How do you safely sell stuff on Craigslist

crow01 · #1 02-18-2009, 05:45 PM

Last weekend I posted a jackson guitar for sale on craigslist, and got couple of replies.

Then I was reading the news, and it said something about how some people have been robbed after posting for sale items in Craigslist.

Then I was kind of paranoid of bringing unknown people to my place to show them the guitar, so they could try it out. What if someone comes with a gun or something.

What can you do instead? Meet somewhere public, but where would they let you hook up the guitar to an amp.

I thought a rehearsal space, but right now I am not renting anything. Would it be just to pay the guy there something to let me use an amp for a little bit.

What have you done in your case?

Lurker79 · #2 02-18-2009, 06:12 PM

Be ready. Pack heat. Public place. On basses, use a hand-held something with headphones. I'm not sure on the amp, but you should always have a gun. CL is full of bastards and scum, just go in with that mind-set, you're not there to make friends.

groooooove · #3 02-18-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurker79

Be ready. Pack heat. Public place. On basses, use a hand-held something with headphones. I'm not sure on the amp, but you should always have a gun. CL is full of bastards and scum, just go in with that mind-set, you're not there to make friends.

ill be sure not to do any 2nd hand shopping around your area..

ive never had a bad experience..but i guess they can certainly happen..

ebay is obviously safe, and supprisingly enough people buy stuff without trying it..

MrLenny1 · #4 02-18-2009, 06:21 PM

Dude, chill out. If anything go to their house if close and bring
a buddy if you're worried.
I buy and sell locally and have no problems.
Good luck.

Lurker79 · #5 02-18-2009, 06:23 PM

I've never had a problem with CL or ebay, I don't think I ever will. The best way to be safe is to follow simple procedures when dealing with totally random people. And you can shop in my area, I just protect myself. If you got robbed from someone on CL, the cops cannot help you, you're at the mercy of a totally random person. What I posted is, IMHO, the ONLY way to guarantee personal safety when dealing with randoms from CL.

ElephantTalk · #6 02-18-2009, 06:24 PM

Make sure they reply to you somehow.
Get their email address and phone number.
If they rob you, then you have their info.

stflbn · #7 02-18-2009, 06:30 PM

I meet people at well lit open spaces... If you're selling decent gear with no problems they will not have any issues.

I also tell them that the gear has a limited warranty... "limited until they drive away with it". I refuse to be held responsible for whatever they do to the gear after it leaves me. I've never had anyone in nashville complain.

.

VroomVroom · #8 02-18-2009, 07:04 PM

I've not had a problem, but I always engage in a detailed phone conversation prior to meeting...which is almost exclusively public. I've sold basses and speaker cabinets by having the potential buyer meet where I work. This goes for buying, too - I prefer public places to ensure a mutual level of comfort. The few times I've used my residence I've gotten substantial information up front - home address, place of employment, at least one verifiable phone number, etc.

CL, in general, is awesome. IME it's very easy to identify someone with malicious intent, and the folks with whom I've bought & sold are either worried about the same things as me, or they acknowledge my need to feel comfortable.

Somewhat off-topic, but IMO, just as with any negotiation or potential conflict, meeting on "neutral" ground makes things easier in terms of bargaining too. Either or both parties can walk away without consequence, and even the most abrasive haggler won't try to make too much of an idiot out of himself at Starbucks.

BassXgirl · #9 02-18-2009, 07:06 PM

I'm not usually a paranoid type, but I am smallish and female so this question has def crossed my mind too. Of the 2 seemingly legit repsonses I got for my Sterling, I was able to look the person up via their email and/or email signature and actually see at least a LITTLE info on them. Where they work, band website info, etc.

I would suggest just having someone with you when you show your bass, etc. and watch your back.

With this said though, I have sold stuff before and have thankfully never had a problem. Just watch your back. Don't have all your expensive gear on display if you have someone over to your house. Put an amp in the garage and meet them out there so they don't even see the inside of your place...Just some suggestions

justBrian · #10 02-18-2009, 09:11 PM

You could always meet at a local guitar center, sam ash or equivalent. Seems to work for me.

rcarraher · #11 02-18-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crow01

Last weekend I posted a jackson guitar for sale on craigslist, and got couple of replies.

Then I was reading the news, and it said something about how some people have been robbed after posting for sale items in Craigslist.

Then I was kind of paranoid of bringing unknown people to my place to show them the guitar, so they could try it out. What if someone comes with a gun or something.

What can you do instead? Meet somewhere public, but where would they let you hook up the guitar to an amp.

I thought a rehearsal space, but right now I am not renting anything. Would it be just to pay the guy there something to let me use an amp for a little bit.

What have you done in your case?

I have a bigger gun, more bullets and the GF up stairs with an Uzi and a Cam Corder....but thats for after the sale.

Seriously, never had a problem.