They're not dual pivots, therefore, they're crap.

-Kurt

You can identify that chair as WM? Even if there was no marking? You don't think other manufacturers made similar chairs?

Listen, I was just having a bit of fun with you. But yes, if I found something I thought was valuable and decided to sell for top dollar, I'd so some research and possibly pay a professional appraiser. If I learn it's worth $25, the appraisal fee is my cost for playing the game.

As far as CL sellers listing an item as an informal auction, I could care less. I can't control what everyone else does, so I just ignore those ads.

One for IAB.

-Kurt

I don't sell frequently on CL but when I do I list my price as "$$$ Firm", or "$$$ OBO" assuming that if a buyer is interested they will make me an offer LESS than my asking price, not more.

I have been buying and selling things through classified listings for close to 45 years and my Father has for over 65 years. This is how it has always been done and I don't see how Craigslist is anything but an online classifieds listing. I also find it funny that the hordes of people in this forum that flip bikes on a very regular basis have any sort of moral stand on the issue of "OBO" when they are using CL as a source of product for THEM to make a profit on.

I am with IAB on this one, get a life people!

vjp

I think the reasonably understood approach of CL is to list a price. When someone tries to make an auction out of it... if I really want the bike I will be really annoyed, but I will NEVER buy it. CL is a reverse auction. You list a price based upon what you think you can expect to get, and knowing that people will knock the price DOWN a peg or two. It's kind of like a flea market. Ever see someone trying the auction approach at a fleamarket? They would get tarred and feathered.

When I respond to an ad and they reply asking for bids, I always say "I don't want any part of your auction... keep it"

When I see an ad requesting bids, I reply "$1.00"

The beauty of CL is that it truly is self policing. If people put up with crap they will get crap. Let the market find it's own ballance... CL policing and nasty "RE" posts may just be part of that.

The best way to get something you really want on CL is to make an offer in person with cash in hand. Never make an offer on the phone or via email. Ask to look at a bike. Go. When there make an offer if you want it. 99% of the sellers would go for the bird in hand rather than the ones that might fly... '

If you get the wrong vibes from a seller (including not letting you see the item in question without making an offer), ignore him/her and let it go.

Simple and no reason to get worked up about it...

That might be the best way in PA, but in Chicago the going is a bit more fast and furious. If you are quick, you can get the seller to answer a few critical questions about the condition of the bike and then make them a lower offer sight unseen if they will honor it when you get there. They often do, and I get there quick. By the time I do, the seller has received several more offers. They have always honored our agreed upon price even if they think they could do better. I always purchase the bike if they are accurate in answering my questions.

The good stuff goes within a few minutes. Getting there in person without a verbal contract is meaningless here. You have to know your stuff and be prepared to buy the bike. I've always bought the bike, and have never regretted the purchase because I asked the right questions.