Lessons learned - buying on Craig's list and EBay
#1
Lessons learned - buying on Craig's list and EBay
I know we have the giggles thread, but I would love to learn from all of you about the perils of buying on Craig's list or Ebay. I am learning slowly, lol.
i learned today that I will never respond to an ad that does not list a price. I was invited to "bid" on the item. No thanks, I don't need it that bad.
Thanks in advance for any experiences you might share.
i learned today that I will never respond to an ad that does not list a price. I was invited to "bid" on the item. No thanks, I don't need it that bad.
Thanks in advance for any experiences you might share.
#2
I once answered a Craigslist ad that had a price, and I was still asked to top the offer of another "buyer".
Told her I didn't know it was an auction, and bade her farewell.
I am hesitant to bid on an eBay machine, because having shipped a few sewing machines, I know what it takes to pack them, and am leary of what I might get. Especially the ones with low shipping fees.
Told her I didn't know it was an auction, and bade her farewell.
I am hesitant to bid on an eBay machine, because having shipped a few sewing machines, I know what it takes to pack them, and am leary of what I might get. Especially the ones with low shipping fees.
Last edited by mlmack; 08-20-2013 at 04:16 PM.
#3
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: San Lorenzo, CA
Posts: 5,361
I strongly recommend the use of the feedback features of both applications CL and EBay
If a person asks me to "outbid" someone else, I let them know that their email reply has been forwarded to the CL abuse group http://sfbay.craigslist.org/feedback
Same with Ebay, if a seller tries to "end around" Ebay I report them.
I figure if they are willing to cheat Ebay, why not me too?
I agree, if a person has listed a sewing machine with a low shipping fee, I message them and ask them to describe how they plan to pack it. You would be AMAZED what I have heard back... from "I will just wrap it in a couple of towels" to and "I just put it in a box and ship it" all the way to "I pack it so well it adds 3 pounds to the shipment"
I send them instructions on how to pack a sewing machine and ask for their reply, then I gauge their reaction to determine whether to bid or not.
If a person asks me to "outbid" someone else, I let them know that their email reply has been forwarded to the CL abuse group http://sfbay.craigslist.org/feedback
Same with Ebay, if a seller tries to "end around" Ebay I report them.
I figure if they are willing to cheat Ebay, why not me too?
I agree, if a person has listed a sewing machine with a low shipping fee, I message them and ask them to describe how they plan to pack it. You would be AMAZED what I have heard back... from "I will just wrap it in a couple of towels" to and "I just put it in a box and ship it" all the way to "I pack it so well it adds 3 pounds to the shipment"
I send them instructions on how to pack a sewing machine and ask for their reply, then I gauge their reaction to determine whether to bid or not.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I had a local CL seller tell me that although a buyer was en route to buy a machine they were selling, they'd not answer the door, or tell the person it was already sold once they got there, if I were to offer them more money for it...
Crazy! And so if I were to stoop to their level and do that, who's to say I wouldn't show up and be in the same situation as the first guy? Rude and unscrupulous people are everywhere.
Crazy! And so if I were to stoop to their level and do that, who's to say I wouldn't show up and be in the same situation as the first guy? Rude and unscrupulous people are everywhere.
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 255
I recently ran across an add on CL that was completely generic for a singer with a phone number and "text for pics". I texted with the usual questions (Does it sew, serial number, basic history). I got back a text that said "I texted you pics when I listed it last march. You said it was a 66". Seriously, why didn't you put that in the ad when you reposted? I would have saved my time.
I also try not to buy from antique dealers who don't sew or anyone who is so proud of grandma's machine that they won't negotiate.
Just my .02
I also try not to buy from antique dealers who don't sew or anyone who is so proud of grandma's machine that they won't negotiate.
Just my .02
#8
I recently ran across an add on CL that was completely generic for a singer with a phone number and "text for pics". I texted with the usual questions (Does it sew, serial number, basic history). I got back a text that said "I texted you pics when I listed it last march. You said it was a 66". Seriously, why didn't you put that in the ad when you reposted? I would have saved my time.
I also try not to buy from antique dealers who don't sew or anyone who is so proud of grandma's machine that they won't negotiate.
Just my .02
I also try not to buy from antique dealers who don't sew or anyone who is so proud of grandma's machine that they won't negotiate.
Just my .02
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