There are a slew of stereotypes associated with the multi-purpose, advertisement website Craigslist. It houses job listings, service required ads, personal ads, discussion forums and a host of other random functions. Craigslist is most known for it's buying and selling feature. Individuals list items for sale on the site and potential buyers contact them personally about the item. Craigslist has a shady reputation. This includes many accusations of false advertisements that aren't true to the actual item, creepy sellers that prey on young buyers and an overall weird vibe. Craigslist can be a goldmine for those who know their way around the site, and understand the unwritten etiquette that belongs to navigating Craigslist transactions. I spoke with high school senior Ryan Sauer of Ocean City, MD about his extensive history on Craigslist. He has estimated that over the 6 years he has been on the site he has bought and sold over 2 dozen items including cars, car parts, tires, four-wheelers, Go-carts and the like. Here are 3 of his Craigslist tips to make the most out of buying and selling on the site.
Tip #1- Take Everything Written With A Grain Of Salt.
It is true that not everything written in ads on Craigslist is true. In Mr. Sauer's words "don't believe what anyone says". He recalls going to meet multiple buyers and having them stand him up or not exist at all.
Tip #2- If The Price Seems Too Good To Be True...It is.
This is a tell-tale sign of a fake advertisement. For example, in the words of Ryan Sauer, "If you see an ad for a 2016 Corvette for $3,000 and you respond to the ad, expressing interest, the faulty seller will send a poorly written text back. This text might read similar to this: hello-yes that is a good price. PayPal me the money and I will ship the item to you right away." Most Craigslist transactions happen face-to-face with cash. If the seller or buyer refuses to meet face-to-face the ad is probably faulty and the individual, untrustworthy.
Tip #3- Always Check VIN Numbers and Titles.
Mr. Sauer recommends either asking the seller for the VIN# of the car (or four-wheeler), or locating the VIN# physically on the car at the time of purchase. Google the number, and always compare the VIN# on the title to that of the physical car. Mr. Sauer also emphasizes that one should never purchase a car without a valid title. There are sometimes stolen cars for sale on Craigslist and you do not want to be caught buying one, even by accident.
Whatever you choose to use Craigslist for, always exercise common sense and be careful. There are lots of exciting things for sale, and someone else's trash could certainly become your treasure.
