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Quote:

Originally Posted by elmore leonard (Post 17612218)

I have sold many,many items on Craigs List. I always do the deal at my house. I would never myself, or ever recommend to another seller, to meet a buyer anywhere but at your home or residence.

the parking lot of the police station is good too.:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GravelMN (Post 17614005)

I agree that most bike theft is opportunistic, but law enforcement in our region is warning people not to give out their addresses in for sale ads in printed or online media as there have been several burglaries of expensive items that were listed in classified ads..

That makes good sense to me. I never post my address on CL. You have to call to get an address. I generally just say what street and tell them to: Look for the bike in the drive way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GravelMN (Post 17614005)

.... one individual lost a jet ski and trailer right out of his garage after giving out his address to a number of respondents to his CL ad. No way to know for sure that it was one of the CL respondents that stole the jet ski........

Call me cynical.... I'd be looking first.. at relatives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GravelMN (Post 17614005)

.......... there was one sketchy one where the individual was very eager to take a test ride but bolted when asked for ID or some form of security to assure his return (like I said, I usually ask to hold on to their drivers license or at least take a snapshot of them with the bike).

I set the bicycles in front of the house to make it easier to find my home. When they examine the property [bike] the security cameras record their images (as well as car and plates). I am security minded.

Interestingly... most buyers never really test ride the bikes.... maybe up the sidewalk and back. A couple people (buying higher dollar bikes) did want to "test ride" and asked to. I said NO PROBLEM.... I will ride with you and show you where the hills are at.... adding that: Hills are the best way to stress test the bike. Now... I am in my 60's... but I ride those hills almost every time I ride. And I ride a solid 2000 miles a year. I guess there is a chance that someone could bolt away from me. But I don't really worry about that happening.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GravelMN (Post 17614005)

Unfortunately, for some, theft is a career. Within an hour of my home, there have been a number of burglary rings or individuals arrested for strings of burglaries. Armed robberies are also way up in nearby towns.

Anywhere you have wealth... there will also be people trying to share in that wealth... by ANY MEANS. That is the way it has always been everywhere on Earth. Stealing is one way of wealth distribution.

There are no smart tricks or cleaver means to prevent that. Stealing is not a career or a profession... it is an attempt to experience a taste of the good life.... for some while between jail or prison sentences. For others... they see an opportunity and just can't pass up a chance to get something for nothing. IMHO.

I always meet Craigslisters/Freecyclers for ANYTHING in a public place that I know has a camera. Then I lurk under said camera till they show up. The last two bikes I sold...it was outside of a local college student center. Lots of foot traffic, cameras, and dorks in bright yellow campus cop uniforms.

I also use a Google number. Really, any VOIP number would do. They can't be traced and let you block spammers easy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffordK (Post 17613400)

Also works if the buyer shows up with a Testarosa...

(so you can take a test drive too) :)

Most people are pretty ordinary. Take a few necessary precautions, but don't let fear rule your life.

That would have been nice, but this guy had a Ford SUV. There are several bike shops here that won't let you test ride a higher end bike unless you leave your driver's license and car keys with them. One of the problems when having two (or more) people show up to purchase a high end bike on a personal sale is that one guy tests rides the bike and the other(s) take off in the car. You're left standing there with no bike and and no money. If you're lucky, you won't get robbed by the others and have your car stolen. And so is life in the big city. :(

I've done a lot of Craigslist deals. I insist on meeting "at the ATM just outside the Sheriff's office." I've had a few folks decline that arrangement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todzilla (Post 17616805)

I've done a lot of Craigslist deals. I insist on meeting "at the ATM just outside the Sheriff's office." I've had a few folks decline that arrangement.

My guess is that you've developed the optimum screening technique!

Hey, is this still for sale? Or you can text me at 718-799-6121

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmore leonard (Post 17612218)

I have sold many,many items on Craigs List. I always do the deal at my house. I would never myself, or ever recommend to another seller, to meet a buyer anywhere but at your home or residence.

No way. I don't want anybody from CL knowing where I live.

I meet at the library or Starbucks that are nearby.

Bike still available?