Post by: Mayo on January 29, 2009, 11:45:46 PM
Post by: chriskleeman on January 30, 2009, 12:15:53 AM
If you both have PayPal accounts, you should be able to transact this easily. I've never sold or bought anything on Craigslist, but if you supply each other with minimal account information, it can be done. Paddy and I did this through some stuff I shipped to a friend of hers in Toronto. It involves really just a small modicum of trust between buyer and seller, and each of you are protected at that level.
HTH,
Chris K
Post by: Paddy on January 30, 2009, 12:26:34 AM
The beauty of Craigslist is that it's local - you get to meet the buyer, who can then check out the item and hand over the cash. If you feel more comfortable, you can meet in a public place with lots of other people around.
Craigslist recommends only dealing locally - and I agree with them. http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams
Even if the buyer pays with Paypal, where there is some seller protection, IF the buyer claims that the item was not as described, you could find yourself out the money if Paypal reverses the payment. And it does happen.
There's nothing quite like cold, hard cash...
Edit: that was a little different, Chris - you knew me, and Ted had already paid me! (And I know where HE lives, where his dad lives, where his mother-in-law lives and went to school with his big brother...
) For small amounts, I wouldn't be too worried, but $1000? Why is this person even looking at Craigslist out of state? I know there are some places a long way from any local Craigslist, but you've got to ask the question! Mayo, you know where he's told you he lives - now run his IP through http://cqcounter.com/whois/ and see if it matches. Google him/his email address/his snail mail address if you've got it - see if you can figure anything out about him (her). But if you've had any interest locally, stick with that.
Post by: Mayo on January 30, 2009, 01:25:55 AM
So Paddy, how can I find out his IP address? Just curious...
I don't desperately need the $$$, so I can afford to wait for a qualified buyer.
Post by: chriskleeman on January 30, 2009, 08:56:26 AM
QUOTE(Paddy @ Jan 30 2009, 01:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Edit: that was a little different, Chris - you knew me, and Ted had already paid me! (And I know where HE lives, where his dad lives, where his mother-in-law lives and went to school with his big brother... ) For small amounts, I wouldn't be too worried, but $1000? Why is this person even looking at Craigslist out of state? I know there are some places a long way from any local Craigslist, but you've got to ask the question! Mayo, you know where he's told you he lives - now run his IP through http://cqcounter.com/whois/ and see if it matches. Google him/his email address/his snail mail address if you've got it - see if you can figure anything out about him (her). But if you've had any interest locally, stick with that.
) For small amounts, I wouldn't be too worried, but $1000? Why is this person even looking at Craigslist out of state? I know there are some places a long way from any local Craigslist, but you've got to ask the question! Mayo, you know where he's told you he lives - now run his IP through http://cqcounter.com/whois/ and see if it matches. Google him/his email address/his snail mail address if you've got it - see if you can figure anything out about him (her). But if you've had any interest locally, stick with that.Yeah, you know, when I think about it, I did have to supply you with my account #, didn't I...
But in regard to just buying locally on Craigslist, I'd have to travel at least 125 miles to see most items on the Burlington VT or Boston Craigslist, because of where I live...
Mayo, if you click on Paddy's link and enter the domain name from this person's email into the search function, something like this will come up:
[attachment=1190:whoislookup.jpg]
My main email comes from vermontel.net, for example, so it'll give you an idea of whether or not the domain is legit. Of course if it's aol.com, doesn't do you much good...
You could ask for an old fashioned certified bank check, or you could list the item on ebay, let this person know when you're going to start the auction, and list a "Buy it Now" price and then both of you would have the eBay protection. I've done that with a couple of sellers who wanted to get their merchandise sold more quickly, and they just ended the auction when I bid on it.
CK
Post by: Paddy on January 30, 2009, 09:25:14 AM
QUOTE
Yeah, you know, when I think about it, I did have to supply you with the my account #, didn't I...
....don't worry...he's kidding...
Anyway...the problem these days is that the scammers have gotten very clever. Even certified checks have been faked - so well that the seller has shipped off the merchandise before the bank caught on to it. Same thing with money orders.
Here is some very good advice from http://www.dcu.org/streetwise/march2005.html
QUOTE
- If you accept a cashier’s check even for the exact amount, ask that it be drawn on a local bank or bank with a local branch and always “check out” the check. The name and address of the bank issuing the check will be on the check. If the bank is local, visit them and ask them to verify the check. If the bank is not local, locate the phone number independently (don’t use the number on the check) and call them to verify the check. You can also ask us at DCU to assist you in verifying the check—either cashier’s or certified.
- Consider using a reputable escrow service rather than taking a check. When you’re selling something, suggest using an escrow or online payment service that you select. Learn more about these from the FTC website, www.ftc.gov/onlineshopping.
- Wait for a cashier’s or certified check to clear before using the money. Although your financial institution may quickly make funds available that you’ve deposited, that does not mean that the check is good or has cleared through the original issuing institution. That can take many days. Sometimes it can take weeks to discover a very good forgery, and the check won’t bounce until then. Therefore, verify the check with the issuing bank and then wait for final clearance.
- Know who you are dealing with. The law generally assumes that you, not your financial institution, have the best knowledge of the person who gave you the check because you are dealing directly with them. Therefore, if you are dealing with a stranger, make sure you have their name address and phone number, then verify those independently using online directories. If the number or address in the directory is different, call the person using those numbers—you may have stumbled into an ID Theft situation and can help another consumer.
Post by: RHPConsult on January 30, 2009, 10:19:59 AM
Over the years I've done lots and lots of transactions of various sorts w/Craigslist, but NEVER w/o meeting the buyer (here)/seller (there) – a "normal" expectation. If a buyer is interested, and the item is unique, a thousand bucks is worth a trip for for that much CASH. Is it easily transportable? Could you meet him half-way? Maybe he'd enjoy sampling the delights of the Rogue Valley, for no extra charge!
Curiously, just last evening we drove into SF simply to pick up 4 unopened StarTrek VCRs for our 10-year-old grandson. Without CraigsList we probably could never have found them. Even at 10 bucks, we wanted see them before agreeing to purchase. (Had a nice supper in The City, to boot!)
The unique "features", IMO, of CL (besides its ease of posting photos & detailed specs, "expense"
, etc. etc.) is that's really designed to be local, i.e. face to face.
Post by: Mayo on January 30, 2009, 12:23:10 PM
Registrant:
SBC Internet Services, Inc.
1701 Alma dr
Plano, TX 75075
US
Domain Name: SBCGLOBAL.NET
Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
Southwestern, Bell DNSCONTACT@att.com
Southwestern Bell Internet Services
1701 Alma dr
Plano, TX 75075
US
1-800-648-1626 fax: 214-473-2253
Record expires on 27-Mar-2015.
Record created on 27-Mar-2000.
Database last updated on 24-Jan-2009 04:40:33 EST.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.PBI.NET 206.13.28.11
NS1.SWBELL.NET 151.164.1.1
NS2.SWBELL.NET 151.164.11.218
I've asked the person where he lives and suggested that we might be able to meet half-way. We'll see how he responds...
Post by: RHPConsult on January 30, 2009, 01:08:35 PM
Maybe you could go and celebrate a Cardinal victory!!!!
Post by: Mayo on January 30, 2009, 01:17:52 PM
And I don't live in Grants Pass... While it has one of the best sushi restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of patronizing (and I have been to some of the best and most expensive in Seattle, L.A. and the Bay Area...) I refuse to live in a place that is so stuck in the Republican no-tax mantra that they won't even keep their libraries open. (How does a property tax rate of around $.60/thousand sound?)
Of course, our county also closed its libraries 1 1/2 years ago, a perfect compliment to the Bush Era of Ignorance, but they have reopened... after being "outsourced" to a private operator that makes its profit by rehiring fired librarians for part-time, no benefit positions.
Ah, but I digress... again.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 30, 2009, 01:25:40 PM
Does that IP search really indicate where the 'buyer' lives or just where his email server is. It certainly isn't anywhere near California!
Maybe a 'trustworthiness test' is in order? Suggest that you will pay half the shipping if he will send you all the cost plus half the shipping and you will send the item three weeks after the cashiers check clears or by sending a money order and cashing it quickly. He may have to send more than one money order is the amount exceeds the upper limit that some services allow. I think there is a reason that Craig's List is mainly for local sales and the reason they don't offer as much after-sale service as eBay might.
Return shipping would be at his cost, of course. And be sure the item is insured for at least the sales value?
Post by: Paddy on January 30, 2009, 03:19:17 PM
Unless the guy is willing to meet Mayo half way, I'd say wait for a local buyer or one that is willing to make the drive. $1000 is a lot to lose...
Just looked at the prices for the iMac extended warranty on eBay...they're pretty darn cheap ($85 seems about the average).
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 30, 2009, 09:39:37 PM
QUOTE
$85
I know. I paid more from LA Computer because of my distrust of eBay. I often wonder how some of the 'entities' can sell stuff at such low prices if they were bought at legitimate sources. Of course, the mark up on most retail stuff is 50% (not counting groceries), with 'wholesale' mark up being the same. And running a completely 'virtual' store is probably considerably cheaper than BandM. But I hate the way that kind of operation affects places that actually have physical locations that can serve people well after the sale. Oh well, I guess I paid about 40% for my 'privelege' to vote with my money! 
And for all I know LA Computer is just a drop box, anyway! 
Frankly, it left a little sour taste with me. I could not return the package even if I paid the 25%(!) restocking fee since I had removed the shrink wrap. First of all, that shrink wrap had been 'defaced' with my name written with a felt marker. Secondly, the only way to 'use' the item is to get the paper certificate which is certainly not going to be visible inside the shrink wrapped box. In fact, the merchandise is perfectly usable, the oly thing missing is the shrink wrap with my name on it.
Oh well...I'm aware that a money order can be faked, but I also included the point of cashing it before shipping. While even a Cashiers check can be 'recalled for several weeks after cashing, I believe, naively maybe, that once you have converted the money order back into cash, its validity and value is no longer a factor for you. hat may also be a reason why some places don't want to cash them.
As you can tell, I am very cynical and somewhat paranoid about dealing with people I don't know and certainly with those I can't even see/meet.
My wife buys things on eBay just about every month. She only recently was disappointed in a book which claimed to be in "Good" condition but was covered with inactive mildew. There is no way to tell if the mildew fungi are dead or just inactive other than using a suitable method of killing them. The seller (a large book dealer on eBay) offered only to take the book back, no doubt expecting us to pay the freight, again. Since many items are of such relatively small value, it encourages, I think, some rather unscrupulous activities. Those types of sellers may feel they can accept a small number of 'bad' reviews as long as they can get rid of stuff at a much higher margin. How hard is it to come back as a new 'company' with a different email address and personal name and start all over again in a few weeks or even days?What I am basically saying is that a stranger must earn my trust in any of several ways. Giving them money is not one of them.
<!--end of rant-->
Post by: krissel on January 31, 2009, 12:25:00 AM
Of course the amount was less than $200 so that makes a big difference.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 31, 2009, 09:52:16 AM
QUOTE
eventually he decided to trust me
HA! You apparently failed to report your activities at TS! That would surely have frightened him away fro the deal!!! See, you just can't trust anyone!!! You only know what they tell you about themselves!!! I'm sticking to local sales where I can check out the buyer, his family, his boss and his social life!!!
Post by: Texas Mac Man on January 31, 2009, 07:04:21 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Jan 30 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is the IP address info:
Registrant:
SBC Internet Services, Inc.
1701 Alma dr
Plano, TX 75075
US
I've asked the person where he lives and suggested that we might be able to meet half-way. We'll see how he responds...
Registrant:
SBC Internet Services, Inc.
1701 Alma dr
Plano, TX 75075
US
I've asked the person where he lives and suggested that we might be able to meet half-way. We'll see how he responds...
Plano,TX is about 5 miles North of where I live & about 20 miles North of Dallas.
I've bought & sold items on Craig's List. But always in person for cash. I bought my G3 Pismo laptop on CL. Got to see it & check it out before payment. I've also given away items on CL (kind of like FreeCycle).
If I was selling to someone where I had to ship the item, I would insist that payment be made via PayPal AND would only ship to the buyer's PayPal verified address. The verified address is the address associated with the buyer's credit card. You'll pay PayPal a fee for the transaction. Also, there will be a shipping charge for the item. Have the buyer pay this also.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 31, 2009, 07:42:29 PM
Post by: RHPConsult on January 31, 2009, 07:53:34 PM
Get a list of restaurants from Kimnmer . . .
Post by: Mayo on February 01, 2009, 05:40:20 PM
QUOTE
If I was selling to someone where I had to ship the item, I would insist that payment be made via PayPal AND would only ship to the buyer's PayPal verified address. The verified address is the address associated with the buyer's credit card. You'll pay PayPal a fee for the transaction. Also, there will be a shipping charge for the item. Have the buyer pay this also.
So how reliable is this anyway?
The potential buyer appears to be on the up-and-up. He hasn't suggested anything that I associate with a scam. For example, I sent him this message:
"I'm going to wait an see if I can find a local buyer. If I decide that isn't going to work, I may take a friend's suggestion to list it on eBay and set up a Buy It Now link. We could agree on the price and you could purchase it that way so we both have some safeguards via eBay/PayPal."
And he replied:
"Sure ebay is good, I trust paypal too so you can save the ebay fees if you wish.
Let me know."
I haven't replied yet because I wanted to read some reactions from the more experienced online sellers here at TS.
Post by: Paddy on February 01, 2009, 08:49:44 PM
The integrity of the payment won't be in doubt with Paypal, especially if he is a verified Paypal member and pays you directly from his bank account rather than via a credit card - the only thing you'd have to beware of would be if he claimed the item was not as advertised/damaged etc. and wanted his money back. Of course, that can happen with eBay too.
I guess I'm wary because so very many of the non-local offers to buy something on Craigslist are from scammers - as are the too-good-to-be-true MBPs you so often see; I responded to one of those once out of curiosity and the guy was in London. England. Not Ontario. And of course he had one of those phony escrow things going on - plus he had great difficulty with the English language. For all I know, he was actually in Nigeria. I told him "nice try, but I'm not that stupid" and he STILL kept trying to convince me he was on the up and up.