[QUOTE=Matt M;313920]As a Craigslist seller, I have learned that promises over the phone are worthless.

Half the people who say they are leaving now, and are on their way, never show. Half the people who promise more money also never complete the purchase.

First one who shows up with cash, and willing to pay the asking price wins!

As a buyer, I would go with option B.

I have been the guy that called first, and was "on his way", only to get there and find someone else loading up the item because they offered more money. I will bet that both the seller and the other buyer still remember me and my reaction., and it is not a fond memory for either.[/

You hit the nail on the head here. I just kindly tell the seller to keep you in mind if the original deal don't pan out.

This is interesting. Im one of the guys who promised or at least had good intentions of buying an item then backed out. I,ve done it a few times and i apoligise if i,ve done it to you.Its a knee jerk reaction because you see something you have to have,then jump on it, only to realize the same thing is in your own back yard. I dont buy or even consider buying from other countries, EVER.Taxes, duties, whatever are outrageous and make it impossible to justify. Its the games people play and the dishonesty that make me sick when it comes to buying and selling drum gear. When one guy knows the value of something and goes out of his way to manipulate the innocent, its best the two of us are never left alone.

I go with option B,reguardless of the item being sold,or the price.I think finding out what an Item is worth,......before selling it is a necessity.The guy who got that ludwig kit for 200....well bless his speed and ability to spot a good deal.I got a 47 Slingy Super Gene Krupa RK snare ,7x14 in WMP ...all original in 8 out of 10 condition,at a yard sale....for 20 bucks US,with an old fibre case.To say I ran like a thief in the night,may be a slight exageration,but I did drive.....briskly away.

Yeah,If buyer # 1 dosen't show up,or at least call back with a good reason he can't make it,he forfeits his right to the sale.I'd keep all interested parties phone numbers,and call each of them back in the order they called me,and offer the item to them.That's how civil service works,senority is everything,and the only fair way to do it.First hired,last fired.

Steve B

B - right thing to do. Been screwed out of more than a few by type A's -

I've seen so much stuff misrepresented on CL that I'd have to say that "A" isn't even an option. The real moral question is: "Do you get in your car and try to beat the other guy there?" ... it's a joke.

I have a bit of a different take on this. The original question sort of implies that the hypothetical craigslist listing is a very good deal for the potential buyer. Otherwise the second person calling wouldn't be able to offer triple the price. If it is a question of morals, I say the person willing to offer more for the item is doing a service to the seller. Don't get me wrong, I believe sellers should do their research before listing items for sale, but I think making a better offer on something is totally reasonable. If I see a good deal, I usually try to offer more than the asking price right off the bat. This helps prevent competition with people only willing to pay the low asking price and secures the sale. There is competition on craigslist. That's just the way it is these days. This is also coming from someone who has missed out on plenty of deals because of a similar scenario. Just my opinion.

I very seldom look at Craigslist because I know there is almost no way I'm going to come out on top on the few good pieces at good prices that do pop up within a reasonable distance from me. It's depressing and I'd just rather not even know about them as lose out in either a race to get there first or a bidding war. The few times I have tried I either get no response whatsoever or, at best, an "item has been sold" message.

Sellers should simply include "OBO" in the ad and inform potential buyers of a 'consideration period' after which all parties are informed of the highest offer etc & etc...

A simple equation...until you add people. :)

Reality check here:

We are talking about Craigslist and as a buyer your only real choice is option "B" because you really don't know what the condition is until you get it in your hands. So, to make a higher offer you are going way out on the limb and to drive to the seller thinking that you have "trumped" the other buyer...that is a long shot.

As a seller, some guy calls you and says he'll pay 3X the asking price, what do you do when the first guy shows up and has cash in hand? My guess is you take it figuring that the 3X guy won't show anyway.

It's Craigslist!...the lowest common denominator...if it was something more you wouldn't have to take a "friend" along for those cash transactions in the Cosco parking lot. I have only had positive experiences, but my caution may have contributed to that.

I drove 70 miles on a craigslist deal. When I got there the seller had sold the kit. I told him I was on the way and everything.