selling computer on Craigslist/Kijiji should I let people demo the computer in house?

[Unicron]

Anyone here sell a computer on those sites or wherever and allow this complete stranger(s) into the house to test out the computer?

If this is not stupid i might setup my computer in one of the crappy rooms in the house where I live so they can't see my other sweet stuff in the house then come at night and murder me

[champ91]

I wouldn't recommend it. I've heard of cases where some people robbing the sellers on the spot.

I never trade from the home. I only do it during the day and in well-seen public area.

[Daijoubu]

Well if he doesn't have trust in you (working goods) then why should you trust him?

I've sold plenty stuffs, shipped or picked up without having the buyer test the item first.

And what's weird is that those who looks shaddy will want to test out/play with it a little while.

But now that I think about it... to protect oneself from, say a buyer stating that the item came damaged or DOA. In that case, you may want to have the item inspected so if he breaks it, he can't put the blame on you...

hmmm

[recordman]

If you were to sell something big that the potential buyer would like to see working, how would you do it? I've sold/bought many things for 20+ years and have had complete strangers show up at my house. Never have I had an issue. Maybe I'm just lucky. I try to not do business at my house, but sometimes it's unavoidable for the deal to be completed. As for being robbed, that could happen anywhere.

I wouldn't recommend it. I've heard of cases where some people robbing the sellers on the spot.

I never trade from the home. I only do it during the day and in well-seen public area.

[Sgt_Strider]

For privacy reasons, I don't make any transactions from home. I also don't let buyers test out my stuff. I don't operate a retail store like FS and buyers should do their research before they make any purchases.

[izzyzz]

I've sold quite a few items via kijiji/craigslist -- bicycles, monitors, speaker systems, guitars... A couple of times people wanted to see things in operation before buying which is understandable with things like TVs, speakers, etc.. Never had any issues.

Anything can happen of course, but you have to take basic precautions. Often, even the tone or grammar/spelling in the email msg can tell a lot about the person you're dealing with. It's also a good idea to have a telephone conversation before meeting them. Again, the way a person talks can tell you a lot. Small things, but they do make a difference.

[Unicron]

I've sold quite a few items via kijiji/craigslist -- bicycles, monitors, speaker systems, guitars... A couple of times people wanted to see things in operation before buying which is understandable with things like TVs, speakers, etc.. Never had any issues.

Anything can happen of course, but you have to take basic precautions. Often, even the tone or grammar/spelling in the email msg can tell a lot about the person you're dealing with. It's also a good idea to have a telephone conversation before meeting them. Again, the way a person talks can tell you a lot. Small things, but they do make a difference.

Tone of voice on phone

My voice sucks, i sound so young even though I'm not that young but I spoke to what sounded like a Grandmother but a savvy Grandmother who probably buys/sells lots and just because my voice sounded young I could tell she was like Untrusting of me right off the bat and I when I spoke about the specs and things like that she sort of said yeah but in that ignoring sort of way of agreeing but she wanted to tell me to shutup

She also asked for a price drop and I was like sorry I can't drop it any lower and then she just hung up

[Sgt_Strider]

Tone of voice on phone

My voice sucks, i sound so young even though I'm not that young but I spoke to what sounded like a Grandmother but a savvy Grandmother who probably buys/sells lots and just because my voice sounded young I could tell she was like Untrusting of me right off the bat and I when I spoke about the specs and things like that she sort of said yeah but in that ignoring sort of way of agreeing but she wanted to tell me to shutup

She also asked for a price drop and I was like sorry I can't drop it any lower and then she just hung up

Wait for a new buyer to approach you then. Also, I don't do negotiations over the phone. If the buyer tries to negotiate the price over the phone even though we have already settled the issue, I'll hang up on them.

[BooR4dL3y]

I know I wouldn't buy someone's used computer without testing it out to make sure it's running as promised.

Like others have said, work out the deal over the phone first - get their phone number, agree on the price. When that's done, setup a meeting time and place to complete the deal.

If you're worried about potential buyers scoping out your other household goods then move what you're selling into another room - maybe even setup a temporary table in your front entrance way. There's nothing wrong with having everything ready for removal if the deal goes through.

If you're still worried, then have a couple friends with you. Less likely that the buyer will try and do something while there are other people around.

[Unicron]

For privacy reasons, I don't make any transactions from home. I also don't let buyers test out my stuff. I don't operate a retail store like FS and buyers should do their research before they make any purchases.

Should i put in my advertisement

SELLING AS IS

Just wondering because you sell items to people but what happens if they come back and say it doesn't work to you?

[Sgt_Strider]

Should i put in my advertisement

SELLING AS IS

Just wondering because you sell items to people but what happens if they come back and say it doesn't work to you?

I never had that problem before. First, I have a perfect RFD and Heatware record with a long history of trading on RFD. Second, as a seller, you should make sure you're selling to the right person. I probably won't deal with someone that have 0 posts on this forum. When I'm making a transaction in person, they already have my phone number. I'll chat and make sure we're on the same page and there is no misunderstanding before I proceed. I'm very careful in this regard. The last thing I want is for some guy to message me the following day and say something isn't right.

[dragon_drift]

Good question. Maybe you can test it in front of him/her in the garage? and bring a few buddies along too.

[hightech]

I've sold many items on Kijiji/Craigslist, and on RFD. I just meet people and let them try items if applicable (i.e. check out digital camera, headphones, etc.). Components I just go on trust bases.

I'd NEVER EVER have some stranger in my house. For a few $$ it's not worth it.

[jackwest]

It's just a matter of normal social skills and life experience.

I use common sense to let people try out my items. I can size up pretty much anyone. I always meet them at a secure area then move them to my house. I've left people alone with thousands of dollars of gear with no problem.

[MacGyver]

If I'm selling something, I insist that the buyer come to my home with exact change. There's no way I'm going take time out of my busy day to go miles out to some dark parking lot to meet somebody that probably won't show up. And I can't recall a single thing that I've bought via Craigslist/UsedOttawa/Kijiji that I haven't bought at the seller's home.

I sold an old computer once and I was happy to demo that in my foyer where they can't see what else is in my house.

Some people call me crazy, but I've had no issues. And if somebody has my phone number they can do a lookup on 411.ca and find my full name and address anyway! I have nothing to hide, and I pride myself on that kind of openness and honesty.

Frankly I'm more concerned about the possibility of a random home-invasion by thugs.