Rules For Craigslist
02-15-11 | 11:50 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 10,496
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: old ones
Rules For Craigslist
On a concurrent thread, I shared one of
the many rules of self preservation I have
learned through experience with regard to
buying bicycles on Craigslist. Thus:
There have been other attempts at formulating
such codes of behavior over the years by
people who have been variously traumatized:
So here is a thread for all to share the
knowledge gained through bitter experience
in the Craigslist bicycle marketplace.
It would be helpful if they could be formatted
as is the first example (i.e. as a rule, with a
number that has not been already used by
someone else.) It would be much more
amusing if it could also contain a story
or CL ad example quote as part of the posting.
Thank you very much if you choose to
contribute your hard won knowledge.
Remember that we do this for the sake
of history and future generations of bike
weenies.
the many rules of self preservation I have
learned through experience with regard to
buying bicycles on Craigslist. Thus:
Rules For Craigslist
SHOOT ME A EMAIL
CL rule #32: Never respond to any ad using
the phrase "shoot me an e-mail".
SHOOT ME A EMAIL
CL rule #32: Never respond to any ad using
the phrase "shoot me an e-mail".
such codes of behavior over the years by
people who have been variously traumatized:
Craigslist Dating: The Rules
Date: 2003-11-06, 9:28PM EST
Rule One: There are no rules... It's a beautiful thing.
Rule Two: Yes, pictures can be misleading, yet you insist. Be prepared for this and take it like a gentleman and be considerate, you do not need to marry this person. Sheesh... it's only a date. Life's a gamble.
Rule Three: Be as honest as possible. If your life is dull, try to at least have fun with your post, and maybe something fun will come your way. Don't get carried away, just try incorporating one of your interests. Women like honesty. Honestly.
Rule Four: You are not necessarily expected to pay. If you feel inclined, so be it, just don't do so expecting something in return (wink). If the woman you are with is not at all what you had in mind, discuss splitting the bill early on. That should do it.
Rule Five: Be realistic and stay within your league, meaning, if you are Joe Average, don't be so disappointed when only Plain Janes reply.
Rule Six: For whatever reason, when girls mention sex in their postings it's exhilirating to most members of the opposite sex, unfortunately the same does not hold true for our male counterparts. We're girls, we KNOW you like sex, so why not only mention sex if this is something you DO NOT enjoy, otherwise fellas, it's a given. Got it.
Rule Seven: Stay focused. Most people cannot read your mind. For example 'SWM, Professional, Educated, Attractive, Fit, seeks same' is not a whole lot to go on. As a matter of fact, this describes the majority of single people living in this city, it may be an unwritten rule someone forgot to tell all of us about. Anyway, try I like.... a girl who... I consider myself...
Rule Eight: Don't be mean. What's the point? When you meet with someone remember that everyone is doing the best they can. I once met a guy who BEGGED me to meet with him (picture exchange and all) and when we did he kissed my cheek and said "I'm going to have to take a pass". OK, I appreciate his honesty and can handle this, but I have a friend who is on the mend from a broken heart. Something like this would crush her. Something to think about.
Rule Nine: It's only a date. You asked for it, you got it, for better or worse. Enjoy, you never know, you could at least make a new friend (i.e. professional contact). Relax.
Rule Ten: You only live once. Choose your partner wisely. The person you choose to love can make or break you, per se. If you don't take this advice beware, you may someday end up posting a M4W 'Married man in unfulfilled marriage seeking fulfillment in any way'. Follow your hearts gents, 'cause the best thing that ever happened to you may come wrapped in a package that's not 'slender, successful, extremely fashionable, and perfect'. It's a jungle out there...
"Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think".
Date: 2003-11-06, 9:28PM EST
Rule One: There are no rules... It's a beautiful thing.
Rule Two: Yes, pictures can be misleading, yet you insist. Be prepared for this and take it like a gentleman and be considerate, you do not need to marry this person. Sheesh... it's only a date. Life's a gamble.
Rule Three: Be as honest as possible. If your life is dull, try to at least have fun with your post, and maybe something fun will come your way. Don't get carried away, just try incorporating one of your interests. Women like honesty. Honestly.
Rule Four: You are not necessarily expected to pay. If you feel inclined, so be it, just don't do so expecting something in return (wink). If the woman you are with is not at all what you had in mind, discuss splitting the bill early on. That should do it.
Rule Five: Be realistic and stay within your league, meaning, if you are Joe Average, don't be so disappointed when only Plain Janes reply.
Rule Six: For whatever reason, when girls mention sex in their postings it's exhilirating to most members of the opposite sex, unfortunately the same does not hold true for our male counterparts. We're girls, we KNOW you like sex, so why not only mention sex if this is something you DO NOT enjoy, otherwise fellas, it's a given. Got it.
Rule Seven: Stay focused. Most people cannot read your mind. For example 'SWM, Professional, Educated, Attractive, Fit, seeks same' is not a whole lot to go on. As a matter of fact, this describes the majority of single people living in this city, it may be an unwritten rule someone forgot to tell all of us about. Anyway, try I like.... a girl who... I consider myself...
Rule Eight: Don't be mean. What's the point? When you meet with someone remember that everyone is doing the best they can. I once met a guy who BEGGED me to meet with him (picture exchange and all) and when we did he kissed my cheek and said "I'm going to have to take a pass". OK, I appreciate his honesty and can handle this, but I have a friend who is on the mend from a broken heart. Something like this would crush her. Something to think about.
Rule Nine: It's only a date. You asked for it, you got it, for better or worse. Enjoy, you never know, you could at least make a new friend (i.e. professional contact). Relax.
Rule Ten: You only live once. Choose your partner wisely. The person you choose to love can make or break you, per se. If you don't take this advice beware, you may someday end up posting a M4W 'Married man in unfulfilled marriage seeking fulfillment in any way'. Follow your hearts gents, 'cause the best thing that ever happened to you may come wrapped in a package that's not 'slender, successful, extremely fashionable, and perfect'. It's a jungle out there...
"Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think".
knowledge gained through bitter experience
in the Craigslist bicycle marketplace.
It would be helpful if they could be formatted
as is the first example (i.e. as a rule, with a
number that has not been already used by
someone else.) It would be much more
amusing if it could also contain a story
or CL ad example quote as part of the posting.
Thank you very much if you choose to
contribute your hard won knowledge.
Remember that we do this for the sake
of history and future generations of bike
weenies.
02-15-11 | 01:05 PM
#2
Too many bikes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
CL Rule 5: The bike isn't sold until the person shows up and hands me cash. I keep taking requests to see it.
CL Rule 6: Don't make plans around someone showing up to look at a bike. They come when I am normally going to be around for other reasons.
CL Rule 7: Corollary to Rule 5 & 6:, if they don't email an excuse within 8 hours of not showing up, goes to next on list.
CL Rule 6: Don't make plans around someone showing up to look at a bike. They come when I am normally going to be around for other reasons.
CL Rule 7: Corollary to Rule 5 & 6:, if they don't email an excuse within 8 hours of not showing up, goes to next on list.
02-15-11 | 02:11 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 10,496
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: old ones
Saweeet !
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
CL Rule 41: All fixed gear bikes are "sweet"
(and often "fast").
I want to sell my 56cm Surly Steamroller. This bike is sweet.
Schwinn Single Speed - $175
Date: 2011-01-14, 1:07PM PST
Selling my bike
Its a sweet old Chicago style Schwinn
Date: 2011-01-14, 1:07PM PST
Selling my bike
Its a sweet old Chicago style Schwinn
Sweet single speed SE Lager for sale.
Last edited by 3alarmer; 02-16-11 at 04:59 PM.
02-15-11 | 02:53 PM
#7
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
+10 Never change your schedule or make plans to accomodate a C/L buyer. C/L is the land of no shows. First one with the cash wins.
#8. Don't waste time negotiating via email (see rule #6 on no shows). Negotiating via email at best only commits the seller, the buyer has made zero commitment.
#9. Never answer an idiotic email. They are just collecting your email to spam you later. One I recently got on a bike I was asking $220 for was: "$220". Yeah, right....
#10. Have low/no expectations for courtesy/communications, or whatever. It just isn't out there.
#11. Realize C/L is a free outlet to buy and sell items, and reach a very broad market. So what if it is a pain, it also provides a pretty good service at no cost.
#8. Don't waste time negotiating via email (see rule #6 on no shows). Negotiating via email at best only commits the seller, the buyer has made zero commitment.
#9. Never answer an idiotic email. They are just collecting your email to spam you later. One I recently got on a bike I was asking $220 for was: "$220". Yeah, right....
#10. Have low/no expectations for courtesy/communications, or whatever. It just isn't out there.
#11. Realize C/L is a free outlet to buy and sell items, and reach a very broad market. So what if it is a pain, it also provides a pretty good service at no cost.
02-15-11 | 03:31 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,930
Likes: 5
From: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
#12 if describing a bicycle use one of the following condition codes:
7 - still in the box from the manufacturer with all original packaging, no tool marks.
6 - has been taken out of the box and assembled, but not ridden.
5 - has been ridden, paint has no chips or scratches, no wear on components
4 - paint has few chips or scratches, but NO RUST, little wear on components
3 - paint has chips or scratches, but no rust, moderate wear on components
2 - missing some paint, has some rust, heavy wear on components
1 - frame is damaged and has missing parts not required for all riding (i.e. cable stops or hanger gnawed off)
0 - frame is damaged, components are damaged, broken or missing, can not be ridden in current condition.
#13, the following terms should are forbidden, NOS, Mint, Rare, fits rider from
#14 Measure from then middle of the crank axle to the middle of the top tube, for mountain bikes and road bikes made before 1982 this may be expressed in inches, for newer road bikes this should be expressed as cm. This is the size and must be included and expressed as stated.
7 - still in the box from the manufacturer with all original packaging, no tool marks.
6 - has been taken out of the box and assembled, but not ridden.
5 - has been ridden, paint has no chips or scratches, no wear on components
4 - paint has few chips or scratches, but NO RUST, little wear on components
3 - paint has chips or scratches, but no rust, moderate wear on components
2 - missing some paint, has some rust, heavy wear on components
1 - frame is damaged and has missing parts not required for all riding (i.e. cable stops or hanger gnawed off)
0 - frame is damaged, components are damaged, broken or missing, can not be ridden in current condition.
#13, the following terms should are forbidden, NOS, Mint, Rare, fits rider from
#14 Measure from then middle of the crank axle to the middle of the top tube, for mountain bikes and road bikes made before 1982 this may be expressed in inches, for newer road bikes this should be expressed as cm. This is the size and must be included and expressed as stated.
02-15-11 | 03:52 PM
#9
Cat 6
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 236
From: Mountain Brook, AL
Flippers? We/they know by the frame size.
__________________
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
02-15-11 | 04:10 PM
#12
Dolce far niente
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,710
Likes: 33
From: Southwest Idaho
If the ad says a vintage bike is in mint condition, the seller is a liar and should not be trusted.
__________________
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman
02-15-11 | 07:31 PM
#14
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
+1 I always include the line: should fit riders from xxx to yyy. I also include the frame size, measured center to center. 99% of the buyers in my area do not understand frame size, and most want to know: what size rider will this bike fit? So I answer this question in the ad, while including the frame size, just because I like to include it.
02-15-11 | 07:42 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 10,496
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: old ones
So this would be CL rule #1 then ?
________________________________________________________________________________
Corollary A: Rare means different things to different people
________________________________________________________________________________
CL Rule #? (needs a number)
If the ad says a vintage bike is in mint condition, the seller is a liar and should not be trusted.
If the ad says a vintage bike is in mint condition, the seller is a liar and should not be trusted.
56cm Paletti designed by Ray Dobbins. Rare bike....Dura Ace components, Campy cranks, ultegra shifters. If your looking at this posting im sure you know what your looking at
For more info pls call Tom xxx xxx xxxx or email me
For more info pls call Tom xxx xxx xxxx or email me
RE: 1980's Paletti Cronos Italian road bike - $1250 DO NOT BUY
Date: 2011-02-15, 11:59AM PST
THIS BIKE HAS BEEN CRASHED AND THE DOWN TUBE WAD DAMAGED SEVERELY. DO NOT BUY!!
Date: 2011-02-15, 11:59AM PST
THIS BIKE HAS BEEN CRASHED AND THE DOWN TUBE WAD DAMAGED SEVERELY. DO NOT BUY!!
Last edited by 3alarmer; 02-15-11 at 08:04 PM.
02-15-11 | 09:07 PM
#16
aka: Mike J.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 60
From: between Milwaukee and Sheboygan in Wisconsin
Bikes: 1995 Trek 520 is the current primary bike.
#15(?): if the ad says make offer but does not include a price it will either be a great deal or a major hassle and not worth the time to go see it.
When I post something I'll put in a price and then sometimes add in "if you don't like the price then make an offer".
#16(?): if there is no pic then there might be a reason. If someone can figure out how to post an ad then they should be able to figure out how to post a pic.
#17(?): if the poster writes in texting lingo then the deal iz gon 2 b uh mjr hazl 2 mak
When I post something I'll put in a price and then sometimes add in "if you don't like the price then make an offer".
#16(?): if there is no pic then there might be a reason. If someone can figure out how to post an ad then they should be able to figure out how to post a pic.
#17(?): if the poster writes in texting lingo then the deal iz gon 2 b uh mjr hazl 2 mak
02-15-11 | 09:32 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,930
Likes: 5
From: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
+1 I always include the line: should fit riders from xxx to yyy. I also include the frame size, measured center to center. 99% of the buyers in my area do not understand frame size, and most want to know: what size rider will this bike fit? So I answer this question in the ad, while including the frame size, just because I like to include it.
02-15-11 | 11:35 PM
#18
That is why I write, "Fits most riders from W'XX" to Y'ZZ" tall".
__________________
Carbon: Fuji SL2.1 Di2.......Aluminum: Cannondale Synapse 105........Steel: Vintage Specialized Sirrus
...
Carbon: Fuji SL2.1 Di2.......Aluminum: Cannondale Synapse 105........Steel: Vintage Specialized Sirrus
...
02-16-11 | 01:52 AM
#19
Large Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 5
From: Tejas
I love ads with no pic. It screams, "I don't care how cool this bike is, just get it out of here. Make me any offer and I'll probably bite."
02-16-11 | 11:06 AM
#20
Extraordinary Magnitude
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,080
Likes: 2,134
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Turns out, the guy is a brilliant computer dude- he actually does consultant work at my workplace- he actually just didn't have a camera.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
02-16-11 | 11:33 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 2
From: San Francisco
Bikes: 1989 Team Miyata, 1989 Miyata 1400, 1989 Miyata 1400, 1986 Miyata 610, 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail
#whatever: Don't reply to my ad using "words" like 'u', 'lol', or ellipsis. I don't claim to have perfect grammar or spelling but if you write like a 12-year-old I'm going to assume you're just that and not worth my time.
02-16-11 | 06:39 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 10,496
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: old ones
Sorry, But #1 Is Already Taken.
The point here, is really not to complain, rather an attempt
to solicit experience based advice from both sellers and
buyers (and I realize some of us are both), on survival
strategies for dealing with a social phenomenon that,
like all social phenomena, can be a hugely painful cluster-
f+ck for the unprepared.
And regrettably, I must reserve the number for CL rule #1 for:
mazdaspeed --
Craigslist is war. There are no rules.
Craigslist is war. There are no rules.
02-17-11 | 11:44 AM
#24
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 10,496
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: old ones
Rules Category #33: Various Definitions Of Vintage
of rust on a bicycle is considered proof of "vintage"
status.
Vintage Schwinn Klunker -- A Piece of History -- - $500 (E. Sacramento)
Date: 2011-02-10, 3:38PM PST
Reply to: sale-wct3f-2207984454@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Old Schwinn heavy duty frame converted to a mountain bike sometime during the 1970s.
ACS Kingsting blue anodized hubs and wheels.
Brooks professional saddle.
Date: 2011-02-10, 3:38PM PST
Reply to: sale-wct3f-2207984454@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Old Schwinn heavy duty frame converted to a mountain bike sometime during the 1970s.
ACS Kingsting blue anodized hubs and wheels.
Brooks professional saddle.
02-17-11 | 12:26 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
Bikes: 1980 Schwinn Expensinental, 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2011 Mercier Kilo WT5, 2011 Dahon Speed D7
It is infinitely easier to bargain someone down in price in person rather than online. I never do it any more. For some reason, people seem to get super offended when you e-mail them and ask them if they'd take less, yet when I look someone in the eye and do the same thing they almost always agree. Why is that?