Just got settled in in Dallas and used Craigslist to find an apartment. When I told everyone my method of apartment hunting, I discovered that people in Dallas are not very Craigslist savvy. Unless you are a frequent buyer or seller, then you may be interested in some advice to secure a purchase or sell an item quickly, all while avoiding scams.
- Buyers: Give some info and appear interested
If the seller gets quite a few emails, they are going to focus on the ones where the buyer appears eager to do business quickly and not give them trouble. Don’t just send a short “I am interested” email. Give them some personal info like your general location to make yourself more tangible and reachable. Ask them when you can meet them to see it before purchasing. Also never just send your phone number in the email. Ask them for a number to contact them. Many sellers would rather you call since they already made the effort of posting the ad. - Sellers: Give as much info as possible in the ad
This is for your own benefit, since you will be bombarded by questions about certain details if your ad is vague. - Sellers: Consider multiple potential buyers
Don’t put all your hope in one potential buyer, since they may back out. By the time you realize they aren’t a sure thing, then your ad has been pushed down farther on the list and you will get fewer potential buyers. - Don’t bother if no picture
For both buyers and sellers a picture is required. If the seller didn’t take the time to place a free picture with their free ad, then they are too lazy to deal with or hiding something. Most people will not even bother with ads that do not have a picture, so increase the number of potential buyers with a picture. - Be cautious of scams
Only deal with local people so you can actually meet them and exchange money. Only take cash, no checks. If you want to sell to people in other cities, states or countries, then use eBay and Paypal. Read up about new scams here and here. If you want to deal - Don’t give out too much personal info
Read about the embarassment of giving out too much info on Craigslist
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