had that was different was when I met a guy to purchase a small Snap On kra53b toolbox. I'd been working on a tractor all day and was covered in grease and dirt, my truck was as well from a few runs to the field to work on things. That combined with my shaggy hair and mustache earned me a very solid look of disgust from the guy's wife.

 

[alex.bruns17]

It looks like a Classic 60, KRA2407. Don't waste any more time on that ********.

I called about an engine drive welder a few years ago that didn't even have a picture.
"What make is it?"
"umm, I dunno."
"WTF do you mean you don't know?"
"My mechanic painted it with a spray can and he covered up the name."
"WTF again... you're trying to get $1500 for something, and you can't even tell a buyer what brand it is, and your excuse is that somebody painted over the name?"
"Yeah."
"What would possibly possess me to drive 60 miles to look at something when you don't even now what it is?"
"I dunno."

Okay thank you for the info I'm not he said he was A very busy man then started calling me a phone thug and stuff I just said have a good day sir and he said I know what the box is but I ain't tellin you I'm like alright then goodbye.

Apparently he was kidding when he said to call or text for more info!

Haha yea pretty much that was my first question when I contacted him. Not he is it still for sale or how much I just said what series is it.

Water off a duck's back. He's crazy or an a-hole or both. Craigslist is all about working the numbers whether buying or selling. I've bought and sold tons on that site. You just need to accept that there are people out there who are not honest, sane, or rational.

For whatever reason, a high % of crazies flock to that site. I'm guessing the fact that it is free with no system of accountability is a huge factor.[emoji106]

Unfortunately this is the truth now a days.

A 7-drawer snapon toolbox for a grand? Really?

That a bad deal?

Just let it go. Some sellers can't even make enough effort to complete the transaction.

Also, anything that's for sale, will always be shown & demonstrated outside my house with all the doors closed. Iow, no window shopping thru my garage.

Yea and he seems to be one of them .

Someone posted a set of new overload springs for a Ford Ranger in the free section yesterday. I figured that I was driving to that town yesterday for some other stuff, so I texted him. No reply. Later, while I was in town, I texted him again. Still no answer. I figured he's either at work, or already gave them away.

I got home and checked, and the ad was still up. But, of course, I texted the wrong number. His ended in 3 and I dialed 8. DOH!

Dam haha that stinks!

Yes, craigslist is full of trash, take that as you will. Sometimes it can be a real ego booster, but still infuriating.

Recently there seems to be a crop of lite industrial tool resellers that know next to nothing about the item. Some ads are downright comical due to their sheer ignorance.

Are world is full of trash anymore and it *****. The way people want to treat each other. Its like no one held a gun to your head to post it. Why be rude about it when I try to buy it.

Is that reading, as in reading PA? I am right outside of Pottstown PA if so. Move on from this one as there are plenty more boxes out there.

Yes it is I work in kenhorst right next to it and that is very true I just picked up a used snap on 1/2 cordless impact nicad battery for 150 it was beat up my tool guy helped me out with a new shell and some new batteries at a good price . I tend to buy more used then new of websites better deals to me.

if no details, such as mileage on a vehicle, it is not worth my time. Give the details up front or I am not your buyer.

Ryan

That's a good tip thank you!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[RoyBell]

Been using CL for a while. I have sold more than bought. Mostly vehicles.

However, when looking for something, I skip the ad based on two criteria- No picture, very vague info. The last purchase was a set of winter wheels for my 4runner last month. Cool guy, same interests, dealt on price a little and wheels were as described.

I went to look at a set of wheels for another car and one tire had a bubble in it and another one had been patched. I had to walk away. Lost 2 hours of driving time. A sell like that is shady and I won't buy something from them.

My best story was last month. I was looking for a winter car and came up on a 94 Camry with ONLY 54K miles. I had one previously so I knew they are good cars. Guy was asking $4,400 which was a little high, but worth a look. I told him over the phone I was looking to be around 3500. He said come take a look.

Well, it was in worse shape than the pictures depicted. A couple damaged areas he didn't take a picture of. Overall, it was decent shape. Needed new tires as stated. Popped the hood and it was pretty oily, looked under it and theres a puddle of oil.

Then the stories start. It must had JUST start leaking, it wasn't like that 2 weeks ago when I showed it (supposedly his moms car). Valve cover gaskets are common on any old Toyota, but with the limited amount of miles on the car I couldn't confirm if it was just the valve cover gasket or more. Parts inside where broken like the front switches were all lose, steering cover was loose, etc.

I offered the guy $2,000 and he became irate with me saying someone would buy the car as is and may not even notice the leak. I told him the car was leaking oil all over and his ad said it was in perfect condition. I walked away at that point.

I see he still has it for sale, dropped it to $3,300. I ended up picking up a nice 4runner a couple days later. Much better buy.

 

[alex.bruns17]

Been using CL for a while. I have sold more than bought. Mostly vehicles.

However, when looking for something, I skip the ad based on two criteria- No picture, very vague info. The last purchase was a set of winter wheels for my 4runner last month. Cool guy, same interests, dealt on price a little and wheels were as described.

I went to look at a set of wheels for another car and one tire had a bubble in it and another one had been patched. I had to walk away. Lost 2 hours of driving time. A sell like that is shady and I won't buy something from them.

My best story was last month. I was looking for a winter car and came up on a 94 Camry with ONLY 54K miles. I had one previously so I knew they are good cars. Guy was asking $4,400 which was a little high, but worth a look. I told him over the phone I was looking to be around 3500. He said come take a look.

Well, it was in worse shape than the pictures depicted. A couple damaged areas he didn't take a picture of. Overall, it was decent shape. Needed new tires as stated. Popped the hood and it was pretty oily, looked under it and theres a puddle of oil.

Then the stories start. It must had JUST start leaking, it wasn't like that 2 weeks ago when I showed it (supposedly his moms car). Valve cover gaskets are common on any old Toyota, but with the limited amount of miles on the car I couldn't confirm if it was just the valve cover gasket or more. Parts inside where broken like the front switches were all lose, steering cover was loose, etc.

I offered the guy $2,000 and he became irate with me saying someone would buy the car as is and may not even notice the leak. I told him the car was leaking oil all over and his ad said it was in perfect condition. I walked away at that point.

I see he still has it for sale, dropped it to $3,300. I ended up picking up a nice 4runner a couple days later. Much better buy.

Dam that stinks! And yes nice score I used to work for Toyota couldn't believe how well some of the older trucks had held up besides the Tacoma with the rust issues from lack of under coating from factory. I seem to run across that more then ever I was looking for a winter vehicle as well put away most of the toys. Went and looked at a 89 ford f250 460bb 4spd to throw my plow on and help a few of my older neighbors best using my clapped out snow blower.and I know a 2000 truck will need some stuff but I mean for a winter beater it was better then what the old gentlemen had describe d over the phone

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[iajonesy]

Earlier this year I was looking for a used pick up and called a young guy that posted one on CL. He says to me," I'm not sure I want to sell it now". Says to call him back in 2 or 3 days. So I wait 3 days and call back and get his voice mail. I leave a message asking what he has decided. I get no reply, call again the next day and leave another message, still no reply. I wait a few more days and try one more time. This time he answers and says to quit bugging him about the truck, that he will call me when he decides what he wants to do. I told him it was time to grow up and don't bother to call me even if he was giving it away.

About six weeks later he calls me and asks if I'm still interested in his truck. I told him I bought one already and he goes off on me about how I suckered him into thinking I was going to buy his truck. I reminded him of our previous conversation and told him to piss up a rope.

That was my only bad CL experience to date.

Mike

 

[toolmiser]

We've been trying to sell some furniture, etc, on Craig's list from my FIL's estate. I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot of the buyers who are just internet "brats". They all want a big price reduction without seeing the item. They ask questions in emails which we answer (almost always positive), but they don't seem to want to come look at the item. A bunch ask questions, and then don't call even without price negotiations. One person emailed several times about a bedroom set, said it sounded good and never has looked at it.

 

[Ponchoguy]

We've been trying to sell some furniture, etc, on Craig's list from my FIL's estate. I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot of the buyers who are just internet "brats". They all want a big price reduction without seeing the item. They ask questions in emails which we answer (almost always positive), but they don't seem to want to come look at the item. A bunch ask questions, and then don't call even without price negotiations. One person emailed several times about a bedroom set, said it sounded good and never has looked at it.

We've had this with my grandparent's property contents. You get some good people that come, make a deal and walk away happy (and we walk away with cash), then you get the flakes. I throw them out. You made the trip, not me.

 

[truckman5000]

In my limited experience I've found more bad craigslist buyers than sellers.

Yah me too.

Well the guys sais he's busy, from the pic of the garage its in, he's not busy cleaning..

 

[RoyBell]

When I was selling my pop-up camper on CL I had 2 older couples come look at it. They made me open it up for them and show them how everything worked. It was a lot of work on my end. They both had some lame brain excuses. One was going to come back, never did. The other one decided they were going to move and didn't want to spend their cash. It finally sold on the third couple . Thank god.

 

[iScream]

When I was selling my pop-up camper on CL I had 2 older couples come look at it. They made me open it up for them and show them how everything worked. It was a lot of work on my end. They both had some lame brain excuses. One was going to come back, never did. The other one decided they were going to move and didn't want to spend their cash. It finally sold on the third couple . Thank god.

So you thought someone would just show up and buy your pop-up camper without even seeing it open?

 

[pgilmore7]

You would think if he was selling "his" tool box he would now what series and model number. I know mine like I do my social security #.

 

[RoyBell]

So you thought someone would just show up and buy your pop-up camper without even seeing it open?

I had no problem opening it. They wanted me to show them EVERYTHING. How the toilet worked, how the water heater worked, how the fridge worked, opened up the table, put all the supports down, etc etc. I could had cranked it up and they could had looked inside and said a) I like it, lets see more, b) I am not interested and walked away.

The older couple spent an hour in me showing them how to use it. how to put the bed supports down and latch it all and then close it. I am sure they ultimately decided it was too much physical work, because they are.

I am not a dealer. You should know what you want to buy and then come check out the condition of it. Not make me spend an hour explaining how a popup works.

 

[Pack Rat]

As an older person I can understand wanting to see everything and how it works.
Really, if they weren't seriuosly interested they wouln't of taken the time.
Most should not be even be driving let alone camping in a popup.
That's just the way us older folks roll.

 

[GDPossehl]

I just remembered that about a year ago I sold a commercial washer that I had bought for a rental house I lived in for a short time. The buyer was right up the street and was the owner of an animal hospital/boarding center. She had two guys come pick it up with a truck. A few days later I get a call about it overfilling. So, I look up the problem while at work and went to fix it that evening. I cleaned the sediment out of the fill part and was on my way.

A week later, different problem. It wouldn't turn on. I researched again and found that the door latch can be sensitive and if it's slammed can be knocked out of alignment. I went by again with a flathead, adjusted and tightened the door latch and it worked again. I explained what I had done and how it could be fixed if it were to happen again. She was very happy and I haven't heard from her since.

How's that for service?!

 

[carotene]

My best craigslist story is from when I was just out of college living in a first floor garden apartment building. I was giving away for free a large and VERY heavy solid wood entertainment center. Probably 400+lbs if it was an ounce. I made explicitly clear in the ad that i'm not helping carry and they need to bring a vehicle + people capable of moving this thing.

1st guy shows up alone and wants me to help him put it on the top of his minivan. He of course want's me to help hoist this thing on top (and watch the roof cave in). Nope. Then he wants to disassemble this thing in my living room and carry it out piece by piece. Nope.

Next guy shows up with a pickup truck - great. His helper? His pregnant wife! I told him i'm not helping and thankfully she wasn't either - I think she's used to his antics . Anyway, this guy moves the center out to the 1st floor balcony and has it balanced on the railing. He then goes outside and leans his back into and under the center and asks me to push it out and off the railing onto him! Uh, sure. Gave it a little push and off he went squatting this thing in baby steps across the front lawn to the truck.

His wife is shaking her head and i'm laughing my **** off. He actually made it all the way to the truck. At that point he earned my help and i gave him a little boost to get it on the bed of the truck.

I think back on all the "what ifs" of that day. Alls well the ends well i guess

 

[logical]

I've had a few bad buyers but most were just guys who were definitely coming with cash..right up to when they didn't show at all. Its part of the game, I price stuff reasonably and never had anything go unsold. If it fits in a flat rate box it generally goes to Ebay, if not I use Craigslist. Once in a while I'll just go straight to the free section with used furniture or appliances and for the most part have always been lucky enough to find people that truly needed it and appreciated it. That's payment enough for me sometimes.

The few bad sellers were ones that were deliberately deceptive. I never bought anything bad but I wasted more than a few trips to look at stuff that wasn't as described or didn't fully function. A few months ago I went to look at a Craftsman variable speed bench grinder. It had a visible scratch in one corner of the faceplate but the guy said it worked perfectly. I got there, it fired right up... but the variable speed switch didn't do anything. I walked away, I have plenty of one speed grinders. The sad part is that a few weeks later I see the same grinder (same scar) on Craigslist but advertised by a local pawn shop. My guess is they had no idea it wasn't fully functional.