More Craigslist Flakes

[DigAPony]

I responded to Craigslist ad for a washer the other day. After a few vague back and forths they said they'd be home after 6pm the next day. So I drive over hour to get there and no one is home... No note on the door, nothing, I leave, come back, wait, wait some more, then finally had to go as it was almost 10pm.

Seller replies the next day; "Oh yeah, we waited for you but had to leave to get some dinner and do a few errands".

What?!

Somebody is coming over with cash in hand to look at items you listed for sale and you go out for dinner!? Arrghh.

 

[whirlcool]

I've heard stories similar to this before about SOME Craigslist sellers. Some get their jollies by doing this to people. They think "Ha ha, I made them make a trip out here for nothing!, I guess I AM IN CONTROL!". I knew a guy once who would drive up Ebay auctions for cars. He'd get the price on a car way up high and then stop bidding. He'd then think "Ha, Ha, I made them pay more for the car then they should have...." Crazy people, they are out there and 95% of them live on the Internet.

I'm not confirming that this has happened to you, but it's very inconsiderate and rude. Especially since they knew you were coming in the first place.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Been there, done that once or twice too.  

 

Since then I have learned to insist on getting their phone number so I can SPEAK to them and confirm as I am driving over and once I arrive.  

 

DO NOT rely on communication via e-mail only!!

 

Kevin

 

 

[this post was last edited: 5/18/2013-16:20]

 

[newvista58]

I Def Know the Feeling.....

Good Point Kevin. Having as much contact info
as possible is the best bet.

I've had the bait and switch, and the last
minute excuse, the endless emails.

It's all gameplayers. Sad they don't
have a life.

I had a Super easy experience buying a
car over the Net from Austin TX, than
I had trying to by a Vintaga Amana Radarange
locally.

GOOD LUCK Digapony. Hang In/Hang On. We'll
all find what we are looking for at some point.

Louis

 

[DigAPony]

Yes, I will ask for phone numbers from now on for any non-local Craigslist ads.

However, I don't think it is intentional game playing for the most part, rather just plain old fashioned stupidity and thoughtlessness.

 

[yogitunes]

chalk it up to Lesson Learned!......and from now on you'll be more cautious.....

it falls the same for trying to sell items, you could have waited around all day, and they never show as promised, nor a phone call or email!....

I got news for you, its not just CL or ebay.....we have had a few members do this as well to other members.......and thats as low as you can go in my opinion!...and more than thanks to Robert with this new section, and banning members who pull similar stunts....bad enough with the flakes, but to have them here among us, thats just wrong!....

Been there!....

 

[revvinkevin]

the same for trying to sell items.......

 

 

...waiting around for that empty promise of "Yeah, I'll come by tomorrow at 5 pm"........

 

Yes... I have also been THERE and done THAT too!  

 

"If you want to come look at my item tomorrow or the next day, then you call back tomorrow or the next day and I'll give you my address!"  

 

If it's the same day and within 4-5 hours or so, I will give them my address AND ask they call me when they are on their way.

 

This approach has worked pretty well!

 

Kevin