Is everybody on craigslist a liar?

Matthew Patrick wrote in post #8391225
This is very true, paranoia begets paranoia. If someone senses your paranoia it tends to escalate. They might start to get paranoid because they sense that something is not right. Each party then takes a more defensive stance with each email until someone backs out of the sale.

"Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away"

-- Buffalo Springfield

If you want to save $$$ buying used camera equipment, you can get a little peace of mind by going through dealers such as BH and Adorama.

Matthew Patrick wrote in post #8391225
This is very true, paranoia begets paranoia. If someone senses your paranoia it tends to escalate. They might start to get paranoid because they sense that something is not right. Each party then takes a more defensive stance with each email until someone backs out of the sale.

Just look at the world economy to see this. Our company didn't have to cut back on staff, we were doing alright overall, but because our parent company made cuts, all subsidiaries did too. Plus when cuts were made, I know for a fact, just about everyone still holding a position at the company cut back on spending due to fear, and so the cycle continues.

To me, CL is a good resource. Precisely because you can see and touch the item before you hand over your money.

My biggest issue is the scammers that always respond to e-mails trying to rope me into various schemes. I have a vehicle listed on CL right now and I have had one legitimate inquiry and about two dozen scams.

If I could have my way all the internet scammers and virus/malware makers would turn blue so the rest of us could easily identify them and hunt them down and beat them one by one.

I find CL to be good in some cases... it's a lot of effort.. you have to meet up in some place, answer tons of questions. if you can connect with someone quick, then it could be a good deal.

you can always check out the item before you buy. I think it's really rare for a photography equipment to have an intermittent problem.

photoguy6405 wrote in post #8392834
To me, CL is a good resource. Precisely because you can see and touch the item before you hand over your money.

My biggest issue is the scammers that always respond to e-mails trying to rope me into various schemes. I have a vehicle listed on CL right now and I have had one legitimate inquiry and about two dozen scams.

If I could have my way all the internet scammers and virus/malware makers would turn blue so the rest of us could easily identify them and hunt them down and beat them one by one.

Try this, in your ad, just ask people to respond with some bit of information only a local would know. It worked very well, and the people seemed to be happy that I mentioned the name of a sandwich only made here, they know I was local and they responded in kind. Sounds silly, but it worked

Good ideas thanks!

gonzogolf wrote in post #8394044
Try this, in your ad, just ask people to respond with some bit of information only a local would know. It worked very well, and the people seemed to be happy that I mentioned the name of a sandwich only made here, they know I was local and they responded in kind. Sounds silly, but it worked

Just yesterday I thought about trying something similar to that. Asking that respondents say something that showed me they were legit and sincerely interested. I like that.