The list that Craig built

Hello Reader(s)


I was doing some thinking today and I decided to cover a topic that seems to be very split as far as social views... Craigslist

Recently someone I met told me that her brother was going to buy a bike she wanted on craigslist. I thought it was a great idea. Then she told me her brother planned to bring his pistol just in case he needed to use it. I did a mental 180 in shock. I could not see any reason to do that, maybe the dude should just go to a store.

Personally I think I have spent a few thousand dollars on craigslist over the time I have used it. I have also sold probably a thousand dollars worth of goods on craigslist. Not once have I encountered anything worse than tough haggling.

Craigslist catches a bad rap because of some sensational stories. This bad rap is warranted, don't get me wrong. When one has a section called "erotic services " one is asking to monger human trafficking and prostitution. That is exactly what it did right in our faces.

A quick browse of the section revealed photos of half naked or fully naked women and men offering various sex acts. The ads were complete with phone numbers and, get this, prices!

I also think that it probably still goes on though it is more hidden in the website.

In light of this you all must think this website is a demon. But I assure you most people on the website are (mostly) honest, good people.

There has been one time where I have been dissatisfied with craigslist. I purchased a bumper for my car that was an incorrect year. I did not realize this until I had it painted and went to put the car back together. Needless to say I was pissed off.

But I attribute this mistake to ignorance more than a shady seller. Every time I have gone out and purchased something on craigslist since I have been more alert, more cautious and most importantly more educated on the product.

Ever since I have had nothing but good interactions with people. Their circumstances vary, their attitudes vary, their looks vary, but one thing remains constant I get a hell of a deal and meet great people.

I once went to check out some auto parts from a guy. I found the car sitting on the ground with no suspension. He told me they bought the car to get its parts, because it had many aftermarket parts on it. I had seen the ad for that particular car on the website for a long time and I believed his story. He then told me he had recently gotten out of jail. He then told me that his friend who purchased the car had just gotten married.

Believe it or not everything was true. The friend showed up with his new wife still in dress clothes. and the guy was extremely nice and allowed me to pick through the pile of Honda parts in the corner of his one room apartment. Interior panels, a disassembled engine, wiring, and various other pieces were in and around the pile. I picked out what I needed and left with no problems and good spirits all around. I spent a total of $45.

Believe me or don't believe me but here is a list of things to remember when shopping on craigslist.


1. Be skeptical, never buy sight unseen.
2. Research what you are buying before hand. Make sure it is really a deal and that it is indeed what you need and are seeking.
3. Deal in cash only
4.Only take the amount of cash you want to spend with you and leave your wallet in the car, just in case.
5.Haggle, unless the seller really gives you a good deal.
6.Be skeptical once you see the item and make sure nothing seems fishy about it or the seller.
7.Be respectful of the seller.
8.Think before you act (a golden rule in life imo)
9.Return the favor to other buyers, give them decent deals (you don't have to rob yourself to do this but be reasonable.)
10. Enjoy it!

Jams for the searches ahead