craigslist=shady

[black_sun]

I get luck split right down the middle on CL.

I've picked up really awesome tanks (30, 40 and 50gal all with equipment for $50) and fish (almost all of my cichlids, catfish and eels come off of CL). And I've sold a lot of my tanks, equipment, fish and crayfish to really nice people, too.

But I've also had people photoshop out damage/defects/etc from the stuff they were selling, use unlabeled stock photography, etc so that when I spent the time to drive to go pick up stuff (sometimes a few hours) I end up having wasted my time. (I had one woman get irate with me when I showed up and then refused to buy what she was selling because it was damaged. I couldn't figure out why she was mad at me, she was the one that photo-touched her images so they wouldn't show the damage. X_x)
And I get annoying prats all the time that send me a half dozen emails, will initiate a few calls, set-up a date and time to come pick something up and then never show up or contact me again. Bah.

You win some, you lose some.

 

[Newt]

Hey snake_charmer, just out of curiosity, how much were they asking for the 180?

 

[Toddo]

I just bought a 125 off of Craigslist yesterday. The guy said it was new, and after 1 1/2 hours driving...sure enough it was. Still had the stickers even. He was cool, and the deal was flawless.

I still agree, though, that its 50/50 things will go the way you want. I find that a phone conversation and common sense go a long way to avoiding idiots.

 

[zennzzo]

I did receive a pick before going, although I must admit the quality was nothing worth bragging about because I should have asked for more. We did speak on the phone briefly and I was basically fed a bunch of b.s.

Please post the pic here...I wanna see what this guy was representing...Did you tell this person you were going to have to make a 2.5 hr run?

 

[snake_charmer]

http://detroit.craigslist.org/fuo/913581327.html

 

[BTB0923]

I have had nothing but good luck on craigslist myself... I actually got my last tank off there. But, I just heard about someone getting ripped off pretty bad. Apparently somebody posted an ad saying "I will to do your christmas shopping for you" for $25 or so. Someone actually responded to the ad and this guy took the shopping money and never came back.

 

[zennzzo]

http://detroit.craigslist.org/fuo/913581327.html

There is no way I would even think about driving across town let alone 2.5 hrs from that single picture...

I always ask for multiple shots from multiple angles...Ask for close ups.
Two things get done that way. I can see what we are talking about, and I can tell it's not a rip off. Lots of people have been lured into a good deal only to be robbed at the meeting place.

I'm sorry it didn't turn out, but I know myself, I have wanted something so bad, most of my common sense went away...

 

[oscarbartoni]

I recently picked up a 75 gallon and a 40 gallon long tank for free on Craig's List. The guy split up from his girlfriend and he needed to get rid of it fast so I was the lucky recipient of these tanks (with all the equipment).

 

[yemista]

I think craigslist is great. Ive never had anyone ask me my name or information, other than maybe my address and only when they were coming to buy something from me. Of course there will be scams out there, but without craigslist, I would never be able to afford monster tanks. Even a 55g setup, brand new, will run you about $500, but you can find it for $150 off craigslist. A tanks a tank, unless its scratched real bad, cracked, or damaged in any way, I dont see any real difference from having a brand new tank or a used tank. Tanks are pretty tough and its hard to screw one up

 

[snake_charmer]

I'll have to post one of the many email scams I've been getting. One sec: This is just one of many. I only responded to tell him that the tank was still for sale. Besides look at this email jack_kelvin16@yahoo.co.uk Who in their right mind would have a 72 gallon tank shipped over seas and most of all why?!?!?!

"Thanks for your quick response. I will be buying the item at the rate you wants to sell it. But the only convenient means of paying is mailing you a certified cheque and as for the shippment my shipper will come for the pick up when the check clear at your location upon your confirmation of receiving the payment and I don't want you to look for another buyer.I would have love to come down for the pick up but I don't have chance to do that now but I am satisfied with your description of the item. I will like you to give me the following information so that your payment can be issued out.
1) your full name to be on the check
2) your full contact address to send the payment to
3 zip code; your mobile and land number to reach you.
Awaits your reply..."