More Craigslist amateurs...

[Xonetacular]

Listed a pretty much new behringer eurolive b212d I had got as backup and never used on craigslist for $150.

Get a couple emails from this kid this morning telling me to call him. I call him and he says he is really interested and "wants to come take a look at it" which is normally a big red flag and I told him I woud send him so more pictures and to let me know if he was interested in buying it and we could work something out. He says "oh no no I'll bring cash of course I just want to take a look and test it out first."

Ok, whatever, fine- he sounds young and not sketchy so I say to come over and change my plans to meet him later. He comes over in to my apartment, I turn it on, he starts messing with it and then opens his mouth. "Yeah this looks nice and all but I can get one new for $160 (bullshit). I'll tell you what, I can give you $100 cash for it". (He proceeds to put a $100 bill in front of my face).

I just stare and laugh at this kid. I told him if he wanted to negotiate price he should have done it by email or over the phone or I wouldn't have wasted my time with him. He starts going on about how he likes to see stuff in person first and "it's rude to negotiate over the phone" and I just walk him out the door shaking my head.

I never try to lowball in person- that's just slimy- you agree on a price beforehand and buy it, and if you ask someone the price on the phone and then you say ok when I tell you I'm going to assume you understand that that's what you're paying before you take both of our time to meet.

Damn amateurs, do they really think that shit will work?

[sss18734]

Yeah I've had that happen a few times. If they sound like tirekickers, I always let them know that they are of course welcome to test it, but they have to commit to buying it for my asking price upon testing.

I'm not a retailer and am not going to waste my time as such.

[oliosky]

I'm not sure I agree. It works both ways. There is a assload of dodgy sellers on craigslist and if I was buying a speaker from you I'd sure as shit want to make it was in good condition and working. If the speaker was in shitter condition than stated in the ad then I'd offer less money, its how selling second hand goods works IMO. Not straight up planned lowballing or anything, just fair negotiation.

[Xonetacular]

I'm not sure I agree. It works both ways. There is a assload of dodgy sellers on craigslist and if I was buying a speaker from you I'd sure as shit want to make it was in good condition and working. If the speaker was in shitter condition than stated in the ad then I'd offer less money, its how selling second hand goods works IMO. Not straight up planned lowballing or anything, just fair negotiation.

Right- but that's not what happened here. He had pictures and never said anything when I told him the price on the phone. The speaker was completely flawless and he purposely came in with less money thinking he could tempt me with a $100 bill and feed me some bs about price. I go out of my way to be thorough and honest and make sure buyers know exactly what they are getting before meeting up.

I don't think there is anything wrong with offering a little less if something is messed up and no one caught it until the sale but I've never had that happen and usually it is these planned lowballers who think that if they put $80 in front of you and say it's all they've got when you agreed on $100 you will take it. I've had that happen and when I told them to get lost they pulled a $20 out of their other pocket and paid.

But you're right, both parties should be honest and I've dealt with some shady sellers too that I have walked out on who weren't honest and up front. I try to screen for both but I don't negotiate with assholes in person.

[oliosky]

yeah for sure. It does sound like he planned to low ball all along. It just comes with the territory though with craigslist. The perverts and wierdos that keep the craigslist personals section going is testament to that...

[smiTTTen]

How about this for an absolute steal!

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/3070797185.html

"I am selling a brand new native Instruments Maschine. I comes with everything you need to get started. I am selling it for $600.00 or trade for a Akai MPC 2500"

I can only assume that given the language and the absurd price that this chap genuinely accompanies the product and likely plays it for you at your leisure.

[Xonetacular]

Haha please tell me you emailed him...

[smiTTTen]

Haha please tell me you emailed him...

I might offer him $500 for just the knobs so I can replace the ones the dog ate on mine.

[Xonetacular]

haha please post the conversation


I love people who are bad at negotiating on craigslist and when I catch them lying through their teeth. It's all good fun

I just had a guy call me about this speaker since he wanted it and was asking about price. He's asking me questions about it then says "oh yeah well we picked up a behringer powered 12" speaker from guitar center for $159 over memorial day." (sure you did buddy). I tell him the lowest I'll take is $150 or I'm not interested in selling it for less. He then asks me questions about if it has EQ knobs on the back and then asks me how it sounds. I respond "well you know it sounds good you bought one the other day." He says "oh yeah yeah of course." lol.

He is coming by now we'll see if this one tries to lowball me too.

[djlotus]

I can't wait to see how this turns out.