Craigs List question

[Anonymous]

I posted an item for sale on Craigs List (I am a newbie at this) and didn't list a price, just said I would sell for "best offer." I got a response saying "I can offer X (about a third of the item price when new) and pick up tomorrow." The terseness of the email sounded like it might be a scam, but OTOH, I do want to get rid of the item and I would accept the price if no one offers more (the item is a few years old and one-third of the new price is on the low side but not outrageously so, and I mainly want to be rid of it). Should I be wary? I hate to respond with my address, etc., if it is a scam, but how do you tell? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Don't ever give someone your address. Just meet at a local Starbucks or something. Yes, many are very brief and terse like that. Many don't speak English as their first language. Those that demand phone numbers, etc., are a turnoff to me. Just set up a meeting time at a public place. take cash only.

[Anonymous]

yes - above. And give it a few hours before you respond to see if you get a better offer.

[Anonymous]

OP again--thank you PP! When you suggest meeting at a Starbucks, that is so sensible, and I am embarrassed that I didn't think of it myself. I would have had them come to our house, so thank you very much for saving me from making a fool of myself! As I said, I am new to selling on Craigs List.

[Anonymous]

I'm on Craigslist a lot and I don't think this sounds out of the ordinary. Sometimes people are responding to dozens of listings a day, so they don't have time to write a novel to each person. Or they may have wanted to get an email out to you ASAP to be sure they're one of the first responders. Obviously if you're selling a large item, you can't meet at a Starbucks like PP said. Just try to have another adult at home with you when the person comes for the transaction.

FWIW, I've taken part in probably 35 Craigslist transactions (buying/selling/giving away) and have never had anything sketchy happen. Most people are nice and normal!

[Anonymous]

A lot of e-mails are short. They are giving you the basics (they mention when they can pick-up because a lot of sellers will go with the person who can pick-up sooner - as this usually means the buyers are more serious).

I have given out my address. In hindsight, maybe it wasn't smart, but I was selling very large items (crib, toddler bed). I have also gone to people's homes to make purchases (again they were large). Probably stupid, but I usually only buy local (near where i live) so I feel "safe" in the neighborhood.

Remember also to ask for cash.

[Anonymous]

I've done several craigslist transactions, and I always tell DH when and where I'm going. The seller has always given me an address and time where I should meet him/her and I make sure DH knows it.

Also, if possible make sure the transactions happen outdoors--meaning on the front porch, lobby, etc. If it's an apartment situation, you can always tell the frontdesk that you are going to check out an item for sale and should be back down in 10 minutes or whatever.

The point is that there should always be a third person who knows when and where and why you are meeting.

[Anonymous]

I also have a Google Voice number I use just for things like this, for instances where I need to give out a number.

There's another website where you can register for a number not traceable back to you - it's specifically for things like this but I can't remember what it's called. It was mentioned in Real Simple recently... you could probably find it on their website or Google.