Is everybody on craigslist a liar?

I don't know if I am being paranoid.

I am looking for a used 5D and browse craigslist every day. The thing is, I have sooooo many questions that I ask owners, could they be lying? I feel that people are selling their equipment because something is wrong with it and not because they really need the money- even if they say they do. So many things could be off such as wires not connecting, mirrors falling off, etc etc. I don't know.. I am just wondering if anybody has had any bad experiences with this or even good expierences.

I could just buy from a member on POTN or something, but wouldn't it be much better to view the camera up front before buying it? Or is it just personal preference? Even POTN members could be crooks.. I was always told not to trust anybody.

Thoughts?

On Craiglist always meet in person, public place. Test out the camera before any money is exchanged and bring a friend.

On here the majority of the population will not lie when selling an item, pictures always help and feedback whether it be on POTN, another forum or ebay.

If you don't trust anyone your only option is to buy from an authorized dealer.

Good luck with your purchase.

Just buy from POTN members with good feedback. If they don't have any feedback, you will have to evaluate how they contribute to this forum and decide whether or not to buy/sell. Exchange money via PayPal so you are somewhat protected in case something goes horribly wrong.

Thanks for the advice.

How can I be protected through paypal?

Yeah, I usually purchase stuff from POTN members that have a long-ish track record and good feedback from previous sales. The more you hang out here the more you get to know people and become more trusting. Nothing's 100% guaranteed, but it's a little better. I've bought alot of stuff from the boards here and haven't been burned yet.

POTN Head wrote in post #8388269
Thanks for the advice.

How can I be protected through paypal?

If the item isn't as described or if it breaks down soon after you got it, you can file a dispute. This of course only applies to online transactions (unless you meet someone on craigslist that accepts paypal). One thing to be careful of is that if you use Paypal for local transactions, people can get a hold of your address (unless you have a PO box). Most people on CL are honest people just trying to sell their stuff. Of course from time to time you will meet a scammer but that's why it's good to meet in a public place (and bring a friend or friends) and check everything out before buying.

I buy and sell on craigslist more than anywhere. I don't lie on my stuff and I get to see and test things that I buy before I give my money out.

So if you file a dispute.. then what?

I know I know.. I should be googling this. or paypal faqing this

craigslist is a fail in it's openness and unmanaged/unmoderated status. by it's nature it is a haven for scammers. not all are, but many live there.

Simple rules:

If the money you are about to spend is hard-earned and it will cause major stress in your life should it disappear, then only buy from reputable sources or in person where you can physically see and check out the goods.

If you can stand to gamble that money and lose, then purchase from those that have no reputation or traceable feedback, with some minor googling on the person's email and contact info and maybe an email back and forth once.

These are sort of the extremes though, there are other things you can do to help yourself out. There is a sticky at the top of Marketplace that give you some resources/tips.

Absolutely not. I've bought a couple 20D's on Craigslist, a smoking great deal on a 100mm macro - guy was going Nikon, and some other random gear. I've sold said 20D's on craigslist, a Sigma lens, and made some friends to shoot with in the process. For the most part, the gear I've bought always seems to be coming from someone who is moving far away and doesn't want to take it, or swapping to Nikon.

Some emails back and forth with the person will certainly give you a good feel for the person and their legitimacy. I'm very forthcoming in anything I post.

I will likely put my pristine 5D up on CL in a couple weeks before posting here. Why? No fees associated with a cash transaction, in all honesty, I'll go to the people that have bought my old gear from me on CL in the past and see if they're interested. In many cases, it gets sold there before I even post it. If it doesn't sell, I'll come here and post.

You have to be good at reading people on Craigslist. When you ask them an important question look them in the eye. If you get a bad vibe, then bail. I have never had any problems buying gear on Craigslist, but I don't buy things posted in big cities. If I lived in a large metropolis I think I would be pretty paranoid about buying gear off Craigslist. The key is to trust your gut if something seems off then don't buy. I don't like dealing with people who don't know their gear, if they can't answer all your questions then forget it.

Matthew Patrick wrote in post #8390031
I don't like dealing with people who don't know their gear.

I do, that is where you get the best bargains! Few months ago on my local CL, there was a 70-200/4 with IS for $450. I was second in line, of course the first guy bought it!

As long as the craigslist postings are local I dont see much of a problem. You get to meet somewhere (not your home), view and test the gear, and make up your mind. I've purchased lots of gear via craigslist and havent been burned yet. If seeing and testing isnt reassurance enough, buy new.

shaggymatt wrote in post #8390054
I do, that is where you get the best bargains! Few months ago on my local CL, there was a 70-200/4 with IS for $450. I was second in line, of course the first guy bought it!

Wow, that's an amazing deal. You are correct, that is when you get the best deals. I have never seen one of those going for less than $700.