So, I have an item I want to try selling on Craigslist. Never used the site before.

Wondering if it would be wiser to post a phone number or e-mail. Security is on my mind. I'm figuring many of you have used the site. Suggestions? Tips in general? Do you let prospective buyers come directly to your house or is it wiser to meet in a neutral location first?

Thanks.

email only!!! then meet in very safe place, like a grocery store parking lot. i prefer a tavern.

Fixed.

The best thing to do is post a Ph# with a "Call Anytime" next to it. Then leave the ad up for a week. This is extremely important if you have a newborn baby.

this is how i work it. after selling a weedeater to somebody in a tavern P/L. i quickly suggest we go in and have a pitcher of beer. i order the pitcher then wonder off. this forces the buyer to then pay. i generally pull this of till the guy has payed me twice!!! trust me this works.

or you can test their wits. Welcome them as if you are expecting them, shake their hand, then invite them into your home and have a table set up with a full on dinner. If you got family, sit them around the table. Tell the customer "have a seat." When they mention the item you are selling, act confused. See how they handle the situation when they realize they are in a strangers home, possibly the wrong house, and you have them confused too. I do it all the time.

If you really want to throw them in a loop, send them back on the road, then when they call again, give them the same address and describe the house they were just at. Then, when they come back, you can kill them and burry them in your backyard.

Alcohol is sometimes a factor for me too...

Tell them to e-mail you their phone number, don't put yours on the c-list ad.

I'm about to do some postings this week too. I will put them on here as well.

I was hoping for a more serious tone to the replies because I really do want to know what is the safest way to go and what most of you go with.

The item is a motorcycle.

Rocket, some good info.

Eric, come on man! CL is not that hard. the suggestions, yes have been comical. but helpfull. Only comunicate with email till the buyer really wants to see the bike. then go from there.

Be careful with the Bike. I have herd of 2 nice street bikes on CL that were stolen at gun point when the two parties met for a showing. Might think about meeting inside a bank these days. Park in front of a camera and If he showes up with a mask on I wouldn't identify myself. If he takes the bike don't show your wepon until you have a clean strait away shot then hit him with a double tap starting at the belt line. Have a great time.

Caller ID gets them your phone #

You don't have to call them, but by sending you their phone number it gives you the chance to make contact beyond e-mail if you are comfortable with it. I generally send a couple of e-mails to get a feel for the person before I make the first call.

If someone is worried about that, call from a pay phone or office phone, or make your phone number blocked with your cell phone.

I have a buddy who went to sell some motorcycles to a guy and they got to talking and now the buyer calls this guy all the time to invite him to dinner, and over for drinks etc. My bud tells me that this guy was a racist, and just flat obnoxious. He has tried nicely to tell him that they are not friends but next time he is going to tell him off permanently.

I'll just keep calling anyway.

Eric,

I do email only, then get their cell #.

On items over $1,500 you will get your share of scammers. Tell them to F-off. Be direct, don't let folks waste your time, questions are fine, but there is a limit. The last scammer I dealt with was a "marine merchant" out at sea wanting to buy a car for his dad, but he needed me to "ship the car". I asked him how old his cabin boy was.

I always meet in front of either Top Foods, Home Depot, or some other place with lots of traffic. I always go armed, even just selling turkeys. On large ticket items, I have armed back-up. Never ever let folks know where you live.

Need help or back-up, just holler.

Thanks Andy!

Til your phone won't stop ringing at all hours of the day and night with idiots wanting to know "what color is it" or " will you deliver?", that one was on a free item. . .. . .

No thanks, email is the only way to go with craigslist. . . .

if you're a regular user, you can buy one of those disposable cell phones, or whatever they are. I use them for dealing drugs.

If your afraid of having your bike stolen at gun point. be sure you have your 30/06 with shoulder strap with you when you meet the CL Caller.

Don't forget snipers in at least 3 high locations, and a rape whistle.

I love to entertain myself by responding to scammers/spammers.