CL etiquette with overpriced items

[socket_wrench]

you can try to be polite on CL, but you have to remember that a lot of the time you're dealing with really ignorant and/or stupid people who lack any type of home training.

nothing irritates me more than having to meet someone and then they offer me less than the agreed price. i won't sell stuff in that situation. i'll just keep it.

i would suggest you just be polite and friendly. i don't have time or the desire to send a bunch of emails back and forth. i just make an offer for my initial contact. if they want to sell, we can keep talking.

if i want something at their asking price:
hi, is this still available? i'll take it if it is. i can meet tomorrow afternoon. where can we meet? my cell is ***-***-xxxx if you want to text me. thanks"


if i am trying to negotiate
is this still available? if you'll do $**.** i'll take it. i can meet tomorrow afternoon. where can we meet? my cell is ***-***-xxxx if you want to text me. thanks

 

[03protege]

I get where you're coming from here, but, seriously - do you expect to get full retail for NIB stuff? Or, more appropriately, do you expect to get an 11% markup above full retail for NIB stuff?

Further, the thing has no receipt, so, unless your HF store is going to be nice, you're screwed if the thing is broken.

I don't think the offer was all that unreasonable, considering the provenance of the item in question.

The only place I'm going to pay full retail to is the actual retailer, because there's certain benefits I get for that.

No I do not expect to get full retail but %50 of new retail is a slap in the face just to hear that as some arbitrary offer. Also the guy said he paid $130 which could be possible if he did not have a coupon.

I know this item is looked at differently because it is a ****** Harbor Freight welder, but if you have some "new" Snap on tools for sale I know they will not be listed for %50 of retail. Again if they are hit me up.

 

[honcho]

I've bought and sold a bunch on Craigslist and I hold myself to several very basic rules:
1. Time is valuable. You may not value your time, but mine is precious and I will try my best not to waste your time and I won't let you waste mine.
2. One Good Question. Experience has taught me that the more questions people ask, the less likely they are to buy; therefore, if a buyer asks more than one good question, they're likely to not even receive a reply from me. Sure, I probably miss some real buyers Furthermore, it directly ties to Rule 1 above. Similarly, I've done my research on the value of items and try to price my items reasonably. Buyers need to do their own research to know what they need to purchase and what a reasonable price (both new and used) might be.
3. Ignore lowball offers. Often, the same people make repeated lowball offers on different items I have posted for sale. I suppose they are either looking to flip items for a profit or just hoping for success in making enough lowball offers. People who make lowball offers may not be bad folks, but I believe there is a fair range of pricing for both buyers and sellers and trying to force a buyer or seller out of that range is ethically questionable behavior.

 

[aka Larry]

I know I'm in the minority, especially here on GJ, but I really hate CL. I don't buy or sell anything from there. The search system ***** because sellers don't list items properly so you have to scroll through a bunch of useless **** to fing what you want. Again, I'm weird, but using a electronic media like CL to "please call" seems backwards to me. If the seller won't answer an e-mail why would I want to call? I love buying stuff on-line so I DON'T have to call.

Another thing, and yes I'm strange I guess, but I hate negotiations. IMO, here's the price if you don't like it, don't buy it. I mean do you go to the grocery store and when the clerk says "That will be $100", do you say "Will you take $80?"

I prefer Ebay, and have never had an issue.

 

[Modifieddriver]

Watch American Pickers and Pawn Stars. Great training for horse trading.

My wife and I watch those shows and she says they need to take lessons from me.

She said, "I've watched you for years, they're mere beginners compared to what I see you do".

I take that as a compliment.

As my informal business card says: WE SCREW THE OTHER GUY AND PASS THE SAVING ON TO YOU

 

[pipsters]

No I do not expect to get full retail but %50 of new retail is a slap in the face just to hear that as some arbitrary offer. Also the guy said he paid $130 which could be possible if he did not have a coupon.

I know this item is looked at differently because it is a ****** Harbor Freight welder, but if you have some "new" Snap on tools for sale I know they will not be listed for %50 of retail. Again if they are hit me up.

Doesn't matter what someone pays. Only thing that matters is what is the current retail cost? $90. How much of a discount from that are folks willing to take? That depends. I have sold several new items on CL for half of current retail cost, and I was lucky to get that!

The cost of the item factors greatly into the % you can recover. Example, a $5000 Snap-On box brand new for $2500 would probably not happen! A $10 tool brand new in store? I doubt anyone would even pick it up for $5.

 

[dogmir]

Generally I don't even usually haggle with people on CL. Its a pain in the *** since most people don't have a clue. I have an app on my phone that looks for things in whatever region I want. In my case I regularly check several different cities near me. I check that for the items I am looking for a few times a day. I eventually find what I want at the price I want to pay. I recently bought a Jet 6" jointer that was listed for $150. Which I felt was a bargain. Showed up to look at it was in good shape and worked. Handed the guy $150 and he said it was only $100. I said you listed it for $150 trying to be a nice guy. He said nah and handed me back my $50. Lol. No complaints here . I also had been looking for a new table saw and waited patiently. Months of overpriced beat to hell saws covered in rust. Then found one made by Steel City for $100. You have to look at CraigsList as a marathon not a sprint.

 

[Toolhorder]

I know I'm in the minority, especially here on GJ, but I really hate CL. I don't buy or sell anything from there. The search system ***** because sellers don't list items properly so you have to scroll through a bunch of useless **** to fing what you want. Again, I'm weird, but using a electronic media like CL to "please call" seems backwards to me. If the seller won't answer an e-mail why would I want to call? I love buying stuff on-line so I DON'T have to call.

Another thing, and yes I'm strange I guess, but I hate negotiations. IMO, here's the price if you don't like it, don't buy it. I mean do you go to the grocery store and when the clerk says "That will be $100", do you say "Will you take $80?"

I prefer Ebay, and have never had an issue.

I'm with you, I hate ads that say "no emails, call" too. It's like you used a computer to make the ad and then you can't be bothered to respond electronically?
As a buyer I'm not sure if I want you to have my number just yet. A little emailing does a couple things, first it is a record in case you meet up with me and decide to rob or use my skin as a coat and second it makes me feel more comfortable and that you won't rob or use my skin as a coat.

Call me only is so obtuse.

 

[jeffws]

I buy and sell all the time on CL. I make my deal over email or text whether Im buying or selling. When I show up to buy and its whats expected and advertised I pay the agreed upon price. I have offered less when its not as advertised but most of the time I just leave. On items Im selling if we have an agreed upon price I wont budge if offered lower in person. I price my things fair and most of the time they move within in a day or two.

I will not meet someone halfway to make a sell. Ive been burned to many times by low-ballers....

I will say I do low ball in my emails and texts when I see something I want.

 

[jim2664258]

My thoughts on CL:
- don't like someone that is selling something 5+ years old but tells you how much it costs NOW. Tool inflation for new retail is quite amazing, but you didn't pay that much so don't compare it to today's prices. LOL and I love it when they say "plus tax".
- amazingly few people post the model number of the item and a recent picture of it. These are the 2 most important things - I can figure out what a fair price is from those 2 alone.
- when I am selling, dickering on price is fine - in emails. Once you set up a meet, don't try to get it down then. The key to this is accurate representation in the ad, I have had to tell some sellers they way exaggerated their ad and they should not have done that. I particularly like when their posted pics conveniently do not show the damaged parts of what they are selling. And I would like to know how in the hell people cut the power cords on some tools - a mortiser? Really? How in the hell did you do that? Tip: you can really get some deals on some power tools that have sliced cords - easy to repair but people seem to think it is a big deal.
- what I will pay ranges from 50% to 75% of what it was new, depending on condition and how much I want/need it. More aggressive with nice-to-haves, I'm sure a lot here do the same thing.
- I rarely call people out but I do sometimes. If I get low-ball offers for multiple items from the same person, I call them out. Really just to stop doing it with me, they will surely keep doing it but I can't stop that.
- Very rarely do I point out someone is pricing their item way too high, on the rare occasions I do I just give them an Amazon link. Sometimes they actually had no idea of what it cost and I see an ad revision. And sometimes they ignore it, that's fine - you won't sell it.
- phone numbers are given out only when you have agreed on a meeting place and price
- if people want to get top dollar for something, you are far better off using ebay than CL. I have gone that route in the past when the item is not a high-demand item in my area, and also fairly valuable. It sometimes pays to check the going prices on ebay, I've sold circular saws for $150 that I could not sell locally for $70 on CL. That was a real eye-opener for me, and I only did it because it was not selling on CL.
- it has always amazed me how many tools I have bought on CL at half-off or more, but have literally never been used. These are the luck-of-the-draw items, the ones at the top that happen to have just been posted right before you looked. Just pure luck there.

 

[Journaler]

This guy has a CL ad for a used toolbox for a few bucks more than retail. I sent him an email with a link to the Home Depot item, asking him if he can go down in price.
He responds with, "My price is my price."

Ok, good luck with that.

 

[kythri]

No I do not expect to get full retail but %50 of new retail is a slap in the face just to hear that as some arbitrary offer. Also the guy said he paid $130 which could be possible if he did not have a coupon.

I know this item is looked at differently because it is a ****** Harbor Freight welder, but if you have some "new" Snap on tools for sale I know they will not be listed for %50 of retail. Again if they are hit me up.

Not disputing you, but, here's my thoughts on it.

A> It doesn't matter if it's HF or not. That really has nothing to do with it.

B> It doesn't matter what the seller paid for it. If he paid $130 for something that now sells for $90, that's not my problem.

C> He has an item that, as it sits, is not returnable or exchangeable at the store, barring an employee at the store waiving policy (which they do quite often, but there's no guarantee of that happening. If the item is defective or the guy has broken it, and I buy it, I'm SOL.

D> The offer made was $40 off of what has now been established as retail price. $20 off of retail ($70) wouldn't be worth my time, when that $20 means I'll have a receipt and no issue exchanging/returning the item if there is any issue. I'll gladly pay the extra $20 to HF rather than random-guy-I-don't-know-or-trust in this case. Assuming retail still is $130, and this guy is selling it for $100, and I can't get it any cheaper than that? I'll still pay HF $130 for a new one. The risk-vs-reward is still too high, ignoring that one can buy it new, retail for less than this guy's open-box special.

E> $40 off of a retail price of $90 now makes this questionable item far more acceptable. I'd probably be willing to risk the $50 on the gamble.

There's a whole lotta crazy on CL and eBay. I've posted before, two different ************* were selling their Snap-On boxes for more than full retail, detailing how much they paid in financing as justification.

I've got zero sympathy for the ****-hurt experienced by someone selling stuff for more than retail, or someone expecting to recoup their total cost of ownership out of used merchandise.

 

[pipsters]

Had a bite on a slightly used one. Said he'll take 80. WTF is wrong with people.

 

[Strouty]

Two problems I see here. Personally I go to look at something before making an offer, shows interest and commitment on my part. If I listed something and someone offered me half without even coming to check it out, I'd blow them off too.
HTH, Jim

Call me old fashioned but... the time for negotiating is when the buyer and the seller are standing vace to face and the cash is immediately available. I would have blown you off too.

I call about things all the time, I will make an offer over the phone since sometimes the drive would be three hours one way. If it was local I would make an offer in person. If I was the seller, I would entertain all offers with a counter offer, even if it is ridiculous like doubling the price. Most things that I would negotiate prior to arrival are $500 and up. If the price is really good, I will pay asking price, but that is rare. I usually try and recover my fuel and time off the asking price of the item.

 

[pipsters]

Also I would add most people expect to haggle on CL. I sold a car once, guy took a train 3 hours to meet me. Asked for money off after spending 2 hours looking at it. What was he gonna do, call a taxi to go get back on the train? LOL. Sold it for my asking price. BUT it was a very fair asking price.

 

[AirJunky]

I love the wheeling & dealing process. I think people should price their stuff so that they can accept a lower offer. It's part of the game. And it makes people think their getting a descent deal. Low ball offers is part of that game. And rejecting them is also part of it. Getting all butthurt about it is being a poor sport though. Nothing personal dude, just trying to get a deal.

People that price stuff at or near full retail.... well, that's just laughable. Their either trying to rip people off or trying to recoup their losses.

Like others have said, the CL search function *****, so I use http://www.adhuntr.com to do the searching. WAY better.

I don't think you can rely on about 1/3 - 1/2 of the people in CL. I like to think I have good people judging radar to weed out the riffraff. Occasionally I get stung, but more often than not, I walk away from a sale & move on to the next one.

A couple of highlights:

I was looking for a KLR650. Found a 1999 with a bunch of mods, several of which were to make the bike shorter (links, seat, handlebars, etc.). The guy was asking $2800, but similar bikes were listing for $2300 or $2400. I offered the guy $2400 & he rejected it. I walked away & wished him luck. That was about 16 months ago. The bike is still listed for now, asking $2200. And I put over 3000 miles on my new KLR last summer.

Recently I found a portable ice machine for $40 (usually sell for around $100). I called the gal & asked her if we could meet in the Costco parking lot (about 1/2 way between the two of our houses). Convenient for me, safe for her. We agreed on a time. After at least 5 phone calls, she finally shows up, and the ice machine is missing parts. I walked away. Bought one new on Amazon last week for $106 shipped, it should be showing up at the house today.

 

[03protege]

Had a bite on a slightly used one. Said he'll take 80. WTF is wrong with people.

I think the irony in this whole thread is Pipsters cleared out Sears Outlet on the wrench sets to resale for a what +100% profit? Yet someone else tried to sell something at the price they paid and they are crazy.

Not saying anything is right or wrong just an observation.

 

[ddawg16]

There are two types of sellers on CL.....average Joe Blows who just want to get rid of something....the asking price is typically 30% more than their bottom line....not trying to make a profit, just trying to recoup some of their investment....

Case in point....bought a B&D jig saw for $40...guy used it maybe twice.....it retails for about $60. It came with about $15 in blades....was in such good condition that I paid asking price. I have a POS (at least to me) Craftsman jig saw that I bet I can sell for $20...

Bought some hammers just before Christmas....I paid asking price...$35...one of them alone was worth that much....

I only deal with CL sellers within 10 miles of me.....anything over that is not worth my time and gas...

The other kind of seller is the guy who is trying to make a profit....Easy to spot their adds....item is over priced....they typically use a canned image of the item....typically the picture from the Home Depot site....(they don't want to give you a pic of the actual item). They hide their number from spammers by listing it as four five three - ect...

I just ignore those adds.

I've learned to be patient.....I also shop by area....in other words, I avoid 'low income' areas......chances are the stuff is stolen....shop in the high rent districts and you come across some great deals....x-wife selling off her husbands stuff after he took off with the secty....or some rich dude just cleaning out his garage to make room for his new beamer....

My method works for me....

 

[AL`]

My 2 cents: If I think something is way overpriced, I don't even bother. Point being, if the seller and I as the buyer are that far apart on a value, I consider it pointless to make an offer because they will consider it a low ball offer. However, if I think their price is high, but in reasonable range, I'll ask questions about the item, and make an offer - no harm, no foul there even if they do get offended. If the seller lists their price as firm or non-negotiable, I respect that the same as I would want it respected if I were listing something for sale. Personally, I haven't sold anything on clist, but if I do, I'll price it to move and make the price firm for the least amount of wasted time. And if someone wants to negotiate, I'll feel totally justified in giving an ugly and direct response since the price is listed as firm. If the price isn't listed as firm, I just don't see where there should be any angst in countering with a reasonably lower price relative to the asking price.

Clist is like a public restroom. All kinds go there and you are going to encounter some stink and filth along the way. Just how it is. But I've had some pleasant experiences too.

 

[Journaler]

...

Clist is like a public restroom. All kinds go there and you are going to encounter some stink and filth along the way. Just how it is. But I've had some pleasant experiences too.

OK, I'll bite, what "pleasant experiences" have you had in public restrooms?

 

[03protege]

I'm with you, I hate ads that say "no emails, call" too. It's like you used a computer to make the ad and then you can't be bothered to respond electronically?
As a buyer I'm not sure if I want you to have my number just yet. A little emailing does a couple things, first it is a record in case you meet up with me and decide to rob or use my skin as a coat and second it makes me feel more comfortable and that you won't rob or use my skin as a coat.

Call me only is so obtuse.

Anytime I sell something I put "email me your name and telephone number and I will call you"

90% of the ************ time wasters have been cut out because they are too scared to talk on the phone.

Now I never have to deal with these asshats sending endless amounts of emails then 3 days later asking me if I will take 30% of what it is listed for.

If I lose a few potential buyers in the process no sweat off my back.

 

[AL`]

OK, I'll bite, what "pleasant experiences" have you had in public restrooms?

Left myself wide open for that. There you go. There's another one for you -

 

[lwlobo]

Took the car to a junkyard and got 300 bucks. And the benefit of not dealing with a low life.

Wait, you took it to a junkyard so you wouldn't have to deal with a low life?

 

[03protege]

Wait, you took it to a junkyard so you wouldn't have to deal with a low life?

LOL he must have went on a day they were closed and left it in the parking lot.

 

[zkling]

A good friend of mine once said "Craigslist is the biggest love / hate relationship I have ever been in". I laughed, but then realized he was 1000% right with his comment.

I personally have seen a steady decline of "deals" and honest folks on craigslist over the past ~6 years. I think it has to be contributed to the amount of out of work folks (either by choice or not) and the popularity of ever emerging pawn star / picker shows and the like. In the early years craigslist seemed more like an online garage sale. Lots of good items at fair prices. No one was trying to get rich, more so just looking to clean out their house and make a few bucks. Now thanks to multiple media sources people are trying to flip / turn / auction their used items for top cash.

Heck, lets be honest, there are more than a handful of folks on this very forum that are regular "sellers" on Craigslist. Not selling stuff because they are trying to clean out, but in efforts to make a buck on items they picked up for a song at garage sales or the like. Hey what ever suits you, just don't complain about it. I mean there are entire youtube channels geared to teaching one how to become a "picker".


Semi-quick story........

We had a neighborhood wide garage sale last summer in which we took part. Just trying to clean out the house of unwanted and seldom used items, real cheap. The sale started at 7am, so I got out in my driveway to set up at 6am. Shortly after, between 6:15am-7am we had probably 20 different "professional" pickers stop by asking for guns, tools, gold, jewelery. All of them were dressed with a shirt that had their company logo on it (mostly pawn shops). All had a very abrasive and cocky attitude, and I knew exactly what they were looking to do, flip my stuff at a shop. I told them all to get lost.



To answer your question OP. I think your initial offer of $50 was a bit insulting to the seller. I would not of even responded to the ad since his asking price was so close to or above retail. Knowing the mentality of the seller. I think you could of worded your differently, such as

"Hello I am interested in the welder you have listed on craigslist, I believe that Harbor freight has this on sale for the month for $**.yy (include link for proof). Since your item has been opened and cannot be returned, would you consider making your price a little more competitive? Thank you XXXXYYYY"

If the seller responded great, if not, well their loss. So many folks have a hard concept understanding that their item is used and thus needs to be priced accordingly.

As for negotiating..... The only instance where I will negotiate for a lower price is if I feel the item is not accurately described in the ad or picture. Such as if I go to look at a tool box and the ad says it is in good condition. Now if I get there and a few of the drawers don't work then let the negotiating begin. If not I will just pay the asking price and be done with it. Please note I will only negotiate in person.

On the selling side, I will rarely let someone talk me down. I try to research the average selling price of an item before I list it. I take good pictures and give a very detailed description of the item. I have had people leave very mad because I wouldn't accept their extremely low offer. They knew the price on the ad. If they don't like it, well then that is their problem.

Negotiating is a case by case basis, and I think this is not your average case.

I personally am trying to get away from craigslist, it is just getting out of hand.

End of my rant

 

[btbsandman]

LOL he must have went on a day they were closed and left it in the parking lot.

My father went to school with the local junkyard. SO it was better than dealing with drug heads.

 

[AL`]

I personally have seen a steady decline of "deals" and honest folks on craigslist over the past ~6 years. I think it has to be contributed to the amount of out of work folks (either by choice or not) and the popularity of ever emerging pawn star / picker shows and the like. In the early years craigslist seemed more like an online garage sale. Lots of good items at fair prices. No one was trying to get rich, more so just looking to clean out their house and make a few bucks. Now thanks to multiple media sources people are trying to flip / turn / auction their used items for top cash.

Heck, lets be honest, there are more than a handful of folks on this very forum that are regular "sellers" on Craigslist. Not selling stuff because they are trying to clean out, but in efforts to make a buck on items they picked up for a song at garage sales or the like. Hey what ever suits you, just don't complain about it. I mean there are entire youtube channels geared to teaching one how to become a "picker".


Semi-quick story........

We had a neighborhood wide garage sale last summer in which we took part. Just trying to clean out the house of unwanted and seldom used items, real cheap. The sale started at 7am, so I got out in my driveway to set up at 6am. Shortly after, between 6:15am-7am we had probably 20 different "professional" pickers stop by asking for guns, tools, gold, jewelery. All of them were dressed with a shirt that had their company logo on it (mostly pawn shops). All had a very abrasive and cocky attitude, and I knew exactly what they were looking to do, flip my stuff at a shop. I told them all to get lost.

zkling, I found your comment to be rather educational. I wasn't even aware of this professional picker trend you speak of. We live in interesting times.

 

[Aberdale]

The best etiquette for overpriced CL items is the same etiquette for overpriced retail items:

Just walk away.

I've found there are always better deals if you keep looking.

Dale

 

[MG44]

I won't pay more then 50-60% of what a item cost new on any used item, especially on craigslist.

- The item is used, it already lost value.
- The item has no receipt or warranty in most cases.
- I am not sure what I am buying is junk, it is only operational in a short period of time before I bring it home and see what I really got.
- My time for locating and picking up the item.

I sell items by the same rule that I buy items.

Some buyers are as unreasonable as the sellers.

Example, I had a set of 215-60/16 tires with around 60% of the tread on them, no holes, no dry rot, good Dunlop Sp60 all season tires. I put all four of them on Craigslist for $110 mounted & balanced (I have a tire machine and balancer). I wanted $25 a tire (25 x 4) and $10 to cover my cost in mounting & balancing (weights, tire lube, bead sealer if needed, valve stems etc..)

I got crazy offers such as $50 for the set. Needless to say the set are still in my shed, I will list them again eventually, but I charge more at the shop then $50 to mount 4 tires for a walk in customer and that is if they bring their own tires! I was offering a good set to help out somebody needing a deal.

And as a side note, be careful dealing on craigslist. I am not sure if everybody is aware of the scams on their, but I am from the area where the "Craigslist murders" happened. A guy was offering a job in a remote location to individuals looking for work and murdered 3 (I believe 3) and shot another. Be careful.

 

[crewchief888]

You guys want more than new. I have a coupon for $89.99 (see link below). How bout $50?

i woulda told ya where to put your coupon, and your $50
and countered at $125.

ask me if i'll take $50 for it, without the "more than new" and "i have a coupon BS",
you'd probably be the proud owner of a $50 HF welder

 

[pilotman81]

I have seen a friend of mine dicker with countless CL sellers, pawn shop owners, and flea marketeers, I have rarely seen him give what was asked for any item. He tells me that you have to find their bottom dollar and go down from there. Seems to work for him, because he buys a lot of stuff this way.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

As the original post was about Craigslist etiquette, how about those sellers who leave no contact information other than the CL email system, then never respond to an honest inquiry? I always leave my name, cell phone/text number, and urge the seller to call, as I am rarely by my computer to pick up a return email. Only heard back from one, a little old lady, and she still did not leave any contact info. I guess people are really scared out there.

Overpricing an item may be a good way of hyping up the value of a similar (or maybe even the same) item. For example, consider the following hypothetical listings on the same day for item XYZ worth $100:

Listing no. 1: "For sale barely used XYZ, $250." with lots of pictures. Call Sam, ***-XXXX.
Listing no. 2: "Almost new XYZ, Priced to sell fast, $150." with one or two pictures. Call ***-YYYY, ask for Mike. Please, no calls after 8 p.m.

Someone looking for an XYZ may believe Listing no. 2 is a real bargain. When No. 2 sells, relist item No. 1 for $175.

I will no longer drive one mile to save one dollar, unless the round trip is in the 100 mile zone. Why go through all the hassle to save $5 or $10? I have passed on many great deals because the cost/hassle factor was not worth it.

 

[sthojlft]

I was looking for a foosball table to put in my gameroom during Christmas when all our company was visiting. So i go on CL, and see this new in box foosball table listed for 150. It's over an hour from me, so i email the guy and ask if 100 cash will buy it. he says 150 cash will buy it and no less, so i forget about it and never did buy one. I began looking again about a week ago, lo and behold-- the same guy, has re-listed the same table now for 75. So i now ask if 50 cash will buy it just for shits and giggles, he writes back and says no-75 is what it takes. I say ok fine, if you change your mind later, let me know. He shoulda took my first offer and he would have 25 bucks more than he's asking now
Some may ask, well if you'd have given 100 for it then, why not give 75 now? Well, i'm stubborn, i'm gett'n older, and i just plain don't want to

This is "true reality". Most CL sellers ARE EMPTIONAL idiots and morons... Did I add stupid.

I just bought a brand new saw for 10% over what some (ASHOLE) wanted on CL for a used one.

 

[AL`]

As the original post was about Craigslist etiquette, how about those sellers who leave no contact information other than the CL email system, then never respond to an honest inquiry? I always leave my name, cell phone/text number, and urge the seller to call, as I am rarely by my computer to pick up a return email. Only heard back from one, a little old lady, and she still did not leave any contact info. I guess people are really scared out there.

Overpricing an item may be a good way of hyping up the value of a similar (or maybe even the same) item. For example, consider the following hypothetical listings on the same day for item XYZ worth $100:

Listing no. 1: "For sale barely used XYZ, $250." with lots of pictures. Call Sam, ***-XXXX.
Listing no. 2: "Almost new XYZ, Priced to sell fast, $150." with one or two pictures. Call ***-YYYY, ask for Mike. Please, no calls after 8 p.m.

Someone looking for an XYZ may believe Listing no. 2 is a real bargain. When No. 2 sells, relist item No. 1 for $175.

I will no longer drive one mile to save one dollar, unless the round trip is in the 100 mile zone. Why go through all the hassle to save $5 or $10? I have passed on many great deals because the cost/hassle factor was not worth it.

I really don't blame a seller for not listing their personal number online, although it sure is convenient. However, I do think they should respond to honest inquiries, and when they see a potential buyer is serious, give a number or call. Like you, the savings for me has to be enough to justify the hassle, time, fuel spent and risk of the used market. I really am amused at what some sellers believe their items are worth. This is especially true with power tools and or other complex devices that are more likely to fail, than say, something like a hammer. And of course, said power tools or batteries don't come with a warranty on clist. The other pet peeve I have is sellers not deleting their ad after something sells or generating new ads all over while their old identical ads still litter the searches.

 

[IndyGarage]

I ignore anybody who tries to negotiate with me before seeing the item in person, so I personally never do that.


I usually don't even call if the item is way overpriced. However I've bought things that were overpriced, it's a 2 step process. First I call and ask a few details and see if I even want to go look at it.

Then I go look at it.

Then I will say something like - "it's a really nice widget, exactly the kind I want, and probably worth every penny, however I just can't pay what you are asking for it." Of course they will say "what would you pay for it".

This is where I might go one of two ways. If I think the offer won't offend them, I will simply say what I think, and see what they say. If I think they will be offended, I say "I need to check on my finances before I make you the best offer I can".

Then I leave. Sometimes as I'm leaving they will try to negotiate.

I then email them the lowball price after I get home. On a couple of occasions they call back later and tell me they'll sell it for that.

One thing: if you lowball somebody, and they take it, you need to pay on the spot - or they might reconsider. I've also lost things that I bought too low, because I didn't complete the transaction immediately.

 

[darcyh]

I always start the message with a salutation. Simple one just like 'Hello'.

Then say I am interested in the item and say would you consider or accept $$$ for it.

I always close respectfully with "Thanks for your consideration" or "Thanks for your time" and finish with "Regards". If nothing else it often generates a reasonable counter offer.

Regards
Dave

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

Heck, lets be honest, there are more than a handful of folks on this very forum that are regular "sellers" on Craigslist. Not selling stuff because they are trying to clean out, but in efforts to make a buck on items they picked up for a song at garage sales or the like. Hey what ever suits you, just don't complain about it. I mean there are entire youtube channels geared to teaching one how to become a "picker".

Semi-quick story........

We had a neighborhood wide garage sale last summer in which we took part. Just trying to clean out the house of unwanted and seldom used items, real cheap. The sale started at 7am, so I got out in my driveway to set up at 6am. Shortly after, between 6:15am-7am we had probably 20 different "professional" pickers stop by asking for guns, tools, gold, jewelery. All of them were dressed with a shirt that had their company logo on it (mostly pawn shops). All had a very abrasive and cocky attitude, and I knew exactly what they were looking to do, flip my stuff at a shop. I told them all to get lost.

I have a solution for those early birds...I blacklist them.

If anyone sets foot on my drive BEFORE the published starting time, they are asked to leave at once...no exceptions.

Now to be fair...Ebay/Craigslist has taken many dollars away from the old style pawn shops...not that it brings me any tears.

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

Unless it is something REALLY SPECIAL, I won't even get interested in buying unless it is 50% of retail...I find that I can buy most stuff discounted at 50%...just like the flippers do...so 50% is the starting point.

Then I figure in mileage say 1 mile = $0.50 plus my time rated as minimum wage rate...so if you are 10 miles away it will cost me $10 to drive and say a hour is spent I use one hour of minimum wage for the cost $8....so I am already about $20 into the deal if I just come see the item....I have to add that to the total cost.

For those who do the garage sale circuit...this is that hidden cost that makes most of what you buy garage saleing worthless.

Bearing in mind that used equiptment comes with no warranty you also factor in the risk..some stuff may have a killer price but if I can't verify its functionality I walk away.

 

[honcho]

Wow, lots of emotion of both buyers and sellers. It's just business folks and unless someone is doing something illegal or unethical (which unfortunately isn't uncommon on CL), then just remember that there is always another deal.

For the most part, the marketplace determines the price. Scarce items (like just released short in supply video games) demand high prices and common items (like kids clothes or chinese SAE wrenches) demand low prices. Sure, there are a few deals that end up outside the norm on both the high and low side. Somebody passes off rusty chinese **** as gold and a buyer grabs it. The buyer may later realize they were taken and learn a lesson. The buyer may also be content with the outcome.

Of course, the one the serious CL buyer wants is to find gold priced like scrap steel. Snap On priced at pennies on the dollar. Occasionally it happens. Actually, good deals happen enough to keep people prowling around hoping to score.

It's easy to get emotional as a seller but in the end, if you want to sell, you've got to meet what the marketplace is willing to pay. If you ask too much, your item won't sell--at least it won't sell fast. I'll reject lowball readily as I believe I price reasonably and am in no hurry. Sure, it's the buyer's money but it's my item and my time. We each get to make our own decisions about how to proceed.

As for phone numbers, email and text messages is is a matter of personal preference. I prefer strictly email until the meeting. That way, I have a complete record of our communication. Some buyers don't like it and that's their choice. I exercise my options and they exercise theirs.

As the original post was about Craigslist etiquette, how about those sellers who leave no contact information other than the CL email system, then never respond to an honest inquiry? I always leave my name, cell phone/text number, and urge the seller to call, as I am rarely by my computer to pick up a return email. Only heard back from one, a little old lady, and she still did not leave any contact info. I guess people are really scared out there.

Ok, I'm guilty of not replying to emails and here's why: One, I'm getting older and slower and I prefer to only deal with one potential customer at a time. Like I've written earlier, I try to price my items at a reasonable market value. Sometimes I get lots of replies to an ad which is an indication that I've priced the item at a desirable level. If I get a LOT of replies, it's an indication I've clearly priced the item too low. For instance, if I get three replies to a listing and the first one asks a bunch of questions, the second one makes a lowball offer (on what I believe to be a reasonable listing price) and the third makes a general query as to availability and when can they come purchase the item. I initially ignore the first two responses and communicate with the third person until it becomes clear that a deal isn't going to happen. If a deal with the third person doesn't occur, I may communicate with the first person but there's a good chance I'll just wait for another respondent. What's funny is if the lowball offerer is really interested and responds to the ad again slightly raising their offer.

Here's an example. I post an item for $50 (for which I would gladly accept $40) and the lowball offer makes a query and offers $20. I get another email offering $25 and this time I respond with just a "no thank you" If they want the item, on occasion they will email back with either another offer or ask what's my best price. It's been my experience that I often sell the item at or very close to my asking price while the initial lowballer comes up to a price I might have even accepted if they hadn't lowballed in the first place. Now, I don't blame someone for trying to get a good price, but if you really want or need something, don't shoot yourself in the foot. If it's just a nice to have item or something you want to flip then those are different circumstances.

As a buyer, I've found the best way to get good items at good and sometimes fantastic prices is to respond promptly to an ad, saying something like "Hi, If your XXXX is available, I'd like to see / purchase. I'm available to meet ASAP at your convenience. Let me know when and where to meet" If you get there and find out the item is not as described, you can attempt to negotiate a better price if you want it or walk away. Sometimes you get to the seller's location and find the item includes items that make it far more valuable and you can't pay and load up fast enough.

For buyers especially, distance and time can be important considerations. Driving 100 miles for a common item to save $10 over new is foolish when you can have Amazon deliver it brand new for a few bucks more than the sale price. As a seller, I don't discount for buyer's driving distance as that's part of their value equation, not mine and I certainly am not going to meet someone a midpoint 20 miles away because that's a waste of my time and gas.

Every sale transaction is unique and though we do let our emotions get in the way of pure economic transactions, that's all part of being human.

THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER DEAL OUT THERE.

 

[NHBandit]

Ask the seller if a bag of whatever they've been smoking comes with the item ? Some people are just fishing for a sucker and they probably know their prices are way too high. Craigslist is free and recently they made it even easier to keep bumping your ad to the top every couple of days so these morons have nothing to lose. There is one on the tri-cities TN craigslist that's been advertising a Budweiser Clydesdale display for $2500 for well over a year. Makes a big deal of how "rare" it is and how "this is the one everybody wants". Really dude ? If everybody wants it why do YOU still have it ? LoL...