Need some CL advice

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I never seem to find anything on CL in the Atlanta metro area, until recently. Without giving away too many details, a seller had two bikes for sale, one whole, one in pieces. We exchanged a couple of emails on the parts bike (last Friday), we tentatively came to a price. I let him know I had the $$ and wanted to meet him over the weekend. No response since Friday.
Do you think the deal has died? The bikes are still listed. I was gonna wait to see if he emails me today before emailing him.

I really hope this works out, it's the right stuff at the right price. :roll:

Cheers!
Dr. T

 

[KZ1000]

Most people do not remove the ad when an item sells. I would email him again and let him know you are real interested, I also, now, always get a phone # after first email so I can talk to and make plans NOW instead of playing tag with multiple emails

 

[user 135]

Also never delay closing a deal for a day or two. Most CL sellers will sell to whoever who shows up with cash first.

Can't hurt to bug the guy.

 

[TheFlyingDingo]

I always feel bad doing it, but I like to bug. Sometimes some people just forget about you and sell to the first person, as said before.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Thanks for the advice guys, I think i'm gonna email him now and try to close the deal. If you didn't read the whole post, that sounded kinda creepy :roll:

Cheers!
Dr. T

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Yeah I always try to close the deal ASAP and give my number and get theirs so they know you're a serious buyer.

 

[Tailwinds]

I would suspect it's a lost cause at this point, hopefully not though. Like most folks with CL experience, I try not to get my hopes up, it's hard though. I make very earnest attempts to buy but some people are just really flaky.

I'm involved in this hobby because bicycles make people happy, and if I can make people happy with bikes, then it makes me equally satisfied in return. When I make a commitment to buy from, or sell to a person I consider it a contract.

 

[jerrykr]

This is just my way of doing it, but I have the best luck not haggling on price until I get there.

I just say I want to come and look at the bike.
I don't comment either way how bad I may want to buy.
If I really want it, I set the meeting as soon as possible.

I usually have a upper price in mind that I want to pay, and when we are both looking at it, and I may have pointed out a few scratches and scrapes, ( I don't make any major negative statements, except if something is totally obvious to both of us),,.I make the offer. I find that face to face, cash in hand talks. It certainly works on me when I'm selling.

There are the odd ads that have been up a long time with no action, that I'm not all that interested in going after, that I will email the seller with a low (not insulting) price, just to see if they are ready to come to where I'd go after it. Works more often than you would think.

Just my 2 copper coins.

 

[Rustinkerer]

Usually, when you're selling something, there's always a bunch of "I'll be over in 20 minutes with the money-don't sell it!!!" calls! And NONE of them EVER show up! The other phenomenon I've witnessed is that when you first post something, you get a semi-low offer, and pass on it. Then, after a couple weeks hassle, nit picky buyers, lowballers, you end up selling it to someone else-for the semi-low price you could've got in the beginning!!! :lol: :mrgreen: -Adam

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I'm thinking someboday said to him, "you're selling the parts for what?? I was looking on eBay and you can get that kind of money for just the rear tire" and he 'reconsidered' our deal.
I just wish he'd 'man up' and email a 'SOLD IT' or something. Maybe I just expect people to treat me like I'd treat them...oh well...what's meant to be, shall be..back to the search.

Thanks everybody!
Have a great holiday!

Dr.T(urkey)

 

[rydr1]

I'm thinking someboday said to him, "you're selling the parts for what?? I was looking on eBay and you can get that kind of money for just the rear tire" and he 'reconsidered' our deal.
I just wish he'd 'man up' and email a 'SOLD IT' or something. Maybe I just expect people to treat me like I'd treat them...oh well...what's meant to be, shall be..back to the search.

Thanks everybody!
Have a great holiday!

Dr.T(urkey)

I have tried purchasing several bikes and the freaking sellers flake out before I even see the bike.
I have learned that craigslist is just like that. You either go see it ASAP or your chances of taking it are slim to none.

 

[scrumblero]

I have tried purchasing several bikes and the freaking sellers flake out before I even see the bike.
I have learned that craigslist is just like that. You either go see it ASAP or your chances of taking it are slim to none.

I hear ya man! you gotta jump on em quick!

I have even been the first caller and dashed to get it and they guy sold it to someone closer that got there before me.... :x

 

[Tailwinds]

I have even been the first caller and dashed to get it and they guy sold it to someone closer that got there before me.... :x

Ditto, on two separate occasions now. It's infuriating.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

What really gets me are the stupid people who post something WAY under value and it's gone before the add even goes live. I saw a parts or project moped on there I wanted for parts for mine for $20 and I called right off and told him I'd give him $100 cash if he'd hold it till I got there. He said it was already sold. I told him he sold it WAY too cheap and he just sits there like a dumb blond. :x

Some people are stupid.

 

[Tailwinds]

But on the other hand, nothing on CL is TOO cheap.
More expensive is what Ebay's for...

 

[outskirtscustoms]

But on the other hand, nothing on CL is TOO cheap.
More expensive is what Ebay's for...

Yeah but some things are obviously worth more. I mean I wouldn't throw a car on there for $5. It's worth more than that in scrap. The moped i looked at was like new just didn't run. Body alone is worth $100.

 

[horsefarmer]

I always say you have to be patient and compulsive on C/L.
Patiently look for what you want, and jump on it asap if deal is right..

 

[MIGZ]

on CL cash is KING....first with the cash to show up gets it, i have had too many flake and I miss out.

so when i see stuff i like i tell people i got cash and can come over now.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Bigcam59]

For sellers, Craig's List works only as well as your word. Sadly we know how little that means to some people nowadays.

 

[American Vintage Bicycle Supply]

I've had great luck on Atlanta CL until recently. Seems like i've gone 3 or 4 busted deals in a row. Mostly the seller selling it out from under me.