Craigslist

[DJMastaWes]

Hey everyone!

So, I found a pretty good deal on a bass on Craiglist (found here). It's not a huge name bass, but it retails for about $150 - $200 new, so $50 isn't to bad.

Here's the problem. I feel uneasy going to meet a stranger, with a bunch of money in my pocket to make a transaction for something suspiciously priced.

My question to you is; how have your Craigslist experiences been? What's the best way to make the transaction. and for anyone who has experience with basses - what do you think of this deal?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Hummer]

I've never made a transaction on Craigslist before, but I recommend if you do make any kind transaction on Craigslist, try to find the most crowded and heavily foot trafficked area you can to meet the person. Never visit someone's front door. Obviously if they say "Meet me at my house" something is up.

 

[knelto]

I have no experience with Craigslist, but I do with basses. It depends on what you're doing honestly. If you're wanting just a knock around bass then sure, $50 isn't bad assuming it works fine. If there's anything wrong with the neck then it's not worth it. I cracked the neck on one of my first basses, had it repaired but had problems the entire time I had it. Good starter bass, but if you're thinking of using it a lot and playing shows, get something good and reliable.

 

[DJMastaWes]

I have no experience with Craigslist, but I do with basses. It depends on what you're doing honestly. If you're wanting just a knock around bass then sure, $50 isn't bad assuming it works fine. If there's anything wrong with the neck then it's not worth it. I cracked the neck on one of my first basses, had it repaired but had problems the entire time I had it. Good starter bass, but if you're thinking of using it a lot and playing shows, get something good and reliable.

Well, I don't play bass. I would use it to teach myself how to play.

 

[knelto]

Well, I don't play bass. I would use it to teach myself how to play.

Well then, this would be pretty good for you! I think it's good to learn on cheaper instrument 1. In the event you don't want to keep going you're not at a huge loss 2. It makes the next bass you get, assuming you buy a new one, so much better feeling. Hope it goes well!

I actually taught myself to play bass on an acoustic guitar with no musical background, playing it as if it were a bass. It was weird but it worked!

 

[devilot]

'm afraid I dunno much about basses but...

My question to you is; how have your Craigslist experiences been? What's the best way to make the transaction.

I have used CL a couple of times and successfully at that. I've sold a Wii, a MB, and a DS Lite-- all at different times, places, and all to different folks. (Also personally bought a high-end item from someone and found my last living arrangement from CL.)

• I've chosen places that are not too close to my house and still public (a large chain book store, an eatery of sorts, and a coffee shop).
• I've told responsible people I trust, exactly where I was going, what time, and whom I was meeting (as well as whatever contact info I might have on the buyer).
• I always specify cash only as I don't trust personal checks/ money orders/ etc.

It's worked out well for me. G' luck with your purchase.

 

[OnceUGoMac]

I have sold things via Craigslist several times and each time, the buyer came to my place to pick it up. Then again, I'm not going to move my sofa to a "high trafficked area" to calm someone's nerves.

 

[rockthecasbah]

When i sold my iPod last summer, I met the person in a parking lot right off of a very heavily travelled highway. I would advise not going to a quiet area, but that doesn't necessarily mean something will happen to you. Certainly if it all possible go with a friend or family member, that way you're not alone. It will at least make you feel better

 

[ErikCLDR]

Meet in a public place- mall, grocery store, what ever.

When I sold my ibook I met the guy at the apple store.

 

[Roy Hobbs]

Hey everyone!

So, I found a pretty good deal on a bass on Craiglist (found here). It's not a huge name bass, but it retails for about $150 - $200 new, so $50 isn't to bad.

Here's the problem. I feel uneasy going to meet a stranger, with a bunch of money in my pocket to make a transaction for something suspiciously priced.

My question to you is; how have your Craigslist experiences been? What's the best way to make the transaction. and for anyone who has experience with basses - what do you think of this deal?

Thanks for your help guys!

You're concerned with walking around with $50??? Alot of people carry more than that on them all the time.

 

[pilotError]

I have sold things via Craigslist several times and each time, the buyer came to my place to pick it up. Then again, I'm not going to move my sofa to a "high trafficked area" to calm someone's nerves.

+1

I've sold a bunch of things on Craigs List and never felt threatened or worried. I thought about it, but found everyone to be friendly. The transactions are usually very quick, since the price was agreed on and the buyer knew exactly what they were getting. Craigs list is not exactly an anonymous service for the most part.

I would be more inclined to go to their house, because now you know where they live.

 

[it5five]

Like everyone else has said, meet in a public area.

I have only bought one thing, and I met in a parking lot along a major road. Other than the guy being a weirdo, it went fine.

 

[SkyBell]

I actually bought a computer from a guy on craigslist yesterday for $25. (and it came with a monitor: score! ) I met with him in a best Buy parking lot, where there were a few people talking nearby. The whole transaction didn't take 5 minutes, and we were soon on our way. I would be cautious, but don't be paranoid.

 

[Steve1496]

I sell a lot of my stuff on craigslist--An iBook, iPod, several Treos, PSP, DS, and a ton more. I've only had one problem--someone didn't show up and wasted my time (but I sold it to another buyer two hours later). When I sell I make it clear that I'm meeting at a mall or open, high traffic spot and never allow anyone to my house. All my transactions have gone very quickly and easily. Make sure to communicate any questions beforehand, so theres no surprises.

Craigslist is great because it saves the hassle of shipping and ebay/paypal fees. Just make sure to be cautious about where to meet and make sure to get contact info beforehand, ie cell phone number and it will go smooth.

Steve

 

[Ugg]

I just sold an iSight through craigslist. First time sale for me and the guy was sort of flaky at first but, it all went well and he came to my house.

A month ago, in a neighboring town, a kid had a mac mini and an iMac G5 for sale, each for $200. We emailed back and forth for two days. His mom didn't want anyone coming to the house and he wasn't willing to meet anywhere so I could plug it in and make sure it worked. I finally gave up on it. My gut feeling is that they were stolen or the kid was just really stupid.

Anyway, if it seems like it's too good of a deal, it might just be. I'd recommend meeting somewhere public just to be on the safe side though.

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

Lol. $150 is a bunch of money? Man, I've sold sofas, Mac Pro's etc, and I've met guys with thousands of dollars in cash, or they've come with thousands in cash.

For really high priced transactions, I always bring a buddy or two of mine, make sure to get their name & number (always look them up on people search or google/google map them beforehand, so I know where they live if it goes south ) and always meet in a very public place. Never had an issue though.

Of course, Minnesotans are known as "Minnesota Nice" and are really quality people

 

[aaron.lee2006]

I've sold two iPods through craigslist. Both went great. I met a lady outside a pharmacy and another guy in a coffee shop. Meet in a public spot to ensure you are safe if you are worried.