The Crazy World of Free Online Classified Buy and Selling

Thanks to the Internet, online shopping is as common as water these days. You can purchase just about anything online that you can in the real, physical world – from tech and toys, to even cars.

But ever try and sell used stuff on Craig’s List, Kijiji or a similar free online classified website?

Makes me wonder if you get what you pay for doesn't just extend to buyers, but to sellers too.

I did my research, scouted around the sites to see what my older stuff was selling for by others. Grabbed some good quality pictures of the items I had for sale. Got detailed descriptions, directly from the manufacturer’s websites for accuracy. I even made sure I was posting in the correct sections, and that I wasn't cross-posting or breaking any of the rules.

Then I waited. And waited. And – oh – wait a response.

“Cash price?”

Uh?

As I’m not a retail or big box store, I assumed everything for sale on these websites is listed for cash. I’m certainly not going to take a cheque from someone I don’t know. If you take the time to actually read the rules, and safety guidelines which are posted on these sites for safe buying and selling, they even warn you to only do business in person, in a public place, and for cash.

I responded: “Yes, I take cash.”

And I got back: “I know – nevah mind.”

WTF?

Maybe I’m missing something here, but I thought that’s what this person was asking? Perhaps if he, she or it wrote a complete sentence, clearly expressing their question, I’d be more able to answer!

Then I started getting ridiculous counter offers. I anticipated people wanting to barter, that’s often the nature of these things. But some were so bargain basement low, I might as well be giving it away for free.

Oh yeah, I got someone asking if they’d take a trade in fresh strawberries. Seriously! Here I am, selling off some old tech which is in excellent condition, just not currently in use, and I got someone offering fruit in exchange for it!

I did not even consider for a millisecond responding to the strawberry nut case. Actually I did, but because I was taught if you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything, I restrained myself.

I did get some serious sounding interest, within a reasonable price range, and I responded asking for the usual information you’d expect to exchange with someone who you were about to engage in a business deal – their name, number and when they could pick it up.

None responded. Maybe it became to real for them and they suddenly realized their allowance, unemployment welfare cheques or food stamps wouldn't cover the cost they themselves had negotiated, because as soon as it was time to do business, they disappeared!

Maybe I should have taken the strawberry nut case up on his offer? Then at least I’d have something to munch on while I contemplate the craziness of these free online classified sites.