THSCC Forums

OK Craigslist experts... I'm starting to think I am doing something wrong.

I have replied to 10 different CL postings and not ONE as responded back. I am using gmail in a web browser so I'm copy and pasting the mailto address and asking my questions.

I figured at least one person would respond back or is this par for course when dealing with CL people. I have listed many items on CL with success so I'm thinking it must be the seller not responding.

Is there any tips for subject, content words to avoid to make sure an email does not go straight into the spam? I found gmail put a few responses to my postings in the spam folder but I was able to add craigslist to the not spam list.

Thanks!
Scott

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THSCC Timing & Scoring

There you have it. Thus I hate me some CL sellers.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

I have had reasonable success just asking for people to send me their phone number. I think many CL'ers get overwhelmed by questions in email

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Thanks Mike! That is a good idea. I know it takes 2x the time to communicate with email so maybe that would work better.

I know I prefer to just talk to someone over the phone about something especially if it is about an item I wish to purchase.

BTW... I am on my third attempt to pickup an Integra. Two I found on CL and one Steven W forwarded to me. One of them sold the car between the 3 hours we talked and me getting the trailer to go get it...
The other said it's mine and then the next morning said he couldn't find the title. Tried to follow up with him and no response. Most likely sold...

The 3rd one, well, just sounded way too shady... I think the car was possibly hot...

On well, takes time to find a decent car.

It took me almost 6 months to find the Sequoia...

-Scott

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THSCC Timing & Scoring

Agreed. It's rare that I have any smooth communication with CL sellers. If you really want something try to talk on the phone with them. I find that the amount of effort they put into making the ad to be somewhat proportional to their effort in communication.

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2003 Subaru WRX Sportwagon = daily driver/boost and booster seats
2000 BMW 540iT = wife's kid hauler
2012 Toyota Highlander = the boring reliable vehicle

The only way to get the best deals is act fast, get the seller on the phone, and "sell" yourself as a buyer. I usually talk a person up quite a bit and make it obvious that I am their "sure thing", have cash, want to come right away, have a trailer, etc. Talk about the race too, people get a kick out of that.

That said, I've had several cars sold out from under me too...

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Craigslist is great, but it also sucks....

Problem is, the cost of using CL is so low, people don't have much invested in their CL experience- it's just too easy for both buyers and sellers to be complete flakes and fear no consequences due to the anonymous nature of CL.

I usually try to make sure the seller knows I'm serious, and that I know what I'm looking for. Especially if it's a screaming great deal- you have to make it as easy as possible for the seller to get the thing sold. I try to be specific, mentioning that I work nearby or live within a 15 minute drive of them, etc etc. I also mention that I have the means to pick up whatever they're selling (pickup truck or car trailer, depending on the item)- and that I will bring CASH and be there when I say I will.

I usually include my phone number at the end of the email- some people just LOVE to use the phone vs. email.


Not much else I can offer, but be persistent and you will have success!!

i blame the Republicans. if it weren't for the constant budget cuts to our school systems and the mind numbing Republican rhetoric that makes 15 year old rednecks believe they have a chance to succeed without a third grade education as long as they buy into the militaristic mindset and blind idealogic fanaticism, some of these socio-economic throw-aways might actually be able to write a CL ad that the few of ya'll that have spending money can actually put to good use.

free market my ass. money makes commerce. CL needs commerce as much as any other poor ass redneck business does.....

and if there ain't no money, there ain't no commerce.

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BenchWarmer Motorsports

another one of those damn LeMons heads

just another Chump

we are an Autocross Club Dammit............

Bookmarking this for future use .

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2011/2012 Autox VP
2013/2014.5 President
2013 Top Gun

2015 Fit

22R-EC => 4G63 => D16Y7 + D16Y8 => EJ255 + K24Z2 => K20Z3 + K24Z2 => K24Z2 + M54 => L15B

Wow this is a great topic....I get to quote Mike Whitney AND Steve Remchak....
Steve wrote:
And Mike wrote:

One of the secrets of sales and the relationship between buyer and seller was covered in some measure in the book "Predictably Irrational" (a book describing how people's brains operate - and a great read). It turns out that there is a major fundamental brain shift that takes place when cash money changes hands (something that doesn't take place when using credit cards or loan papers). The actual exchange of even a small amount of cash seems to cement a transaction or place a "hold" on a vehicle long enough to arrange a professional inspection. I recently agreed to buy an $8K car and the seller and I shook hands, but I wasn't carrying enough cash to make a serious deposit. Within 12 hours the car was "no longer available". Moral of the story, always carry enough cash to leave a $100 deposit/serious money deposit. Few people will sell a car out from under you after cash has changed hands. Of course there should be some agreement that the deposit is refundable if the inspection shows serious problems; and get a receipt.
Charlie G

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1998 BMW Z3
1987 BMW 325is
2000 BMW
1996 F250 Turbo Diesel