Craigslist, etc. "Still available?"

[Stevedore]

From time to time I sell off unwanted things on craigslist and/or Facebook Marketplace. Nearly every time, I get one or more responses, some within minutes of my posting, asking "Still for sale?", "Is this still available?", or something similar. If I answer (which isn't always the case), I never hear from them again.

What is the point of this? People just collecting email addresses? Basement-dwellers with nothing better to do?

[Jeff '79]

I buy and sell stuff on CL, and after a while, I got to know which responses are real and which are fake, for lack of a better term.
Now? I don't even answer them if they look remotely fake to me.
Good question though.... Why do they do that?
My guess?
To see if you are stupid enough to answer and then mail it to them with the promise of a money order upon delivery.

[ratflinger]

I usually put "If it's still posted then it's still available" on my ads. I accept texts only and won't reply to what I consider are the stupid ones.


I have had a few people agree to buy something and then they never show nor answer texts, guess it makes them feel good that I went out of my way for nothing. I usually meet people at Lowe's so my last text to them is "I was sorry to have missed you but since we were to meet at Lowe's I went inside and found a (product I was looking for) on sale for 50% off, so it worked out in my favor after all" I then block their number.

[Wathen1955]

Originally Posted by Stevedore

From time to time I sell off unwanted things on craigslist and/or Facebook Marketplace. Nearly every time, I get one or more responses, some within minutes of my posting, asking "Still for sale?", "Is this still available?", or something similar. If I answer (which isn't always the case), I never hear from them again.

What is the point of this? People just collecting email addresses? Basement-dwellers with nothing better to do?

I'm in the same boat. I have stuff listed in CL and FB. I'm already selling my stuff at a rock bottom price just to get rid of it, and you always get the lowballer. Example:

I'm selling a used and in excellent condition AMD computer motherboard. I purchased a new heat sink and fan for it, and added 2 additional sticks of ram that I ready had for a total of 8 gigs. My price for a testing and working motherboard: $20.
Then I get messages - will you sell for $10? Those I don't answer.

[Ol Timer]

Is this thread still open?

[Bill]

I have sold things, given away things, and occasionally gotten something free using Craigslist. When I create an ad, I list my phone number and am very clear in the text that whatever it is is for local, in person sale only, and that I only accept phone calls, no texts or e-mails via Craigslist. I just don't respond to anyone who doesn't have the balls to call and actually talk to me.

I've had a few scammers actually call and talk, but they're very obvious. Gee, sorry, that you're on a ship in the navy and can't look at the item in person, but I guess that means this isn't the [fill in the blank] for you. Next time, work on your reading comprehension, because this specific situation was discussed in the ad. Click. I can't say that I've ever had a bad experience. I've sold farm tractors, given away a bunch of stuff, and, when I needed moving boxes, I've gotten all I wanted for free, and I've given away the boxes after use. Easy peasy.

Hell, the panel on my 20 year old built in microwave was failing to the point that the only way to turn it on was to press the 'popcorn' button, and I not only gave it away via Craigslist, but the young lady who got it was so thrilled, she sent me a follow up e-mail thanking me. I never saw her, I left it at the curb, but she sounded nice.

[Oh-yaa]

When perusing CL and come across something of interest, a bicycle for example. The add is nearly a month old. Is it not acceptable to ask if it’s still available? I texted a person as that what was listed for communication asking that. No response. Texted again a few days later with a couple of specific questions about the bike. The ad is still up. Again no response. And the ad is still up today.
Sellers can be dicks as much as buyers too.

[snide]

Okay but.....I have to send you a google number
you know most post is fake so If you're post is real show me the number now..... then i will call you .
send me the code??

[Oh-yaa]

What is this code BS on CL?

It ain't fight club.

[Torqaholic]

Not worth the hassle to me. I give unwanted things away for free. If nobody wants it then it ends up in the trash.... Or used as a target