want your Craiglist overpriced intro letters
 

Hi all,

I was wondering if you all had a form letter you write to prospective sellers on craigslist for items that are out of price.

For example. If I was to write to this individual about their machine, http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/atq/4063759977.html, how would you couch it?

Thanks

G

I probably wouldn't give $5 for it. really silvered and rusty. does it work?

I don't waste my time on letters to sellers. I don't think it's necessary. When it sits for sale for a year without a nibble, they'll figure it out.

I agree with Candace.

I'm with the others. There are too many reasonably priced, good condition sewing machines out there, for me to waste my time with delusional sellers

Me three.
....

I tried once to respond to an overpriced item, I thought I was gentle and positive, but found that no one likes it suggested what they are asking is out of line. Basically was told to go do some thing wrong! Ip the item did not sell as far as I could tell and I learned it wasn't worth it!

Disassemby: X # hours Rust clean up X # hours Parts X # $ Cabinet for it? And you want how much for it??!!

I agree with all of you. Unfortunately, that's about average for this part of the world.

I'm looking at a Series 15, that the owner doesn't know if it works, and the wiring is frayed, and hasn't run for decades, and they're asking for $100.

Really?

Someone else was selling a 99, for $300, and when I asked how they got that figure they said they looked at similar ones on CL. Really? you can't even identify the model. Just because it's black doens't make it a 201.

I think for the most part, I agree with the Don't Bother camp.


That said, there would be no harm in saying something such as,

"I noticed your ad for the Red Thneed in need of restoration. I'd just love to have a Red Thneed, as I recently took up Thneed Restoration, and I'd love to try to breathe new life into your Grandma's Special 1950 Thneed. However, for me, your $75 is too high, because one can already buy a perfectly functioning Red Thneed for $80.

I mean you no insult, but if by chance you find that this Red Thneed does not sell and you simply want to unload it, I'd be happy to take it off your hands for $15, as this would be a suitable restoration project price."

I can't see you going terribly wrong with something like that. I think that -sometimes- people see that they were innocently way off and then they realize, politely. On the other hand, if someone is being greedy and wheely-dealy, is it really worth your effort to bargain with them?

-C.