Craigslist sucks 99% of the time, buying or selling.

I've had a little luck, but to be honest, I think eBay's fees are worth reducing my wasted time. Because the overwhelming majority of people on Craigslist that say "I'll take it" actually turn out to be no shows, I've learned the hard way that you have to be there almost spontaneously to get the item. These folks turn honest sellers into cold-hearted souls, who will disregard any electronic agreement as long as someone shows up at the door with cash.

My least favorite experience is trying to purchase an old road bike from a fellow two hours away. We agreed on a deal, I'd pay the price he was asking and I'd be there on Saturday with cash, sight unseen. After several friendly e-mails asking for details (I was eager to find out more about it) I call on the Friday prior to remind him that I'll be arriving in the morning with cash. He says the bike is sold and that if I was really serious about it I would have been up there sooner. He should be glad he lived two hours away, the least I could do was send a nice e-mail detailing exactly how much Gran Sport components are worth. Not that I'm bitter.