I'm going to be selling my Husqvarna Viking SE and Craigslist seems to be a good way to do it, however that means having a stranger come into the home to see the machine and also a big amount of cash exchanging hands in the home. How have you handled this? Thank you for the input.

Haven't done it but need to.

I would have someone else home with me when they come to look at it. YOU are in control of scheduling time...remember. And I wouldn't say to the person "oh you need to come to see it when so&so IS HOME" leave that sentence out of the conversation.

I have bought a few items off Craigslist and also sold some.

If I was uncomfortable about the person, you know that strange feeling you get! Then I would meet in a public place away from my home. Such as a Dunkin Donuts, Panera, etc.

In your case, some place where they had a plug and table to test it. Perhaps even a library if that is allowed! If you have a small LQS that you visit regularly you might even ask them.

I would NEVER meet anyone when I was alone!

I bought a Brother CE 4000 off Craigslist and when I went to the woman's home to look at it I mentioned that I was a little leary about coming alone and was surprized that she wasn't too. I suggested, since she was a young woman living alone that she not have anyone come to her house. A few weeks later I saw a listing for a walking foot for a Brother machine --- meet in a public place. When I contacted the person selling it she emailed me back and said, "You know where I live and I know you're okay, just stop by the house." Same woman, I saw humor in it.

I've never sold anything on Craigslist but I'd make sure that perhaps a neighbor or friend could be there with me when I showed it or only show it when your husband is home.

I am affraid of this too! I think I would try to meet in a public place!

I make sure my husband is home and only show something in the garage for something large, otherwise I meet in a public place.

sorry, double post

I don't want people in my house, even if someone is home!! They could be casing your house for later robery! I've read several craigslist related incidents lately. If you want people to come to your house..set a table up in the garage or on the porch, do not let them in your house or to peer into your windows to see what else you have they might like!!

Also, I will never promise to hold anything for anyone..often you never hear from them again and other potential customers go elsewhere. CASH only, first come, first served. Good luck.

Mary

The best thing I've heard when sell a portable item...arrange to meet them in the police parking lot....can't take any better precaution that I've heard of. The pd might even let you plug the machine in to demo! They sure don't want to be called out to your house if there are problems!

We have sold a lot of stuff on craigs list. You should have someone home. Have never had a problem with security but not everyone shows up when they say. First come first serve.

Be careful! It is a dangerous world out there! It is a shame to have to be so cautious, but it's a must! :)

We do the same thing.

Make sure your gun is handy!
Our gates are always locked & I tell them to come at such and such a time. If they come earlier or later, the gate is locked. Puntuality is wonderful.

I have a squirt gun!! :D

I have bought and sold off CL. Never had a problem, always had DH and DS around when I sold. Also we have 3 large dogs barking and such. I have always took my husband with me when I bought. Just be careful.

I've bought and sold a lot off of CL. So far I've felt very comfortable because I've dealt with women. But the few times a man has come here to buy something, I've had my husband deal with them and put the merchandise in the garage. So, no one really comes in... You have to be careful, as a woman especially.

I sold my Pfaff to a woman in Michigan. I live in GA. I would not buy anything I could not see and test. However she did not have that problem. I too am leary of letting stranges in my home. You never know who is looking for an easy steal. I don't have much, but I work hard for it and want to keep it. :lol: I do teach in my home and the first time the student comes they are stranges! I always make sure DH is here the first time. I am very lucky I've never had any issues with this.

Squirt gun suits me! That's as mean as I come. lol.

cash only also

I had some freecycle computer printer to give away. I met the couple who wanted it for their son at Home Depot parking lot. It felt very safe there.

This past May (I believe) a husband was killed and the family tortured from people who answered an ad the family had posted in Craig's list in Edgewater, WA. Check the Tacoma, WA news for the report. I would meet at a public place not at your home.

Watch when you post because there are a lot of scams going on saying they are from craigslist but need you to fix something in your post. I just had one come thru and you cannot really find out if it is from them--I found a typo and grammer error so I knew it was a scam. Sold my item locally so I was able to delete my item but my sons like using it.

You can do what I did. I met the lady at the Local JoAnn's parking lot. I had asked her if she would bring the latest service report. I also wrote down the her license plate number just in case. I took a money order rather than a check. She turned out to be a wonderful person...we have since met a JoAnns then gone to lunch. We also email each other on sewing and quilting. It is smart of you to be concerned, since with Craig's list, you don't always get trustworthy folks like us quilters.
Meet at your LQS or fabric store...Take a friend with you, particularly if there is alot of cash involved. If there is alot of cash involved, drive to your bank right aftwards....no stops.
Better safe than sorry. No one should come to your home from Craig's list contact.
D in TX

we sold a car on craigslist, only gave the address to those who were making an appointment to check out the car; hubby went with for test driving. We lucked out with the best buyer ever. We stored the hard top for the winter, maybe three months, when he called to pick it up he give us a gift cert to out favorite restrauant. One fellow looking at it was a real jerk.

I think you have to be smart about selling on Craigslist. You should never put your address or home phone in the announcement. An e-mail address or a cell phone is okay. If you live alone and are nervous about having a stranger come to your home then call a friend to come over before the potential buyer comes to see the sewing machine.
Some items sold on Craiglist you can easily take to a public place to show but other items that are heavy or awkward need to be left at home.
I would make sure that when the potential buyer comes to your home that if you have really expensive valuables that they are put away temporarily.
If it's cash being exchanged make a receipt for the buyer and be sure to state. the date, the dollar amount, the item sold, who it was sold to and 'sold as is' on the receipt. I would not take a personal check I would take a money order or cashiers check.
I think most people buying stuff on Craigslist are honest and not criminal but you always need to be wary just in case. Good luck on selling your machine.

I have bought and sold on CL an The main gripe about it that I have is all of the spammers.

But if I show any of my vintage machines its only in my studio and most of the time folks get a kick out of ALL the machines I have in there and almost always try my treadle out.

I have even had some of the ladies call me up wanting to bring some of their friends over and see my machines and try out the treadle after I sold or serviced a machine for them. Of course I never turn them down and always welcome them.

But I have bought and sold high ticket items like car parts and cars but never had any issues at all. But like quilters the old car folks are just as nice and you have a certain code of honor that is usually there.

But unfortunately there are the few bad apples that will try and to take advantage of you or even worse. Just be careful and if you can have your hubby or some friends over when you show the machine.


Billy

I have a friend who has done a lot on Craigslist - she meets the person in a populated place like the grocery store parking lot to make the exchange - good luck

Rules of thumb for Craigslist
#1 Do not meet at your home.
#2 Do not meet alone. Have another adult with you. Preferably male.
#3 Meet in a very public place, Coffee shop, Local quilt shop etc.
#4 If they want to test it out make sure there is a place where they can try it out.(Check with business to make sure it's ok first)
#5 After the transaction, take the $$ to your bank and deposit it.
#6 If the hair on the back of your neck rises when the person walks up. Walk away, say you changed your mind. Do not go directly to your car.
I have bought many things on Craigalist and it pays to be careful. Don't become a statistic for a few bucks.
Don't mean to scare you, but times R a changing...
Hope this helps.

I've sold several things on craigslist. Never had a problem but I don't have anyone come to my house unless my DH is home. He's an ex-cop and a big man. Also cash only for payment. Checks can bounce or be forged. Not letting them in the house is a good idea. If you have a garage or carport use that.

I like the suggestion that you meet in the Police parking lot!!!
Sounds like the best idea! They certainly would let you use an outlet somewhere if you needed it!!

Police parking lot is good.
Offer a policeman a donut to stand with you... ROFL!! Kidding!!!!

Don't allow any one into your house. Meet at a Church, Wal-Mart parking lot. Some Wal-Marts have plugs attache to the light poles. You could even meet at a bank. The point is NEVER NEVER ,NEVER LET a stranger come to your house. If you live alone, When you speak to them on the phone always mention a husband, Such as "My husband and I......." Don't let people know you are alone. :!: :!:

Good point Redhead, don't let em know your alone. Ohh Church another good place to meet.
:-D
:XD:

Hi there. They don't have to come to your home. U can have someone there with U or meet them in a public place. I have sold & bought things & have met them. Very few times did I go to their home.
In time past when U went to Craigslist, there wasn't much for sale but with this c-r-a-z-y economy, there is a lot to choose from & usually cheap. Like houses, it's a buyers market but not for the seller....

:thumbup: :thumbup:

I've sold a LOT of stuff on CL -- LOL I go to garage sales and then sell the junk off!!! Haven't had any problems. If it's something that we can move, we move it out to the garage so they don't come into the house. If you can go to another location, then do it if it makes you feel better. I know there are stories out there.....but considering the # of things sold on CL, I think you're more likely to have problems when you go into a mall or a grocery store.

How about meeting at a quilt shop. That seems to me to be ideal, as they have tables to set it up, and plug it in. You may have to get permission from the shop, but I would ck into it. I have sold stuff on Craigs list, but nothing really expensive, and nothing they have to come into my house for. Good Luck

HA HA HA put alcohol in it.

Squirt here >> :-o <<

Anyone have mixer?
LOLOL!!!
:XD:

A while back I listed a medical device I couldn't use and let the respondent know my transaction was strictly cash and carry and meeting place for the exchange would be our public library. Then I sent my son. You cannot be too careful! The would-be purchaser tried to pay with a third-party check. No deal! It is amazing what some folks try to get away with! :thumbdown: :roll:

I agree with everyone here.
If they come to your house make sure someone is there with you and give a dremo in your garage if possible.
Also have a telephone near by just in case.
Bonnie