Craigslist meets....precautions?

[Access]

OK, so I buy toys from people all the time off craigslist and my Mom freaked out last night when, yet another, guy was killed by some freak who meets people off craigslist and then kills them.

I live in a pretty down to Earth part of the country (Yesterdays murder was in LA) and always try to meet in public places like the Walmart parking lot, etc, but occasionally have to go to people's houses.

Do you guys have any concern with doing this? What precautions do you take if any? Any 'lesson learned' stories to share?

[Mikey]

I have a bus station by me, I usually meet there.

I'm not really afraid if I have to go to somebody's house if need be --- To be honest I have an attidude that if they kill me, oh well.

I'm not the kinda person somebody wants to mess with that way

[mvanis]

I will normally feel it out before I'd commit. I have had a few insanely sketchy picks inside of peoples houses, apartments, trailers, you name it. Definitely a few times where I was a little worried about stuff happening. Most of the time I'll just ask questions if it feels weird at all before I go- Ask for a close up picture or details about the item(s) - It always makes me feel a little better about going if I know someone actually has the stuff they posted. I always try to meet in a parking lot or something, but it doesn't always happen that way- use your best judgement, if someone is pushy, seems sketchy, - I'd pass. Luckily no issues to date outside of some really really weird people.

[Hector]

If someone is gonna rob me, he better bring a big arse gun, lol.

[cjefferys]

The usual advice is to meet in a public place, or if that isn't possible, then bring someone along with you, and tell others where you will be going. There was a recent case in Ontario where a guy was selling his truck, a couple guys contacted him saying they were interested, he met up with them somewhere and they killed him.

[Splitty]

I think it partly depends what you're buying or selling.

If it's like more expensive electronics or jewelry, I'd say the risk is higher.

I only buy cheap toys (used to sell cheap decor). So far serial killers, robbers, and depraved people have overlooked this genre.
Plus, I always leave another person out in the car with a cel phone to call for immediate backup.
I NEVER go alone (not that that will always be a deterrent).

[Den82]

Using your gut instinct works. One thing I do, is if there is a name with the email, I run it through Facebook or something to see if they are real. If they look like a fool or trouble, forget them. In most cases, people are just as afraid of you as you are of them.

I'm not concerned with serial killers or robbers. My biggest problem with CL is other dealers playing games. Like having you drive out to the middle of nowhere for nothing.

[Access]

^Really? That's happened to you?

A friend of mine joked with me once saying he was going to do this to me, but obviously didn't.
I've had some pretty disappointing visits with people who tell you they want to sell, but then everything is filthy, missing parts or priced at above retail prices, but never had someone drive me out to the middle of nowhere......yet!

[Den82]

It happened once. I didn't travel far though, but I did waste time sitting in a parking lot for nothing.

The biggest problem along those lines are the fake garage sale listings. Some little scumbag around here does it constantly, then when you call him out, he threatens to flag all your wanted ads and ads for your store.

[JWLJN]

My first and only Craigslist deal happened this past Spring. I answered a month old ad that I was sure would be gone. Got an email back very quickly asking when I could come over to buy. As excited as I was, I was terrified, too, for the same reasons some of you mentioned. Turns out it was a really nice couple younger than me who had been strung along by so many potential buyers that they were ready to give up. I gave them their $40, got a very rare figure and some odds and ends for myself, and sold the rest for about $450 total. The gamble was more than worth it!

-J\/\/

[Brazoo]

I dunno man, I would guess that the chances of you getting killed in a car accident on the way were much much higher than your chances of getting killed by a craigslist psycho. I mean, yeah I've heard of it, but how many of them can there possibly be?

Personally, I've met people for stuff on Craigslist lots of times. Usually buying concert tix. Sometimes I've gone to their places, sometimes they've come to mine, sometimes we've met in public spots. Maybe I'm stupid or lucky, but everyone I've met has been awesome so far.

The only issue I've found is that very recently I've had bad luck with seller's etiquette. In the last stages of working out a deal I'll be told out of nowhere that they sold it to somebody else. Basically, it seems sellers are starting to use multiple buyers as back up, because I guess a lot of them back out. I've also had issues with buyers backing out, but most have been good about emailing me to let me know.

My best buy so far was a brand new leather couch for under $200 that retailed for over $600.

[RickD]

My story might be out there to some but this did happen.

I responded to a 1980s Gi Joe USS Aircraft carrier in the box and a terror drome in the box for $50 bucks. Pictures were legit and the guy on the phone sounded legit. I arrive on site and the apartment building is nice. I knock on the door and a strung out white dude answers. The toys were right in the middle of the living room. All windows were blacked out and a couple people were strung out on the couch. One looked like a skinny version of Tyler Maine (dude that played Michael Myers in the new Halloween movies) He looked exactly like him with the long hair. It smelled as if they hadn't showered for a good week.

Keep in mind I am always with my Glock. I asked to keep the door wide open and they bring the toys close to the door. They were all cracked out but very nice. My guess they needed money for their next fix. the even helped take the stuff to my car.

I was able to score both toys for $50 bucks and nothing happened. I guess nothing phases me, because I see this crap on a daily basis with my job.

but a promise to my wife is, I now meet in all open public places or I don't go anymore. I have kept my promise.

[mikeMc6]

The other craigslist question is,
how many people have taken a chance and sent a check or money order to get an item from a stranger out of town?
I've done it once before, sent a $20 money order and got an rc batman successfully and now another opportunity has popped up for $40 but I'm not sure I will. I'm bound to get burned although I've texted back and forth by phone but they have no paypal account. No physical danger, yes, but loss of money is greater...

[jwyblejr]

You're really chancing it with whatever you are after. They really don't have to use Craigslist to be a psycho. They could be a psycho using your local paper too.

[skid14]

i just carry a gun. i know everybody cant but i sure do.