Craigslist Rant

[DKB_SATX]

One of your challenges is that your trailer is WAY on the nicer end of used Airstreams sold on Craigslist, at least in TX/OK/AR/LA. It's not too unusual for me to read a CL ad for an Airstream and look at the pictures they've offered and think it's probably worth 60% of what they're asking. In one case, before I found the Argosy I did a detailed inspection and was SURE it was overpriced to that degree. I did actually make the offer I thought it was worth (with an explanation of why) and got turned down, but I think it eventually sold a little closer to my offer than his ask.

The other problems outlined above are all applicable. Thick skin would have to be important. Remember that what they're saying to you isn't really "you're selling a piece of crap" it's "I'm a cheap SOB who's trying to get something for nothing."

[martian]

Originally Posted by whitefawn

When I put my car for sale on Craigslist I IMMEDIATELY got scammers--- ALL OF THEM VIA EMAIL. As soon as I removed the email address, and left only the phone number, all the scamming stopped, and I successfully sold the car. I will never utilize the email route again on Craigslist.

Kathy

Couldn't agree more! Now when I use Craigslist, I include instructions to provide a phone number for making purchase arrangements. If I get an email without the required phone number, it goes in the trash. Scammers still try with a story, of course, absent the phone number.

By the way, fraudsters cruise the Airforums Classifieds, too. So beware and never send money to them despite the great sounding reason. As the seller, the buyer is supposed to send you money, not visa versa.

[overlander63]

My best sales experience on CL has included one word: "FIRM".
That usually shuts off the stupid offers, and most people that make an offer tend to be closer to your asking price.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

One of your challenges is that your trailer is WAY on the nicer end of used Airstreams sold on Craigslist, at least in TX/OK/AR/LA. It's not too unusual for me to read a CL ad for an Airstream and look at the pictures they've offered and think it's probably worth 60% of what they're asking. In one case, before I found the Argosy I did a detailed inspection and was SURE it was overpriced to that degree. I did actually make the offer I thought it was worth (with an explanation of why) and got turned down, but I think it eventually sold a little closer to my offer than his ask.

The other problems outlined above are all applicable. Thick skin would have to be important. Remember that what they're saying to you isn't really "you're selling a piece of crap" it's "I'm a cheap SOB who's trying to get something for nothing."

Ive had a few people even go as far as to send me links of similar trailers as far as size, model, and year.
They say "well I can buy this trailer for much cheaper, if you get down to this range then maybe you will be more serious about selling your RV."

So I take a look at the link they provide and Im like REALLY! Yes no dought its an Airstream, Excella, 90's area, but the ad usually reads:
I dont know what works and what dosent, been sitting for years, sold as is. Then I look at the photo and its all dented up and looks like and abandoned trailer someone threw out into a field.
Im like really I guess you would like to have my for the price they are asking for that one, theres no comparing!

Im trying to be as fair as I can, Im already taking a loss at the price Im asking for mine. Im not out to rip someone off. I know Ill never get back all that I put in it. Im just trying to be reasonable. But seems some of my potential buyers dont see it the same way I do.
Mrs. S says all the time Im just to good hearted. She dosent agree with the asking price I have now. Im not going to give it away but Im willing to work with a serious person.

[clancy_boy]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I've sold a few things on CL and had one trick pulled on me...advertised a car for a really cheap price (I just wanted it GONE) and within a couple of hours the ad was pulled!

It turns out a dude was interested but couldn't get free to come look at it so he reported it as a scam so nobody else would get the jump on him...

He then tried to lowball my 'give it away' price!

FUNNY, pre-computer age (remember when) I had a guy show up to look at a boat, trailer, motor I had for sale. He was first to call on the ad so I gave him first look. It was a "priced for sale" deal.... as in get it out of here - PLEASE price. While he was trying to talk me down, number 2 showed up and waited calmly at the fence so as not to get involved in the attempt to talk me down. When, at last number 2 could take no more he yelled "when he is done looking like a fool I have the cash to pay for the boat right now". The first guy bought it for asking price then promptly drove his truck into the ditch in front of my house, he had never backed up to a trailer before.

I quit selling things from my house after that.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by clancy_boy

FUNNY, pre-computer age (remember when) I had a guy show up to look at a boat, trailer, motor I had for sale. He was first to call on the ad so I gave him first look. It was a "priced for sale" deal.... as in get it out of here - PLEASE price. While he was trying to talk me down, number 2 showed up and waited calmly at the fence so as not to get involved in the attempt to talk me down. When, at last number 2 could take no more he yelled "when he is done looking like a fool I have the cash to pay for the boat right now". The first guy bought it for asking price then promptly drove his truck into the ditch in front of my house, he had never backed up to a trailer before.

I quit selling things from my house after that.

That's hilarious!!!!!!!

[Aviator]

Mr. & Mrs. S,

One thing you may want to try is something along the lines of Skype or Magic Jack when you are traveling the globe. I use a Magic Jack which also includes voice mail. All I need when out of the country is Ethernet/WiFi, and I can make and receive calls from my computer or use the hotel phone handset (that is iffy as some countries do not have a US style RJ11 jack on their phone) It is tied to a US number, so whomever is calling me has no idea where I am. I once did an hour conference call from Dublin and no one was the wiser that I wasn't home in GA. I think, but am not sure Skype offers something similar.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by Aviator

Mr. & Mrs. S,

One thing you may want to try is something along the lines of Skype or Magic Jack when you are traveling the globe. I use a Magic Jack which also includes voice mail. All I need when out of the country is Ethernet/WiFi, and I can make and receive calls from my computer or use the hotel phone handset (that is iffy as some countries do not have a US style RJ11 jack on their phone) It is tied to a US number, so whomever is calling me has no idea where I am. I once did an hour conference call from Dublin and no one was the wiser that I wasn't home in GA. I think, but am not sure Skype offers something similar.

Thanks for the tip, we do have a Skype account and it does offer a phone number and voice mail. Mrs S and I have kinda drifted away from Skype since we both have apple devices which allow us to FaceTime and have better video/audio quality.

I have been accused several times of being an overseas scammer when folks have wanted to meet me directly and I kindly try and explain why I cannot meet with them right now. Some people are very leery now a days due to the high volume of scammers. I can't help what I do, I travel the globe, I try to accommodate them best I can. I've found that this has handicapped me to some extent.
Some people are right now people and this doesn't always work in my favor.

[DKB_SATX]

Are these people just making you offers via email/phone without having seen the Excella? Those people are to be ignored, plain and simple. They are either dumb enough to offer to buy an Airstream sight unseen for more than scrap value, or they're not making a serious offer. There are a very few people I'd consider buying an Airstream from sight unseen, and you're one of them, but that's because I've met you and have an idea of the sort of guy you are... they haven't.

[Aviator]

I too admit drifting away from the Magic Jack. Since I got an iPad 2, I have been carrying that instead of my Macbook.

I mentioned it because of the US number and voice mail function.

[Midnightmoon]

To the original starter of this thread.....I know it's a difficult process selling something like your Airstream right now, but stick with it, you will eventually find the right person. Heck, if you weren't over a 1000 miles away from me, I would be extremely interested.

I've had both positive and negative experiences buying and selling on Craigslist. I've found that things like auto parts, electronics, etc. are much easier to deal with since there isn't as much room for negotation on price and the buyers/sellers are almost always local.

Trying to find a used Airstream on craigslist has been an adventure to say the least for me personally. I unfortunately have become one of those people that will ask for many specific pieces of information and multiple pictures just to keep myself from being led on an other pointless adventure to look at a trailer that was misrepresented by the seller. Last summer, my wife and I dropped everything to run and look at one that the seller neglected to tell us that one side of the trailer was practically destroyed by a tire failure. Another one we looked at was advertised as 100% ready to go only to find out that the fridge didn't work, one of the cabinets was split on the outside, and the floor was so soft in the bathroom that you felt like the toilet was going to fall through the floor the first time you used it. There's nothing like wasting time and money to look at something that I wouldn't even consider having known the real condition.

[starcraft]

I paid $500 at Real Estate class and this is all I learned. Buyer's who buy BUY buyer's who do not buy DO NOT BUY so blank. I take it this way do not work with non buyer's. I have my boat up for sale triple blue book and get weird offers gee yeah I will take 150% less than asking lol. If you get offer and person has not seen unit they have nothing to loose even will back out deals do not waist your time. Real buyer's show up to your door with checkbooks.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by starcraft

I paid $500 at Real Estate class and this is all I learned. Buyer's who buy BUY buyer's who do not buy DO NOT BUY so blank. I take it this way do not work with non buyer's. I have my boat up for sale triple blue book and get weird offers gee yeah I will take 150% less than asking lol. If you get offer and person has not seen unit they have nothing to loose even will back out deals do not waist your time. Real buyer's show up to your door with checkbooks.

Definitely right that real buyers will show up with checkbooks... but I can't resist saying that "150% less than asking" would be you paying them half your asking price to take it off your hands.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

To the original starter of this thread.....I know it's a difficult process selling something like your Airstream right now, but stick with it, you will eventually find the right person. Heck, if you weren't over a 1000 miles away from me, I would be extremely interested.

I've had both positive and negative experiences buying and selling on Craigslist. I've found that things like auto parts, electronics, etc. are much easier to deal with since there isn't as much room for negotation on price and the buyers/sellers are almost always local.

Trying to find a used Airstream on craigslist has been an adventure to say the least for me personally. I unfortunately have become one of those people that will ask for many specific pieces of information and multiple pictures just to keep myself from being led on an other pointless adventure to look at a trailer that was misrepresented by the seller. Last summer, my wife and I dropped everything to run and look at one that the seller neglected to tell us that one side of the trailer was practically destroyed by a tire failure. Another one we looked at was advertised as 100% ready to go only to find out that the fridge didn't work, one of the cabinets was split on the outside, and the floor was so soft in the bathroom that you felt like the toilet was going to fall through the floor the first time you used it. There's nothing like wasting time and money to look at something that I wouldn't even consider having known the real condition.

Thanks for the encouraging post, I too have been on the wild goose chases were in the end the item you find is not the same item that's been described to you.
I'm always very honest with people when they contact them about our trailer, I constantly remind them that it is nearly 20 years old and if they are looking for a Perfect trailer then I would suggest going to a dealership. I do not advertise it as being perfect. I advertise it as good, good to me meaning its 20 years old and has marks or dings suggesting it has traveled the US highways, it has a few pings in the roof suggesting it may have encountered a hail storm, the vinyl decal on the outside does a a place where its missing, but ALL mechanical, electrical, & plumbing components work perfectly. And my floors are solid! If anyone has bought very many of those items then you know those are very costly items.

Bottom line is the last thing I want to do is miss lead someone and they make a long trip just to be disappointed. Especially with today's fuel prices.

So I'm as some have said there's someone out there who will want it, so wait is what I will do.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Mr & Mrs S

Thanks for the encouraging post, I too have been on the wild goose chases were in the end the item you find is not the same item that's been described to you.
I'm always very honest with people when they contact them about our trailer, I constantly remind them that it is nearly 20 years old and if they are looking for a Perfect trailer then I would suggest going to a dealership. I do not advertise it as being perfect. I advertise it as good, good to me meaning its 20 years old and has marks or dings suggesting it has traveled the US highways, it has a few pings in the roof suggesting it may have encountered a hail storm, the vinyl decal on the outside does a a place where its missing, but ALL mechanical, electrical, & plumbing components work perfectly. And my floors are solid! If anyone has bought very many of those items then you know those are very costly items.

Bottom line is the last thing I want to do is miss lead someone and they make a long trip just to be disappointed. Especially with today's fuel prices.

So I'm as some have said there's someone out there who will want it, so wait is what I will do.

You're welcome. I've sold enough over the years to understand how frustrating it can be. A couple years ago, I attempted to sell my wife's former truck on craigslist, only to become so mad that I just ended up trading it in to the dealer. A few thousand more than the dealer offered on trade just wasn't worth the hassle.

Like I said in my last post, your Airstream ad caught my eye here just because it was so complete and open. Add to that all of the upgrades you have done, and I think you have a good airstream that is priced well within reason. You are just going to have to wait for that specific individual that knows enough about these things to appreciate what you are offering. If this was the June when I have some time off and not January where I can't get away for the time required to get down there and back, we would be having a different conversation.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

You're welcome. I've sold enough over the years to understand how frustrating it can be. A couple years ago, I attempted to sell my wife's former truck on craigslist, only to become so mad that I just ended up trading it in to the dealer. A few thousand more than the dealer offered on trade just wasn't worth the hassle.

Like I said in my last post, your Airstream ad caught my eye here just because it was so complete and open. Add to that all of the upgrades you have done, and I think you have a good airstream that is priced well within reason. You are just going to have to wait for that specific individual that knows enough about these things to appreciate what you are offering. If this was the June when I have some time off and not January where I can't get away for the time required to get down there and back, we would be having a different conversation.

Well that gives me hope, I think the deal is lots of folks really don't understand the time and money that goes into one of these. Then they compare the same year and length to a white box unit and they cannot understand why they should go with the Airstream when they can but the white box trailer with a slide out.

Well hopefully I will cross paths with you, or someone that has the views towards Airstreams and their value as you do. Good luck in your search for a trailer. Wish we where close enough to work out a deal.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Mr & Mrs S

Well that gives me hope, I think the deal is lots of folks really don't understand the time and money that goes into one of these. Then they compare the same year and length to a white box unit and they cannot understand why they should go with the Airstream when they can but the white box trailer with a slide out.

Well hopefully I will cross paths with you, or someone that has the views towards Airstreams and their value as you do. Good luck in your search for a trailer. Wish we where close enough to work out a deal.

Yea, me too. I hope you sell it soon to a good buyer. But keep me in mind if you still have it come summer.

A little off topic, but how do you like your 4th gen Dodge? I have 2 3rd gen Cummins powered Rams, an '07 5.9L G56 and an '04.5 48re. Before that, an '01 and a '92. Bought my wife a new 2010 Crew Cab 1500 last year. Just love that truck so far.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Yea, me too. I hope you sell it soon to a good buyer. But keep me in mind if you still have it come summer.

A little off topic, but how do you like your 4th gen Dodge? I have 2 3rd gen Cummins powered Rams, an '07 5.9L G56 and an '04.5 48re. Before that, an '01 and a '92. Bought my wife a new 2010 Crew Cab 1500 last year. Just love that truck so far.

I'll be sure to keep you in mind if its still with me during the summer.
As for our Dodge we absolutely LOVE it!
The ride is wonderful, plenty of room (mega cab), it's got all the power we need, love the exhaust break for the mountains, so far with 12,000 miles we couldn't be happier with our choice.
The fuel mileage is not what the old 5.9 used to be but we knew that before we bought.
The last dodge we had was the 1999 5.9. Dodge REALLY stepped it up with the interior, it's so nice now!

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Mr & Mrs S

I'll be sure to keep you in mind if its still with me during the summer.
As for our Dodge we absolutely LOVE it!
The ride is wonderful, plenty of room (mega cab), it's got all the power we need, love the exhaust break for the mountains, so far with 12,000 miles we couldn't be happier with our choice.
The fuel mileage is not what the old 5.9 used to be but we knew that before we bought.
The last dodge we had was the 1999 5.9. Dodge REALLY stepped it up with the interior, it's so nice now!

I'd much rather be in the 2010 as compaired to my '07 for example. Those seats are just plain uncomfortable after a few hours. The wife and I are planning a ~month long trip from PA to CA and back next summer with our daughter and I jokingly said that I wanted a new truck before we left. The wife gave me that "only if you sell one first" line. Not sure I can part with any of them yet, but I've just got that itch for a new one.

[Mr & Mrs S]

Well going through my emails this morning ( Vietnam time 05:40 hrs ) and I've just finished replying to two different peoples questions about my classified ad.

Q: Does this trailer have washer/dryer hook ups? If so, where are they located?

I knew I forgot to add something in my remodel! Now where could I possibly squeeze those in? Hmmmm!

Q: Is it possible to tow a 22 ft bass boat off the bumper of that trailer?

Sure, get after it buddy!