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The people that only write, "Is it still available" without referencing what exactly they're referring to (in this case, the dresser), are scams.
I HATE Craigslist. They need to figure out a way to reduce scams on there.
This has made me not want to use Craigslist to get rid of some stuff from my house!
Craigslist can be so frustrating, I agree! I've never tried to sell anything because I just can't stand the idea of letting random people call/email me. Ick.
I have bought a few pieces of furniture, and overall my experience has been good. I live in a college town, so I normally try to scope out students getting rid of furniture or people selling stuff from the "nicer" areas.
@Pinksapphire: Exactly!
We had our old washer and dryer on Craigslist as well as our old oven, and we got all of the "is it still available" questions. Those are almost always scams. So are the ones that say, "take the listing down. I will buy it without seeing it...just send me your payment information." If someone isn't willing to come see your item, they're a scam.
That's the downfall of Craigslist...just keep at it...you'll evenually get a real live person who wants to buy your item...you just have to be patient!
I agree, I have gotten great deals (both buying and selling) but I have also sifted through a BUNCH of junk mail. Good luck selling!
@Pinksapphire: Actually all of the people asking if it's still available do reference the dresser so I"m not sure if it's still a scam. But what kind of scam are they pulling - do they just want my email address or something?
@MissAsB: I actually had a lot of luck selling my old couches and love seat on Craigslist the last time I moved so I definitely recommend it even though I'm complaining lol! I just forgot how annoying it is to sift through the junk.
@jocember: I'm actually also trying to buy furniture (we need nightstands badly!) and I'm shocked at how overpriced things are. Some people are blatently lying about where furniture is from and asking for more than the retail price. It's ridiculous!
@2PeasinaPod: I know, I keep telling myself that lol! Luckily we aren't in a huge rush to get rid of it since it fits, but once we have someone stay overnight it's going to be an issue.
@aardvark: Thanks! Ugh..
Whoops, I ask "is X available" because I assume people don't update their ads. Time to stop doing that.
I have had a few awesome finds on CL. But mostly.... yeah, no.
The Best Ofs are always good for a laugh, though.
Craigslist totally FREAKS me out!!! Serioiusly. I have found really great deals from sellers on there but ummm I'm terrified of having strangers/weirdos contact me so I make my SO do it. I found an Insanity Beach Body set for like $40 that was regularly $120 and I had to have it. My SO went and met the guy at a mall in the parking lot to get it...so weird.
@moderndaisy: Well, the scams vary, widely. A lot of the time it's people trying to sell products, scam you into doing bank transactions, or trying to get your e-mail for marketing purposes. Once you respond to their e-mail inquiry, they can see your e-mail address and then they can reply with their scam/marketing stuff. It's really annoying. But, usually easy to spot. If the person asks you if your item is still available (and that's all they say), Google the e-mail address. Sometimes, if it is a scammer, it will come up in Google searches (because they've probably tried to scam others). If nothing comes up, then respond back that your item is still up for sale. If they respond to that e-mail with some crazy story that involves anything other than meeting you in person and giving you cash, just stop replying.
@atalante: It's okay to ask if stuff is still available, because a lot of sellers are slack and forget to take ads down. But, instead of writing, "Is the dresser still available?" You might say, "Hi, I am interested in buying the dresser you posted on CL. I was wondering if it was still available?"
@atalante: It's okay to ask if it's still available, but I get so frustrated when people ask me that then don't respond back when I say it is. I actually updated my ad yesterday and it's been workign so far, I've gotten two inquiries and neither of them asked if it was still available!
@Pinksapphire: Yes the first guy who responded to the ad had some long, complicated story about why he wanted to pay me for it right away via paypal but wouldnt' talk about when he would eventually pick it up. He didn't even want more info about it, he was so adament about setting up the transaction. It was all in broken english too which added to the strangeness, not that people who speak English as a second language are untrustworthy, but clearly I don't think he was even in the country.
@MissTX: Yes well I would definitely never meet someone from Craigslist by myself unless it was in a public space. When I was selling my couches I had two people over to see it without DH there, but I live on the ground floor and I kept my door open the whole time. They turned out to be totally normal, but I would have been safe just in case.
If you're going to sell a lot of things on craigslist, have a designated craigslist email-- I sold a lot of things when we were moving and I'm still getting a TON of junk emails. I finally shut down my email and opened a new one! Definitely a lot of crafty weirdos out there on CL :( It's such a good theory too!
@ColeandAmyT: I regret not doing that. this is only my third listing ever and the previous two were almost a year ago so I'm hoping it's not that bad. I haven't gotten any junk email yet and I'll be careful about who I respond to..
omg! This is too funny! I just sold a dresser on craigslist and every single person wanted it delivered. I was like, wtf! I had over 30 offers on it and they all either wanted it delivered or to meet me half way.
I have a car, but seriously how can I lift a dresser into my car by myself?? DH is never home.
I hate hate hate craigslist. And the people are SO cheap. I had my dresser listed for $35 and people would ask me if I would take less!
I was selling a hanging lamp on Craigslist and when the lady showed up to pick it up, she wanted a discount because she thought it was purple when the photo and description clearly showed otherwise. Really?!
@PinkMagnolia: OMG, you are right they are so cheap!! My dresser is $700 new (still on West Elm's website) and I only bought it a few months ago. I paid close to $900 after tax and shipping and I have it listed for $450. People keep sending me lowball offers, it's really annoying! And the guy who said "I assume delivery is included at that price?" I wanted to strangle him! Why are you looking at furniture by owner if you aren't prepared to arrange pickup yourself?
I hate those scammer ads! I sent an email when they had an ad posted for a hot tub, and after 2 emails back and forth suddenly it was "gone to another poster" and she spammed me with teeth whitener ads. I was so annoyed that I got spammed that I wrote back a crazy email so they wouldn't keep contacting me. I wrote:
"Wow, that sucks. I hope that the person changes their mind. Because I recently saw a documentary in the theater about how some hot tubs are also time machines. I desperately need one with this function as I would like to erase the last 25 years or so. Please let me know if yours has this ability and I will come and get it. Also, if you have any spare aluminum foil, I need as much as I can get to make a new batch of hats for me and my colleagues to stop the government infiltration rays from controlling our minds. I hear that tooth whitening kits can also do this if you would like to donate them and join our cause. Thank you. Nanu Nanu and may the Force be with you."
Never heard back. 
Got the idea from FI who, when telemarketers call with sales calls yells, "SAVINGS?!!! I get SAVINGS?! I LOVE SAVINGS!" into the phone until they hang up.
I can't stand to haggle!! It's why I hate garage sales. I mark my stuff really cheap and that's my final price!
Honestly Craiglist is awful. I just got this spam this morning, which I found pretty funny! (it obviously was written by someone who doesn't speak english):
"Thanks for responding in earnest, I am indeed exhilarated with the condition. I am also interested and will like to make an immediate purchase, so kindly remove the ad. on Craigslist, I will not mind adding an extra $25 for you to close the advert on craigslist so that I can guarantee I am the potential buyer, I would have loved to come take a look but I am a very busy man I am very sure you understand. I will also want you to know that I will be paying via Certified Check, and it will be sent to you via courier service due to the distance. You don't need to bother about the shipment, as that has been taken care of...... So I will need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the check.
1. Full Name on the check 2. Address where payment will be sent to not p.o.box (because my courier service does not deliver to p.o box) 3. City 4. State 5. Zip Code 6. Phone Number
@PinkMagnolia: first off, it sounds like they used a thesauraus to write the letter. second, they sound like a creeper! asking for your name and address and phone number? i feel like they'd come later and do a home invasion!
haha I didn't even think of that!!!
Well I often address stuff to myself and leave off my apartment number if I think it's sketchy. We have an awesome doorman who knows which house I live in anyways. And I live in a secure building, so I'm not sure about the home invasion. DH might enjoy a home invasion though, the way he stockpiles guns and ammo! lol j/k...
I've never used Craigslist personally, but my FI has sold some things on it. I hate it if he has them come to the house too, I don't want any weirdos knowing where I live! It just makes me feel so ...ugh.
@sehrler: This made me laugh! I have in the past did stuff like that to telemarketers. It's kind of fun to see how far you can get with them before they figure out you're wasting THEIR time!
oh god nooooo I didnt want to hear this, hhahaha.
We have a table/chairs that we are going to be selling once our kitchen is remodeled..hopefully in the next few months. I told FI I refuse for him to move the table/chairs to our basement, and that we cant buy a new set until this one is gone. He agreed b/c we dont want to have a Goodwill in our basement, LOL. I was planning on selling it on craigslist, but now I'm nervous!
@sehrler: Now that I think of it, that happened to me too! I was responding to an ad for a chandelier and after about 2 emails the woman responded that it was taken and gave me some weird dialogue about some complicated transaction she wanted to set up with me. I was like.. um.. no? Also I put our number on the do not call list, but we still get some sneaky telemarketers and I just hang up on them. If I'm feeling playful I am going to try your FI's trick one day, lol!
@PinkMagnolia: Yeah that sound good - why don't you give him all your info?? Honestly who do these people think they're fooling - does anyone fall for that?
@MercyK: I know we have to get pretty far in the process for me to hand out an address. And it is a risk you eventually ahve to take on Craigslist especially if you're selling something big like a dresser that can't be brought to a public place very easily.
for whatever reason, dressers seem especially hard. I had a crappy old dresser that I wanted to give away for free. I scheduled a few appointments and got no shows. it's a free dresser people, come ON! I finally dragged it to the curb with a "free" sign and it was gone within a day.
but one other time, I sold an elliptical trainer at 1/2 what I paid for it. the buyer was awesome and there were no problems with the transaction.
so I'm totally convinced that dressers on craigslist are cursed or something!
Oh man... Craigslist. There are definitely some weirdos out there. When I was trying to sell my wedding dress, I had a guy who was either a drag queen or a transvestite contact me about it. He sent me probably 10 e-mails with his measurements and worrying about if it would fit him or not. Now, I have no issue with selling the thing to a man, I just wanted the damn thing sold, but.... if you're worried about fit then come try the damn thing on and stop bugging me!
I even told him he could come try it if he was concerned and he never did. It was a really weird situation.
I hate to state the obvious- but you are using craigslist too! LOL
I have sold and purchased many things on craigslist and obtained quite a few things free for the non-profit fundraisers I do. Yes, you get your share of whackos but then so do those who are on the buying side. Some sellers are "odd" too.
I usually meet the people at the front door of the apartment building if I am selling something small, or only have them in when my SO is home.
Like a pp, I have a email address I only used for craigslist. People can send all the junk mail they want as it is set to automatically delete unless I have something for sale.
One thing I have learned is that many people who are buying a used couch for $30 don't have a car and that's why they ask for delivery. They might be a single mom who has had to leave an abusive situation like some of our bees. Sometimes people need a hand up not a handout.
I don't mind buying stuff on Craigslist. I've gotten a lot of sporting event tickets and just met them somewhere public. I drew the line at my FMIL telling us to put all our furniture we wanted to get rid of on Craigslist and just put 'free. Just come pick it up'. There was no way in hell that I was going to let some random person into my house, especially when they're coming to pick up really nasty old furniture for free. I don't want people knowing where I live and what I have inside my place. It's like I put an ad saying 'please come check my place out and take inventory of what you'd like to come back and get when you rob me. PS-a girl lives here and she's alone right now.'
FI still thinks it's a great idea because it doesn't cost money. I'd rather take the non-profit route and have Purple Heart or Habitat for Humanity come get it. I'd feel safer and it goes to a good cause.
My friend's ex-boyfriend was actually one of the people murdered as a result of Craigslist. His wasn't selling home goods (he was 'selling' other 'goods' if ya get what I mean) but it still freaks me out.
I don't mind Craigslist, but haven't actually sold anything yet, I think. We bought a few things though, and it was super weird to head right into someone's home to get them, I felt so intrusive! I used Freecycle when I did have stuff to get rid of, and it was all very painless! I haven't used it in awhile, but the people on there seemed a lot nicer and just really wanted to get rid of things or get things they couldn't afford to pay for. I gave a lady a lava lamp, of all things, and she was super grateful, it was totally sweet.
I have to use Craigslist today, to post a help wanted ad--after reading this thread I am wondering what kind of crazy responses I'll get. Also, I didn't realize they charge $25 for posting help wanted ads--not that it's a lot but I just didn't know any part of it was fee based.
@Iluvmydog OMG that is horrifying! Sorry to hear that :(
Hate, hate, hate craigslist!! Still trying to sell off some last wedding stuff and I get this reply (it's a scam if you want me to summarize):
OK, thanks for letting me know. It turns out i shouldnt buy it right now anyway… my son just put a big dent in my jeep so now i need to see how much money its gonna cost to do the repair. ugh! I thank god he didn't get hurt but of course it just had to happen now, when i'm finally making really good money with this home income program i started doing. You know, if you're interested, theyve just opened up 2 more positions in our area. Basically you get paid to post links online, its really easy and I usually just do it while watching tv. Heres the link if you wanna check it out:Ive made about $800 each week since I began.. not enough to quit my job yet but i finally have some extra money in my bank account. Well, probably not after i see the mechanic bill lol. My sister is planning to sign up later and these positions usually go fast, so Id really appreciate it if you dont share the link with anyone else. Thanks!
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Beekeeper
Is there some rule that you have to be a total weirdo to use Craigslist? Ugh!
I'm trying to sell my dresser on Craigslist and have gotten the strangest responses. The first one was a scam, but I"m still trying to figure out what the scam was. The guy asked me for my paypal email address so he could pay for it right away, but said he was traveling and couldn't come see it first. I don't know how he was planning on scamming me but I stopped responding to him because the situation was so strange.
I had another guy email me saying "I'm assuming delivery is included?" Um, hello - this is Furniture by Owner. The whole point of Craigslist is you get a big discount because it's used and you have to go pick it up. I explained that it wasn't, which is why the price is so low and of course he never responded.
And if one more person emails me just saying "Is it still available?" I'm going to scream. I finally updated my post today to include "If you see this listing the dresser is still available so please do not email me asking if it is available". Because I write back saying it is, then never hear back. What are they doing - taking inventory or something? It's so annoying!
Sorry for the vent but thanks for listening! Anyone else frustrated by Craigslist people?