Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
While we're on the topic of CL transaction security, any advice for selling a Mac Pro? I can't think of a good way to allow the buyer to test it on neutral ground.
 
While we're on the topic of CL transaction security, any advice for selling a Mac Pro? I can't think of a good way to allow the buyer to test it on neutral ground.

I once sold my G5 tower to someone on CL. We met at Starbucks and I hauled to huge box inside, opened it up for him, plugged it in and he tested it on his monitor. It looked a bit funny unpacking that huge monster, but no one said anything and the whole transaction took less than 15 mins.

I'm now trying to sell my imac 27". I won't let any stranger come to my home, so we'll have to meet at good old Starbucks again :p
 
I've sold two iPhones, an iPod touch, an iMac 24" and a MacBook Air on Craigslist. I only accept cash and in-person swaps. I typically have people meet me at my bank (during banking hours), do the swap, then put the cash in the bank immediately. Never had a problem.
 
While we're on the topic of CL transaction security, any advice for selling a Mac Pro? I can't think of a good way to allow the buyer to test it on neutral ground.

I've never had any trouble with a public place (I've used a Starbucks and an Office Max) letting me use their electrical outlets for testing purposes. Just ask first.
 
Watch the BARGAIN HUNTERS!!

I've sold many macs on craigslist, one just the other day. Talk to the person on the phone. Give them your cell so that you get a record of their number and so they can't track you down using a land line, until you've felt them out. Talk to the person and get a feel for them. If you feel uncomfortable don't meet them. If you do, meet in a coffee shop with closed circuit surveillance in case they try to rob you. Star Bucks near the order area is a good choice. Only take cash. Period. No email transfers or another other form of payment. It's also a good idea to bring a friend along, especially if you're female. They can even be waiting somewhere else in case something weird happens. Insist you meet at a place you choose. No exceptions.

The main problem you'll run into on Craigslist are low ballers. Ignore them unless you want to waste your time. Hold out for your price. Look at closing sales for your machine on ebay and set the price accordingly. Give yourself a generous time frame to sell it, like 2 weeks and don't change your price and don't come down. A serious buyer will come along and pay what the machine is worth. Craigslist is full of bargain hunters. Beware. They're like people who go to yard sales. They expect everything to be 50 cents. Don't fall for it. In fact, be careful meeting somebody. Find out if they're solid with your price before you meet them. Some people will wait until you meet before they make it clear they have no intention of paying your asking price. So ask before you meet to avoid wasting time.

Post original pictures. Don't just paste the specs in from another web site. List the model number clearly and the main specs. Focus on the condition of the machine, especially if it's favourable.
 
I'm not sure I'd be dragging a 27 inch iMac to SB. Perhaps meeting before to talk, feel them out, and then invite them over and make sure you have a friend or two present. I think it's more reasonable.


I once sold my G5 tower to someone on CL. We met at Starbucks and I hauled to huge box inside, opened it up for him, plugged it in and he tested it on his monitor. It looked a bit funny unpacking that huge monster, but no one said anything and the whole transaction took less than 15 mins.

I'm now trying to sell my imac 27". I won't let any stranger come to my home, so we'll have to meet at good old Starbucks again :p
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.