Used tool sellers rant

[NHBandit]

Yea sellers are lazy. Sounds like the buyers are lazy and this thread proves it.
Can't be bothered to know the part number for what they want.
Can't use the sellers posted part number to research what it is.

It's not about being lazy when we're on here just browsing threads to pass the time while having our morning coffee. If I see a thread that asks "what's a fair price to pay for an XYZ-440" give me a clue man. Are we talking about a battery powered back scratcher or a brake lathe ? I may very well have that exact model out in my shop but I'm not so **** about tools that I know the part number for every single one of the 5000 tools I own. I don't come here to try to solve riddles or waste my time Googling **** because the poster is too lazy to put up a pic or a description of the tool. .

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

What I really don't understand is the "contempt" part of the equation. Why does not wasting MY time equal contempt? Please explain? (seriously) My time is valuable to me, and either I am getting compensated for it, or I am enjoying it at my leisure. Answering questions on Craigslist about free items is neither one of those things.

I'm quite sure you're fully aware how easy it is to answer a text or email, so the only logical conclusion is you have contempt for those who are interested in your free stuff.

The attitude of your posts is: If these aholes want it, it's out on the curb and it's first come, first served. If they actually expect me to take the time to treat them with courtesy and tell them I'll hold it until they get here from an hour away, they're out of their minds! That's the attitude of a lot of people who give stuff away for free. Just b/c they're giving it away rather than selling it doesn't give them the right to treat people like ****.

I had a scenario with a boat I wanted to buy. I called and made an appointment to come see it. I had to drive 50 minutes to get there and informed him I would be coming a reasonable distance for this appointment.I called the guy right before I left and asked him if the boat was still for sale. Yep, head on over. Pulled into the driveway, and there was a gentleman pulling away with the boat. Apparently there was an appointment right before mine and he bought the boat as I was driving over. It happens, oh well. Did I waste my time, yep! Would I do it again for another chance at a screamin deal? Yep, maybe next time it will work out better.

I find it interesting that you say it takes too much of your time to list an item for free, then answer an email, text, etc. with someone that is interested in coming to look at it, BUT you would use your precious time to drive 50 minutes one way to go look at something you want to buy with no assurance the item will be there when you get there. What's the point of making an 'appointment' in the first place? The seller obviously didn't have any respect for you or your time.

I think your definition of wasted time needs some work.

 

[Swan]

I have used CL and Ebay sellers' ignorance, stupidity and laziness to my advantage many times. From ads with bad cell phone images, misspelled words, poor and short descriptions lacking brand names, and part and model numbers etc I have picked up many great deals at very low prices. With patience and the willingness to make the time to research what they are selling I have done very well. Yes, bad ads do drive me crazy like everyone else and I am not going to drive far or waste much of my precious free time, but by putting in the extra work I have picked up two vintage Snap-On top boxes for less than $50 each, British Standard Whitworth tools for very cheap, Stanley Bedrock planes for $5 apiece, sets of vintage Craftsman mechanic tools for $15 and many more items (vintage motorcycle parts, shop tools etc) for which I have no interest in paying high prices.

Conversely, when I am the seller I typically get more than the going market price when I provide many commercial quality photographs from multiple sides and macro detail shots, with clear and concise descriptions with brand names, model and part numbers etc along with any flaws, problems, repairs etc. I am very clear on my terms, price, meeting terms and times, shipping rates etc. I put myself in the buyer's shoes and provide ads without the things that frustrate us all.

 

[ken w.]

I bought a VG Condition SO top box off CL for $15.00 because the seller didn't post a pic. It was on there for over a month.His ad stated that the drawers were hard to open. There was a piece of cardboard stuck behind them. I also bought a Craftsman 40 roller with a Wilton bullet vise for $200..00 while I was there that wasn't listed yet.That stuff should have sold within an hour if there was a pic. You need to read the ad's well and try to have good communication if it's possible.

 

[cburnscrx]

I find it interesting that you say it takes too much of your time to list an item for free, then answer an email, text, etc. with someone that is interested in coming to look at it, BUT you would use your precious time to drive 50 minutes one way to go look at something you want to buy with no assurance the item will be there when you get there. What's the point of making an 'appointment' in the first place? The seller obviously didn't have any respect for you or your time.

I think your definition of wasted time needs some work.

In that scenario my time was technically was wasted, but he had something I wanted so it was worth my time for that opportunity. It didn't materialize the way I wanted, but for the deal he was offering and obviously followed through with to another buyer, I thought it worth the risk. The key to this is he held all the cards. The price was right, it was the right item, and he obviously had plenty of interest. He sold it to the first buyer with cash in hand, and I don't fault him one bit for doing so. I'd have done the same. For all he knew I was some guy that was window shopping and may or may not have bought the boat. I even told him that when we met. Win some, lose some.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

In that scenario my time was technically was wasted, but he had something I wanted so it was worth my time for that opportunity. It didn't materialize the way I wanted, but for the deal he was offering and obviously followed through with to another buyer, I thought it worth the risk. The key to this is he held all the cards. The price was right, it was the right item, and he obviously had plenty of interest. He sold it to the first buy with cash in hand, and I don't fault him one bit for doing so. I'd have done the same. For all he knew I was some guy that was window shopping and may or may not have bought the boat. I even told him that when we met. Win some, lose some.

To your defense, in Indianapolis you can be on a totally different side of town in 15 minutes or less

It's CL everything is a gamble for the buyer and seller. But you would have been better off putting it on the curb with a sign of $5 obo and the bench would have grown legs

 

[cburnscrx]

To your defense, in Indianapolis you can be on a totally different side of town in 15 minutes or less

It's CL everything is a gamble for the buyer and seller. But you would have been better off putting it on the curb with a sign of $5 obo and the bench would have grown legs

Ya know, you're probably right.

One of the pickers almost took my lawnmower one evening. I was mowing the lawn and came inside to use the facilities and left the mower parked near the trash I'd already put out. I came outside and he was gathering up some scrap I didn't want and asked about the lawnmower. I told him, no, it was just a mistake that I quit mowing near my trash. It's a 3 year old Honda. He said on stuff like that unless it has a sign he asks. Nice guy, and he comes through my neighborhood every week, so I doubt he'd try anything funny. I just now realized I even cut up stuff so it's easier to fit in his Ford Ranger. I had 2 25" gutters I got rid of, and I cut them into 3 pieces each so he could take them and fit in his truck. (he did). Hmm, who knew? We have two other trucks that come through here, but they are less respectful and will trash stuff and make a mess to get what they want. Fortunately Ranger guy comes earlier in the evening.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

In that scenario my time was technically was wasted, but he had something I wanted so it was worth my time for that opportunity. It didn't materialize the way I wanted, but for the deal he was offering and obviously followed through with to another buyer, I thought it worth the risk. The key to this is he held all the cards. The price was right, it was the right item, and he obviously had plenty of interest. He sold it to the first buyer with cash in hand, and I don't fault him one bit for doing so. I'd have done the same. For all he knew I was some guy that was window shopping and may or may not have bought the boat. I even told him that when we met. Win some, lose some.

I won't treat someone like that, no matter whether I'm giving something away, or selling something at an awesome price that I know will go fast. If I sense you're legitimately interested, we will set up a time reasonably soon, and I won't put other people ahead of you. Granted, I'm not going to hold it all day, but if you're coming from an hour away, for example, I'll probably give you ninety minutes to get there before I set up another appt. after you.

As a seller, I don't pit buyers against each other, and I'm not going to chance wasting your time and gas to come look at something I'm selling on the possibility it won't be there. Yes, it may take a little longer to give away or sell things, but it's worth keeping my principles for. I just don't believe you do business like that.

 

[sparky5982]

I really fail to see the problem with saying "There's free stuff. Come get it. Don't bother me. First come." How is that being rude or inconsiderate? It's free. In addition to giving away the thing, I am now obligated to take phone calls and emails? If you want questions answered and photos and an annotated biography of the thing before you drive from 15 hours away, then you should just buy the thing from somebody instead. Service comes with sales. The word for service without a sale is "Charity." I owe nothing to somebody interested in a free item.

I put out stuff for free all the time. I have a sign that reads "Free," which I stick in the ground next to the stuff. I don't list it on craigslist, because I agree, it becomes a hassle. And I don't want a hassle - that's why it's free. If I wanted to deal with phone calls, emails, etc, I would be selling the thing.

 

[kythri]

How is that being rude or inconsiderate? It's free. In addition to giving away the thing, I am now obligated to take phone calls and emails?

You just don't understand.

LOGIC concludes that your a contemptuous jerk, apparently.

But, seriously, you're absolutely right.

Caveat emptor and all that jazz. If you don't like the free deal being offered, then, well, piss off. If you're worried about wasting your time, well, then stop worrying and just ignore the free deal.

Apparently, these days, offering for free stuff you're throwing out also needs to include a healthcare plan and a Christmas card. And while your at it, you should probably include a full 5-gallon gas can for inconveniencing the people that have to drive to your place to get free stuff.

 

[3xpendable]

I find it equally annoying on the classifieds here when most people selling Snap On use only a part number. No description.

I don't feel like having to pull up Snap-On's website to translate what size drive or whatever it might be.

This^!^!^! Thank you

Im all like next thread

 

[zkling]

I bought a VG Condition SO top box off CL for $15.00 because the seller didn't post a pic.

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

[zkling]

"There's free stuff. Come get it. Don't bother me. First come." How is that being rude or inconsiderate?

But, seriously, you're absolutely right.

Caveat emptor and all that jazz. If you don't like the free deal being offered, then, well, piss off. If you're worried about wasting your time, well, then stop worrying and just ignore the free deal.

It is a very suttle yet clear way of stating that you don't respect the people that you are offering the item to. It's basically like putting a sign out "Hey lesser people, this to me is worthless, maybe you low life's would like to fight over it". You may not see it this way, but that is what is really coming across subconsciously. Just by those actions I can tell so much about you.
Human psychology is a very interesting subject IMHO.

 

[Ncognito]

Apparently, these days, offering for free stuff you're throwing out also needs to include a healthcare plan and a Christmas card. And while your at it, you should probably include a full 5-gallon gas can for inconveniencing the people that have to drive to your place to get free stuff.

Nah, you're supposed to deliver the items for free too.

 

[kythri]

It is a very suttle yet clear way of stating that you don't respect the people that you are offering the item to. It's basically like putting a sign out "Hey lesser people, this to me is worthless, maybe you low life's would like to fight over it". You may not see it this way, but that is what is really coming across subconsciously. Just by those actions I can tell so much about you.

That's all ********. One doesn't have contempt for another simply because it's not worth their time or effort to handle the situation. Heaven forbid that he wasn't out there with cold lemonade, awaiting folks coming to browse for the freebies.

The guy isn't putting the item out there for his amusement. He sees that others may have a use for it, so he's making an effort of offering it for anyone who may want it, but, ultimately, that's the only effort it's worth to him. If one DID have contempt for folks getting the free stuff, they wouldn't even offer it in the first place.

If you're reading anything like that into the situation, perhaps it's a reflection on yourself? After all, a man always assumes another man is as virtuous as himself.

Human psychology is a very interesting subject IMHO.

Armchair psychiatrists always think so.

 

[sparky5982]

Just by those actions I can tell so much about you.
Human psychology is a very interesting subject IMHO.

Wow. A psychology major. I didn't realize you could tell so much about somebody from one comment on one internet chat board on one Saturday afternoon. You, Sir, should write a book.

Sorry if I don't hit this thread again, as I am busy planting flesh-eating ants with AIDS in an old table before I put it on the curb. Then I have to mix up a big pitcher of icy lemonade spiked with anthrax to hand out to the filthy plebeians I allow onto my estate to pick through my garbage.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Caveat emptor and all that jazz. If you don't like the free deal being offered, then, well, piss off. If you're worried about wasting your time, well, then stop worrying and just ignore the free deal.

Apparently, these days, offering for free stuff you're throwing out also needs to include a healthcare plan and a Christmas card. And while your at it, you should probably include a full 5-gallon gas can for inconveniencing the people that have to drive to your place to get free stuff.

You don't get it. Obviously a reading comprehension problem. Try again.

 

[kythri]

Wow. A psychology major. I didn't realize you could tell so much about somebody from one comment on one internet chat board on one Saturday afternoon. You, Sir, should write a book.

Sorry if I don't hit this thread again, as I am busy planting flesh-eating ants with AIDS in an old table before I put it on the curb. Then I have to mix up a big pitcher of icy lemonade spiked with anthrax to hand out to the filthy plebeians I allow onto my estate to pick through my garbage.

 

[kythri]

You don't get it. Obviously a reading comprehension problem. Try again.

Nah, I'm good. You've made your entitlement mindset/viewpoint very clear.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Nah, I'm good. You've made your entitlement mindset/viewpoint very clear.

Yep, b/c I don't want to drive an hour each way to get something for free that may or may not be there, I'm entitled.

How do you get through life with that brain?

 

[kythri]

Yep, b/c I don't want to drive an hour each way to get something for free that may or may not be there, I'm entitled.

THEN IGNORE THE FREEBIE, AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE. It's pretty freakin' simple. Is the opportunity cost worth it? If not, move along to the next deal.

You're entitled because you expect the guy already giving it away for free, the guy who has already gone out of his way to make a public notification to those who might find the item of use, to give you special/preferential treatment, when he already posted "Free for the taking, first come, first serve, I'll remove when it's gone."

You go on to accuse said person of contempt and impugn his character/person because you believe it's easy for him to answer your calls/emails/texts, hold the item specially for you, set aside time for you to come kick the tires - and apparently to do the same for everyone else, and then continue to lambaste him because at that point, he'd rather throw the thing away and wash his hands of the whole situation.

Yeah. You're entitled.

How do you get through life with that brain?

Back at'cha, chief.

 

[sberry]

I don't look CL much but have bought a couple nice things there, I paid the asking price and made it clear that I wasn't out to jack them around, a couple people on out of town deals were nice enough to let me send someone over to pick it up.

I had a guy give a great deal on a tool and he started tell, they hadn't used it much and maybe a bad battery etc and I assured him that the price was more than right and that I routinely bought and gambled on used equipment, I told the guy I wanted to fix it, expected it, he fessed up it never did really work right so it want all worn, they didn't use it, just became inventory that an accountant said delete.

I have never had someone not save an item and I never didn't buy it for the price when I got there. The one above the guy had couple labors help load it.

I just bought a welding machine sight unseen. I talked to the guy on the phone less than 5 minutes. I offered a check in the mail but he knew I was serious when he said he just didn't need it, I could see that and I offered to send a friend over that owned a Linex type outfit to score it he said,,, yes,,, I know him, consider it a deal.

 

[fatfillup]

Excuse me while I go to check out CL

 

[bczygan]

The less a seller knows, about anything he is selling, the better.
Hopefully he won't know the value either.
I love blurry photos, ads without photos, misspelled descriptions and ads put in the wrong section.
Sellers who don't respond to anyone for days are great too. Most other callers will have given up by then.

I will be the one to figure out what he has, and I'll accommodate his schedule and anything else to get the item at a good price.

 

[cburnscrx]

THEN IGNORE THE FREEBIE, AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE. It's pretty freakin' simple. Is the opportunity cost worth it? If not, move along to the next deal.

You're entitled because you expect the guy already giving it away for free, the guy who has already gone out of his way to make a public notification to those who might find the item of use, to give you special/preferential treatment, when he already posted "Free for the taking, first come, first serve, I'll remove when it's gone."

You go on to accuse said person of contempt and impugn his character/person because you believe it's easy for him to answer your calls/emails/texts, hold the item specially for you, set aside time for you to come kick the tires - and apparently to do the same for everyone else, and then continue to lambaste him because at that point, he'd rather throw the thing away and wash his hands of the whole situation.

Yeah. You're entitled.

Back at'cha, chief.

Thank you I feel good when I go to sleep at night, and have no issues looking myself in the mirror when I wake up every morning.

I am still flabbergasted that giving something away turned into this. We really do live in an entitlement society.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

THEN IGNORE THE FREEBIE, AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE. It's pretty freakin' simple. Is the opportunity cost worth it? If not, move along to the next deal.

You're entitled because you expect the guy already giving it away for free, the guy who has already gone out of his way to make a public notification to those who might find the item of use, to give you special/preferential treatment, when he already posted "Free for the taking, first come, first serve, I'll remove when it's gone."

You go on to accuse said person of contempt and impugn his character/person because you believe it's easy for him to answer your calls/emails/texts, hold the item specially for you, set aside time for you to come kick the tires - and apparently to do the same for everyone else, and then continue to lambaste him because at that point, he'd rather throw the thing away and wash his hands of the whole situation.

Yeah. You're entitled.

Again, reading comprehension. You assume a lot that isn't there. Try again.

But I know you, I've read your posts for years, so I'm not surprised.

 

[cburnscrx]

"Hey lesser people, this to me is worthless, maybe you low life's would like to fight over it". Human psychology is a very interesting subject IMHO.

Wow, just wow.

Here's how I see it (stressing the "I" in the statement). "Hey, people here's something I don't want or need anymore and you might have more use for it than I do at this point. Here's where it's located if you're interested and you can help yourself. When it's gone I'll removing the listing. Enjoy"

Entitlement is very interesting too, IMHO.

 

[kythri]

Again, reading comprehension. You assume a lot that isn't there. Try again.

But I know you, I've read your posts for years, so I'm not surprised.

Trolls gonna troll.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Wow, just wow.

Here's how I see it (stressing the I in the statement). "Hey, people here's something I don't want or need anymore and you might have more use for it than I do at this point. Here's where it's located if you're interested and you can help yourself. When it's gone I'll removing the listing. Enjoy"

Entitlement is very interesting too, IMHO.

So apparently you and mr. kythri think expecting a little common courtesy is 'entitlement'

So to borrow from above, wow, just wow.

Trolls gonna troll.

Back at'cha, chief.

 

[kythri]

So apparently you and mr. kythri think expecting a little common courtesy is 'entitlement'

So to borrow from above, wow, just wow.

EXPECTING anything is what makes you entitled.

The giver of the free item has given you common courtesy: He/she has placed the item for free, and notified you of that fact, and it's location.

Expecting anything more than that is NOT "common courtesy" it's beyond rude on your part. If anyone has contempt for anyone, it's you for those who seek to do you the common courtesy and give you something for free.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

EXPECTING anything is what makes you entitled.

The giver of the free item has given you common courtesy: He/she has placed the item for free, and notified you of that fact, and it's location.

Expecting anything more than that is NOT "common courtesy" it's beyond rude on your part. If anyone has contempt for anyone, it's you for those who seek to do you the common courtesy and give you something for free.

You are obviously someone that thinks you're better than anyone you give something to and can treat them like garbage b/c of it.

I'll never deal with you in real life and for that I'm thankful!

 

[kythri]

You are obviously someone that thinks you're better than anyone you give something to and can treat them like garbage b/c of it.

That you and others actually believe something like that helps me understand why this country and it's economy is in the shape that it's in.

I'll never deal with you in real life and for that I'm thankful!

Yeah, I think we've established that I'm not the type to cater to your petulant demands for home delivery when I'm placing something out for free pickup.

 

[NHBandit]

EXPECTING anything is what makes you entitled.

The giver of the free item has given you common courtesy: He/she has placed the item for free, and notified you of that fact, and it's location.

Expecting anything more than that is NOT "common courtesy" it's beyond rude on your part. If anyone has contempt for anyone, it's you for those who seek to do you the common courtesy and give you something for free.

That's ********. "curb alerts" are almost always a huge waste of time and gas. Usually it's some ************* you were going to take to the dump but you don't want to bother so you list it free to the first taker. You hide in the house & peek out through the curtains because you're afraid to deal with anyone face to face and you could give a **** less that 20 people wasted their time and gas to drive over there only to find that it's already gone. Take out your own trash. PS.. I don't mean you personally, just commenting on what has been my experience in the past. My favorite are the "free firewood" ads. It's free, you just have to go and cut down some dead rotten pine trees that the guy got quoted $200 each to have them removed by a professional and you can't burn any of it anyway because it's pine and it's junk. Oh and don't forget to take the brush pile with you and rake up the mess..

 

[cburnscrx]

I have a sign that reads "Free," which I stick in the ground next to the stuff.

And I don't want a hassle - that's why it's free.

Might want to be careful with that free sign, they took mine (no joke!)

 

[NHBandit]

It's like the old story about the guy who put a stove on his lawn with a sign that said "free". It sat there for 3 weeks. So he changed the sign to say $50 and someone stole it that night...

 

[kythri]

I don't think anyone was trying to represent that the stuff wasn't worthless to the person posting. In fact, I think that it was clearly stated that the stuff WAS worthless to the person, hence why he's dumping it for free to anyone that wants it.

And, I'll agree with you - many curb alerts ARE things that we don't want to take to the dump.

My personal story:

A couple years ago, a business venture left me with a bunch of CRT monitors. 17", 19" and 21" all working great. After I outfitted myself with a couple of choice 21" monitors, I tested rest, verified they were good, and ensured they were bundled with a VGA cable and a power cable. It really wasn't worth my time to sell them for $10-$20 each, because LCDs had been coming down in price significantly, and these were heavy boat-anchors.

It was a nice sunny weekend. I set them up on some folding tables I have, took some pictures, and I posted them on Craigslist for free - size/make/model described on all of them, condition noted on all of them (even going so far as to detail the amount of "fade" the stuff had (y'know, when gray plastic begins to yellow?) and noted that you could take one, take them all, I don't care, come and get them, first come, first serve. I was besieged with all kinds of calls and emails, wanting me to hold them for days/weeks, wanting me to deliver them, etc.

It was, quite frankly, a giant pain in my ***, and NOT worth my time to deal with.

Such a pain in my *** that this past summer, when I converted my final display over to LCD, and had another pile of good, working CRTs available, instead of offering them on Craigslist, and after calling the local school district, who didn't want them, I took them to the local dump's recycling station, because I wasn't going to screw around with the nonsense from Craigslist again.

I'm sorry, but I don't think that it's rude or discourteous to NOT want to deal with people that have unreasonable expectations of free stuff. Those people are the ones who ruin it for the reasonable people that I would have liked to have given the usable stuff to.

If someone's time is so valuable that they can't risk "wasting" it in the pursuit of free stuff, then perhaps they shouldn't be looking for free stuff, and instead, just go buy it.

 

[cburnscrx]

That's ********. "curb alerts" are almost always a huge waste of time and gas. Usually it's some ************* you were going to take to the dump but you don't want to bother so you list it free to the first taker. You hide in the house & peek out through the curtains because you're afraid to deal with anyone face to face and you could give a **** less that 20 people wasted their time and gas to drive over there only to find that it's already gone. Take out your own trash. PS.. I don't mean you personally, just commenting on what has been my experience in the past.

I can just go off what I have listed. I know my listings are quality items, such as the wheels off a Honda Accord when I switched to alloys. The tires were removed, the wheels were completely round, AND they had the wheel covers with them. At worst they were scrap, at best you could drive to the tire shop and use them immediately.

The truck seat I gave away was yanked from Pic A Part to put in a friends truck. Before we got around to installing it, he sold the truck. Because it was after the return time, I just set it by the curb. It was good enough to put in the roommates truck, so it was at least of reasonable quality.

I put a car door out that was pulled from pic a part, but again, before I put it on I found one that matched in color. I put that by the curb. It still had all the power windows and locks, and the door panel intact. I even put the glass (I kept my tinted version) back in the one I gave away.

I have pickers that come around every Sunday night and gather up all the "trash" that would normally go to the dump. No need to list that, as it goes away on it's own. Additionally, I have a dumpster at work, so not exactly hard to get rid of stuff.

 

[NHBandit]

I don't think anyone was trying to represent that the stuff wasn't worthless to the person posting. In fact, I think that it was clearly stated that the stuff WAS worthless to the person, hence why he's dumping it for free to anyone that wants it.

And, I'll agree with you - many curb alerts ARE things that we don't want to take to the dump.

My personal story:

A couple years ago, a business venture left me with a bunch of CRT monitors. 17", 19" and 21" all working great. After I outfitted myself with a couple of choice 21" monitors, I tested rest, verified they were good, and ensured they were bundled with a VGA cable and a power cable. It really wasn't worth my time to sell them for $10-$20 each, because LCDs had been coming down in price significantly, and these were heavy boat-anchors.

It was a nice sunny weekend. I set them up on some folding tables I have, took some pictures, and I posted them on Craigslist for free - size/make/model described on all of them, condition noted on all of them (even going so far as to detail the amount of "fade" the stuff had (y'know, when gray plastic begins to yellow?) and noted that you could take one, take them all, I don't care, come and get them, first come, first serve. I was besieged with all kinds of calls and emails, wanting me to hold them for days/weeks, wanting me to deliver them, etc.

It was, quite frankly, a giant pain in my ***, and NOT worth my time to deal with.

Such a pain in my *** that this past summer, when I converted my final display over to LCD, and had another pile of good, working CRTs available, instead of offering them on Craigslist, and after calling the local school district, who didn't want them, I took them to the local dump's recycling station, because I wasn't going to screw around with the nonsense from Craigslist again.

I'm sorry, but I don't think that it's rude or discourteous to NOT want to deal with people that have unreasonable expectations of free stuff. Those people are the ones who ruin it for the reasonable people that I would have liked to have given the usable stuff to.

If someone's time is so valuable that they can't risk "wasting" it in the pursuit of free stuff, then perhaps they shouldn't be looking for free stuff, and instead, just go buy it.

Don't know if you have it in your area but there is a nationwide website called "freecycle" www.freecycle.org and it is for just this purpose. There is a reasonable expectation that if someone posts that they will take something you will hold it for a short time pending pickup before offering it to someone else. If I had been in your shoes with a number of monitors I probably would have either donated them to one of the local church operated thrift stores or listed them on freecycle as a lot. Take them all and do what you please with them. Someone less fortunate than you who does have time to mess with them might have been able to put food in the fridge by selling them for $10-$20 each individually. That's just how I roll.. Your mileage may vary.

 

[kythri]

I'll keep freecycle in mind for the future - while the immediately local one has zero members, the town a few miles away has 1270, so that might become a more viable option for hand-me-down hardware.

Giving them away via Craigslist the first time was just for that purpose - someone else could have used them, could have sold them, whatever, and that would have been cool. But, like I said, too many ridiculous and unreasonable demands and requests for something being given away for free.

We're seriously not talking a situation of "I'll be there in 15-20 minutes" but more situations of "I'd really like one of those 21" monitors, can you deliver it to me 18 miles away" or "Can you hold some of those for me for a couple weeks, I need to make sure that I have room for them" situations. And those weren't isolated.

One would have thought that clearly posting "Free for pickup, first come, first serve" was clear, but I guess not.

 

[bczygan]

I just filled 4 dumpsters with clothes and books. All usable. A lot of Pulitzer prize winning books. Also some door closers.

Just not worth my time or gas to go to a Goodwill or Salvation Army or the scrap yard.

Metal put on the curb, here in Detroit, disappears before you get back inside. But sometimes you don't want to attract the kind of people who would stop to pick it up and look over what you have elsewhere.