How to Buy or Sell Large Items on Crageslist Safely?

ETA: To get the furniture you want? Go to your local U-Haul and rent a truck for 2 hours. That's what we did when we were replacing furniture in my girlfriend's house that caught fire...or borrow a truck from a friend. Best bet is to rent a truck!!!
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I have been using Craigslist for several years - like 4 or 5. I've had people in my home (I'm kind of an imposing person so people usually don't mess with me!! LOL!!) and haven't had a problem.

The ONLY problem I have had was someone trying to scam me - I had a piece of jewelry listed - they wanted me to ship it to them and pay via Paypal...I got a "notification" from Paypal stating the funds were ready and would transfer upon mailing/shipping confirmation....yeah...right...Paypal doesn't hold funds like that...

I can understand your husband not wanting anyone in the house. What you CAN do is put the pieces in the garage (if you have one). BEFORE you list it - take REALLY GOOD PICTURES and measurements...and then take it apart (state in posting that it is broken down for easy pick up) and have it in a central location in the house.

Just to be safe....
NEVER be alone when someone from craigslist comes to pick something up.
Send an e-mail to someone you trust - giving the name and phone number of the person who is coming to the house.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO SOMEONE'S HOUSE:
* NEVER go alone.
* Give the name, address and phone number of the location you are going. Doesn't matter if you go alone or not.

If you lived closer - i would be interested in buying the convertible crib as it makes out to a double/full sized headboard/footboard, yes??? See you could already have it sold!! LOL!!!

Never act afraid. Look people in the eye. Be aware of your surroundings. Do NOT panic.

GOOD LUCK!!

2 moms found this helpful

I buy and sell on craigslist all the time. When we sell ANYTHING, I move it to my garage. I don't let anyone in the house...ever. I crack the door and tell them they can meet me at the garage door. We place everything up front near the garage, to keep people out of there too. If I see them parking, I often try to pull out whatever we are selling and get the garage closed...but sometimes that is just not realistic with larger items.

I also make sure I am not alone. If hubby isn't home, I usually check to see if one of my neighbors can watch me before I confirm an appointment.

If someone rubs you wrong or gives off bad vibes...don't agree to meet them. I have never ever even once had anything questionable happen using craigslist, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I try to make transactions as short as possible too...get 'em in and out. Always ask for cash, make sure it's in the ad.

People on CL can be flaky, don't change your schedule around to meet them.

As far as getting things to your house I have seen it done a few ways. Some people borrow cars or get friends to help out. I had someone rent a truck from Home Depot once to get a couch from us. Apparently they have reasonable hourly rates.

ANd some sellers are willing to deliver. In fact, we have delivered to people before, but we do charge more for the item to reimburse us for gas and time...we also usually mention that we are not willing to climb stairs. (We once had a guy that was hoping my hubby would lug a washer up five flights of stairs...no thank you.) IF you have someone drop it off, they can leave it outside your house and you and hubby can bring it inside.

I try to never go alone when buying something. And if possible, I suggest a public meeting place. Sometimes, especially with furniture, people are not willing to load up a dresser and meet at Walmart. That's a lot of work when someone can just not show up! So be cautious and bring company.

2 moms found this helpful

we borrowed a truck from a friend for the bed/dresser we bought for our daughter's room. When we sold my car, we met the buyers at Walmart.

2 moms found this helpful

I think craigslist is a media hyped dangerous thing.
Word of mouth your crib.. someone will know someone.

1 mom found this helpful

well, never never go alone, nor allow someone to purchase from you at home. i doubt you're gonna find a seller that delivers(i certainly wouldn't waste the time setting that up as a seller due to potentially being ditched), your best bet is to hit up a friend/coworker with a truck and pay them $20 to help you out. i've never bought on craigslist, but have sold a LOT of stuff, no trouble thus far! good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

We have bought and sold a lot of things. Never had a problem.

I have never allowed a person into our home.. and I always make sure my husband is home. I have the item outside on our driveway.. Sometimes my husband has met them at a local food place..

I sold an ipod last week to someone and met him at a Culvers Hamburger place at noon.

Make sure you have good and honest photos.

I make sure the item looks clean and if there are any problems with it, I photograph it and let them know..

I also include "non smoking", Our home is a household and no pets.

If you have pets you can say, item has no odors.. (if it is true)

1 mom found this helpful

I bought a piece of furniture on craigslist, borrowed a van and took my husband with me. I paid cash for it, loaded it in the van and took it home. I've never sold anything before but I'd be afraid to have someone come to my home so if I were to sell some furniture, I'd borrow a van again, load the stuff up, invite my husband along and meet the buyer in a public place like a supermarket parking lot to trade off. Or I'd just deliver it for them to preserve my privacy.

1 mom found this helpful

I don' have garage sales because I don't want people casing out my house.

We donate used furniture to the women's shelter and get a tax perk for it.

Even when I have donated, NO ONE comes in my house. When I know they are coming, I place the item in the driveway for them to inspect and pick up.

My mom has sold several pieces of older furniture as well and she puts in in the driveway.

We sold a car on CL and the guy met us at the bank.

As for hauling away, you can rent a Home Depot truck for about $20 plus gas. We do that often since we all 3 drive luxury cars that are not for hauling mulch, etc.

Forget craigslist and contact your local Mother's Club and you can pretty much guarantee someone will know someone who will want to buy what you have.

Just make sure both of you are home. Most people are very honest. Yes, there's a few bad apples out there, but I doubt any of them are going to reply to a crib ad.

I do tons of buying and selling on CL and never had any problems at all with any of the transactions. People come here, I go to their houses. Especially when you are dealing with kids things. We also sold our car on CL, and it worked out fine.

If I ever got a weird feeling from their e-mails I just did not respond as I figured it was spam. If you feel more comfortable have your husband home and ask for them to call you first.

Are you in the burbs or the city of MKE?

Rent a truck & have your DH pick it up, or see if you have some friends with a truck that can help & pay them or buy them lunch.