Craigslist sellers ignoring me -- why?

[robinsondm]

I need some advice from Craigslist buyers. Twice over the past year, I've responded by email to a Craigslist ad. One ad was for used audio equipment, and the second -- very recently -- was for a vintage appliance. In each case, I received no response whatsoever from the sellers, even though I sent 2-3 emails over the course of a few days.

I'm trying to figure out what's going on, and why the sellers ignored me. In the first case, it may be that the item was no longer available, since the ad was pretty old. However, in the second case, I responded shortly after the vintage appliance ad was posted, and the ad remains active.

One possibility is that my responses weren't "local" enough. Both ads were from another city -- in the same state, but 2.5-3 hours drive away from me. Still, I offered to visit in person to pick up the item, so I'm not sure why that should be considered a risky transaction. In the most recent case (for the vintage appliance) I gave my hometown, phone numbers, and email address, and offered to pay the full asking price and pick up the appliance -- but I've heard nothing.

So, Craigslist buyers, can you give me any insights into why I can't seem to get sellers to respond to me? Thanks,

Dean

 

[akronman]

Don't worry

at least half the CL ads I've ever emailed never responded. The other half are logical people. And when I have run an ad, half the folks who respond never show up. Don't let it bug you, it happens all the time.

 

[chachp]

In my experience

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The E-mails went to their junk mail and they didn't know enough to look for them.  Many times when you click the reply button you'll see a phone number.  I'll usually Email and then follow up with a text just to be sure they got my reply.  And if it's something I really want I'll call.  But, as already mentioned, don't take it personally.  Dealing with CL sellers can be a real PIA because half of them seem like they're using a computer for the first time and the other half couldn't be bothered with taking down the ad once the item is gone and couldn't care less that people are still inquiring about the item.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">It's a crap shoot!!</span>

 

[turquoisedude]

In my experience, it's not unusual for craigslist sellers to not respond to ads.  As mentioned, a lot responses may wind up in the seller's spam email folder but more often than not, the sellers do not monitor their emails.  If they include a phone number for voice or text messages, try that instead.  I can imagine that some sellers do not consider email replies as 'serious'.  

 

As an out of town craigslist buyer, I find that I get a better response rate if I include my own phone number in the reply.  Don't know why exactly, but it may let the seller know they are not dealing with a scammer....

 

[robinsondm]

Thanks

Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, the seller of the vintage appliance has not included their phone number as an option under "Reply" -- so I can't call them. And FYI, I did include my own phone number (actually, two of them) in my email reply -- but so far, nothing (no email or call) in response.

It sounds like I'll need to get used to Craigslist being a hit-or-miss experience (and so far, I'm 0 for 2). But it is frustrating!

 

[pulltostart]

I agree with Paul, if there is a phone number available the seller probably considers an email response less than genuine.  Also, if you do respond via email, avoid going into a lot of detail about your situation, how badly you want the item, how willing you are to travel, where you are, etc.  My recommendation is to simply tell the seller you are interested in buying the item (name it, do NOT refer to the item as "it") and ask if you can call them.  Sign with your name and your phone number.  If the seller is genuine, he/she can call you or respond to your email, and with the abundance of cell phones today, an area code is not an indication of the caller's location.

 

There are as many flaky and fake ads as there are fake responders.  My advice is NEVER respond to a seller's request that you contact them through gmail.  That's a sure sign of a scam IMHO.  Always respond either through the CL message system or phone call.

 

lawrence

 

[stricklybojack]

Often Times..

the item is sold but they haven't removed the ad. This happens especially with people
who are moving.
I've noticed many people ignore my NYC cell phone # when I am in San Diego where I have my vacuum collection unless I also give a local number.
And people will often go with the first response even when that person won't be able to actually come and buy the item until later. So the seller leaves the ad up until the sale is complete.
Plus it seems to be sorta standard, especially for younger people, that to not reply is understood to mean whatever it is you wrote them about is a no go from their end.

Also craigslist email addresses are temporary, remember the old salesman's mantra, "time kills all deals". So get phone numbers and addresses ASAP and mention cash is in hand.
Lastly asking questions is sometimes a negative with some people. I just carry on like I intend to buy, sight unseen and sound like I have limited knowledge about such items, then if I get there and see it isn't something I want, I say something like, "oh, this one doesn't have the extra rinse, sorry my wife would kill me if I brought this home because she always uses that feature."[this post was last edited: 2/17/2015-13:04]

 

[rp2813]

Like others have stated, I'm probably batting .500 with CL ads I've replied to.

 

I prefer to use e-mail so the seller can reply at their convenience.  I also change up the subject line so they know I'm not a spam-bot, and include something a spam-bot wouldn't know, like a major intersection or landmark I'm near, to give them an idea of what part of town I'd be coming from for a viewing or purchase.

 

If it's something I really want and a phone number is provided, I'll call if I don't get a reply via e-mail within 24 hours.

 

[robinsondm]

Good news!

Well, guess what? Earlier today, I got an email from the seller of the vintage appliance! We're corresponding now, trying to work out logistics. So, I'm hopeful that things will work out.

Thanks everyone for all the replies and advice.

Dean

 

[chachp]

So?

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Enquiring minds want to know....what is the appliance?</span>

 

[robinsondm]

Soon

Once I seal the deal (or if it falls through) I'll reveal the appliance!

 

[washdaddy]

Until you get the chance to see the gem that you are after, I would be leery of exchanging any type of funds with them until you have had the chance to at least personally see what you are interested in or have someone that you personally trust to act as a liaison on your behalf.

 

The last thing you want to happen is to be scammed out of your money for what you are seeking.

 

Good luck with everything and I hope it all pans out for you and you're able to get what you're after.

 

[robinsondm]

The appliance!

Okay, I'm 95% sure the deal is done, so I'll go ahead and post details about the appliance. It's a 1970's (I believe) 40" GE self-cleaning range. It turned up on an earlier Shopper's Square thread in December, and Sandy observed that it was "to die for". I started thinking about "upgrading" my 1966 GE P-7 range to the newer one -- mainly so I'd have an oven window, though I also like the infinite heat controls for the surface elements.

Well, I didn't do anything back in December, but I guess the range didn't sell, so when I saw it re-listed earlier this month, I responded to the ad. I'll pick it up on March 7th, and I'll post pictures (in the "Super" forum) after that. Thanks again to everyone, including Sandy, who called my attention to this range. Now I just need to figure out what to do with the 1966 range! (I'll start by putting it in the basement.) Here's the text and photo from the Craigslist ad:

"Gorgeous Vintage Free Standing Double Oven Electric Stove - $175 (Plattsburgh)

"This 40" electric range/double oven is in great shape, and works wonderfully. Asking $175, must pick up. Brand is General Electric."

 

[pulltostart]

Beautiful!

We will look forward to more photographs after March 7th.  Reminds me - I need to post my photos of 'Sadie' in a separate thread.

 

lawrence

[this post was last edited: 2/18/2015-13:38]

 

[chachp]

Nice!

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Congrats on your find.  It looks really nice!</span>