your experience with craig's list
05-17-2014, 01:00 PM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Not Here
Posts: 3,817
I sold my short arm setup to a lady in the next province. I think she drove more than 5 hours. We negotiated price over the phone, and I showed her and her 2 friends that she brought to help load and keep her company how to use it. DH wasn't here that day because of the time she was going to arrive, but in most cases, I would usually recommend that someone else be there with you.
I sell quite a few machines on Kijiji (our version of CL. We have CL, but for some reason it's just dead.)
I often break the rule of not having someone else home, but I try to time the appointments for when DH will arrive home soon from work, usually during the appointment.
I also "prequalify" people when I talk to them on the phone. Often you can tell by talking to them what sort of person you're dealing with then decide if you want "backup" when they arrive. You can also build a little rapport with them on the phone and in person which tends to make it easier to get your asking price.
I always give them everything I know or have for the machine - i.e. things I've printed out, etc. I offer way more (in knowledge) than I hinted at in the ad and they usually leave feeling like they got their money's worth and more even though I stuck to my price. I've even been "tipped" for the info I've volunteered. LOL!
At the end of the day, if you can explain why your price is the way it is, and it's based on logic - "Well it was my mom's..." doesn't work but "I'm asking $125 for the serger, it's fully serviced and ready to go which costs $90 at a shop and it comes with all these accessories that didn't come with it originally, basically the machine and accessories are $35" is usually no problem at all.
If the buyer still doesn't "get it" that you put money out to buy it, did the upkeep on it to keep it in tip top shape for them, are sharing your expertise with them, etc then they're not the buyer for that item. You still have the right to escort them to the door.
I sell quite a few machines on Kijiji (our version of CL. We have CL, but for some reason it's just dead.)
I often break the rule of not having someone else home, but I try to time the appointments for when DH will arrive home soon from work, usually during the appointment.
I also "prequalify" people when I talk to them on the phone. Often you can tell by talking to them what sort of person you're dealing with then decide if you want "backup" when they arrive. You can also build a little rapport with them on the phone and in person which tends to make it easier to get your asking price.
I always give them everything I know or have for the machine - i.e. things I've printed out, etc. I offer way more (in knowledge) than I hinted at in the ad and they usually leave feeling like they got their money's worth and more even though I stuck to my price. I've even been "tipped" for the info I've volunteered. LOL!
At the end of the day, if you can explain why your price is the way it is, and it's based on logic - "Well it was my mom's..." doesn't work but "I'm asking $125 for the serger, it's fully serviced and ready to go which costs $90 at a shop and it comes with all these accessories that didn't come with it originally, basically the machine and accessories are $35" is usually no problem at all.
If the buyer still doesn't "get it" that you put money out to buy it, did the upkeep on it to keep it in tip top shape for them, are sharing your expertise with them, etc then they're not the buyer for that item. You still have the right to escort them to the door.
05-17-2014, 09:16 PM
#33
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
Thank you all for your input. I still don't know if I'm up to dealing with people from CL. I guess I have heard too many stories of difficult 'buyers'. I do admire those of you who have had good sales or purchases from CL. Will check into listing on QB.
05-17-2014, 09:21 PM
#34
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
I have only sold one thing on CL--it was a portable oxygen machine for my SIL. It was easy and sold it for $1600 cash. The big downside to me is having strangers come to your home. For your safety don't meet anyone by yourself. Both my adult daughters have bought and sold furniture items without incident too. I would only sell for cash and make them load it and provide transportation. You should also expect to demo it to prove it works but it is an expensive item so I think that is reasonable.
05-17-2014, 09:24 PM
#35
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
I have sold and purchased loads of stuff on Craigslist - this is what I have found....... Different areas of the country are flat out different (people might not show, ask you to jump through hoops, want you to sell it to them for a fraction of what you want OR it will go smoothly). That being said - it is free and and if you have the right person read your add - you will sell it.
We moved from No VA, where things an craigslist went like hotcakes to New England where you get a lot of no shows etc. My recommendation is post lots of pictures, hide your email and address until you have interest in your item (ie use their craigslist respond to seller), NEVER say it is sold until you have cash in hand (even if someone says they really want it - do not hold it for them - tell them it goes to the first person with either the full price or a non refundable deposit on it). The last recommendation - is always have someone else in the house when someone comes to see it.
You have nothing to lose - good luck with your sale!!
We moved from No VA, where things an craigslist went like hotcakes to New England where you get a lot of no shows etc. My recommendation is post lots of pictures, hide your email and address until you have interest in your item (ie use their craigslist respond to seller), NEVER say it is sold until you have cash in hand (even if someone says they really want it - do not hold it for them - tell them it goes to the first person with either the full price or a non refundable deposit on it). The last recommendation - is always have someone else in the house when someone comes to see it.
You have nothing to lose - good luck with your sale!!
05-17-2014, 09:26 PM
#36
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
Sold my fun quilter, sight unseen to someone in CO on CL. He sent a deposit and we met him halfway. Great sale to a very trusting buyer! It was a surprise for his wife. 
That said I've sold many smaller items and meet people somewhere in a public parking lot such as Walmart. Safer and give out no personal info and always ask for cash.
That said I've sold many smaller items and meet people somewhere in a public parking lot such as Walmart. Safer and give out no personal info and always ask for cash.
05-17-2014, 09:27 PM
#37
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
05-17-2014, 09:29 PM
#38
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
I would take someone with me, too, if I were going to a stranger's house to buy something. You have to be so careful these days. Wow-that's a lot of fabric!
05-17-2014, 09:32 PM
#39
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
DH and I sold a futon and table through CL and another local thrift paper. We were both at home and Thank the Lord. Our home is very small and 7 people showed up. They wanted to lower the price. DH said no and showed the door. That was group of 3 people. Shortly after another group showed up. One just got past me so fast he went straight for the bathroom but DH stopped him. Not a public bathroom and ushered his derriere to the door. I was ready to call the police. Rest of the group agreed they liked what they saw but tried to dicker down to a lower price. Once again DH said to head for the door. They settled and paid full price for futon and table. After that incident we just donate to the curb. I said never again was I going to let some one into my home like that.
05-17-2014, 09:34 PM
#40
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 232
Great advice! Have had yard sales enough times to be aware of some people wanting to get something for nothing-exactly what would happen if you accept a check that can't be cashed!
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