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Meeting up with CL people

free_Bassd

free_Bassd

Guest
Feb 20, 2012
234
1
San Antonio, TX Area
www.reverbnation.com
#1
If you are potentially going to buy a bass from a guy on Craigslist what precautions do you take? like where do you meet up to play the bass? do you take cash with you or return with it after you have played the bass? do you negotiate the price once you have met up and played it or beforehand?

I have never bought anything as delicate as a bass on Craigslist (just tables and stuff like that) so I'm just not sure what the protocol is. any advice is appreciated! thanks!
 
#4
I've never bought anything off c/l but have sold some stuff. I always meet them at a nearby McD's and talk for a few minutes to feel them out. Also I check out how clean their car is and what kind of condition it is in. Only got bad vibes once. Said sorry and walked away.
 
#5
If its just a beater bass, I'll meet them any where public. For something high end, they will usually either offer to bring it to your house or invite you to theirs.
Music stuff, I go alone usually, But when I sell car audio items I bring a buddy. Its a different crowd though.
 
#6
I usually meet out front of one of the local Target's. It's crowded, in a good neighborhood, there's a security patrol, and it's close to my place. I usually bring a friend along, too. To be honest, I've not once had a bad experience. It's just important to be smart about things. It also doesn't hurt to be built like a small mule :D
 
#7
agent77 said:
I've never bought anything off c/l but have sold some stuff. I always meet them at a nearby McD's and talk for a few minutes to feel them out. Also I check out how clean their car is and what kind of condition it is in. Only got bad vibes once. Said sorry and walked away.
Click to expand...

Why should the condition of a person's car be a measure of their character? My car is rusted out pretty bad, but it still runs strong and is very reliable. I've got no intentions of screwing someone over, and so far as dishing money out while driving a beater goes, well, maybe music is more of a priority, or maybe the car simply doesn't need anything. I just don't understand the logic, and I hate the thought of getting discriminated against on a gear purchase because my vehicle is older and ugly.
 
#8
I always met in the parking lot of the Friendly's a town over. Major street/intersection meant there were always cars driving by. Chat a little bit to feel someone out and then show the gear. I've never had an issue with this.
 
#9
I feel the person out over the phone as much as possible, might even come up with a reason for a second call if something seems strange.

I've always met at the sellers house and only once did I meet in a gas station parking lot.

I ALWAYS carry two firearms with me, a .40 and a .380 both easily accessible and cocked and ready to use.

Twice I felt kinda strange and nervous so I made it a point to ask if they minded guns in their homes as I always carried.
Both were very cool in the end and actually both ended in more time spent showing off each others guns than actually spent discussing the item for sale.

If you don't have a gun definitely take a friend and always let someone know where your going including the address and name of the person your meeting.
Even if it's just writing it on paper and leaving it at your house.

Aside from that all you can do is take a chance and trust people. If you can't do this though maybe CL is not the best place for you to be shopping. By you I mean anyone in general.
 
#11
pmchenry said:
The .380 is probably a bit much, but I agree. I generally just meet them at their house/my house with cash in hand and a concealed ruger inside the waistband.
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There's a reason people carry a back up gun, it's typically because Shat happens and a situation that calls for a gun there's not much else that is going to help you besides a good back up piece.
 
#12
I usually meet folks at GC. We can go in and test the gear if we need to, and it's nice and public. Of course, a legally carried concealed firearm doesn't hurt either, especially when large amounts of cash are involved.

The one time I allowed a CL buyer into my home was a mistake. Besides rambling on for an hour, he later turned out to be a bit of a nut job. It was a bit disconcerting that he knew where I lived.
 
#13
guy n. cognito said:
Of course, a legally carried concealed firearm doesn't hurt either, especially when large amounts of cash are involved.
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Good call, we should have stressed this. Carrying a firearm is only advised if you have a CCL/live in a location that allows concealed carry. (The OP lives in Texas, I think they come in specially marked crackerjack boxes down there :D)

Also, I didn't know GC lets you conduct private sales on their premises? They let you test out the gear and everything?
 
#16
pacojas said:
what's with all the fire power?!!

i have guns at home to protect the occupants. i would never carry in public, but to each his own. remember,... every one of us is born with a death sentence! just use a public setting if you are paranoid.
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Because God did not create all men equal, Sam Colt did.

I would much rather have one and not need it then need one and not have it.
 
#17
pmchenry said:
Good call, we should have stressed this. Carrying a firearm is only advised if you have a CCL/live in a location that allows concealed carry. (The OP lives in Texas, I think they come in specially marked crackerjack boxes down there :D)

Also, I didn't know GC lets you conduct private sales on their premises? They let you test out the gear and everything?
Click to expand...

People bring gear in all the time. They don't need to know why. ;)
 

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