Craigslist Sale, Vehicle. How do you do the $ transaction?

[GCroyle]

Guys,

Might be selling the Dodge M880 via CL. Buyer seems to be in SC but I've never dealt with a CL sale. Looking for ideas for getting paid and not screwing things up. The vehicle is titled.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[seafish]

I believe that the most dangerous part of selling on CL is the chance of being set-up by scammers, either buyers or sellers, thus for high value items I have always liked the idea of meeting at or at least in front of a local police station to complete the sale papers and transaction. Always bring at least one freind and certainly NEVER meet at your home.

Here is a quick and decent article on what one person does--

http://www.debtroundup.com/how-to-sell-a-car-on-craigslist/

And another about car buyer scammers--

http://www.thecarconnection.com/new...obbery-scam-how-to-stay-safe-selling-your-car

 

[GCroyle]

seafish,

One challenge right now, it ain't plated. Can't drive it. It's not a big ticket sale, its an old truck. Could meet at a nearby parking lot for initial handshake.

Gary

 

[jgillott]

I'm no expert, but I have purchased and sold a few things on CL.

Meet in person to do the sale. Assume that the person doesn't exist if you don't see them face to face. On large ticket items or vehicles with a title, meet at a local bank, car dealer, or title store to finalize the deal. Don't simply sign the title and hand it over to the buyer. Make sure that it is properly transferred according to the policy of your state. The last vehicle I purchased on CL was an ATV and the entire Notary bill was less than $30 for them to properly process the paperwork etc. Also, have them witness the transfer of funds if it is cash or if a check, do the process through a bank. One time, I was with a friend of mine when he purchased a truck out of state. The seller arranged with a bank to verify the check, title transfer, etc. all in one stop. It takes a little extra time, but for the small fee it costs, it is worth avoiding the possibility of fraud.

I agree with the above. Don't meet anyone alone or at your home. I usually have at least one other person with me as well as a personal protection device if you know what I mean.

 

[Wayne M.]

I totally agree with J. Meet at a bank who will notarize in case you need it. Def bring backup!

]

 

[JR]

A friend of mine recently sold a dirt bike through Craigslist. Had a guy come to his house to look at it, but claimed it wasn't what he was looking for. Two nights later his brand new log splitter came up missing. He didn't think anything of it at the time but said he noticed the guy was acting a little different, like he wasn't even interested in the bike. That's far from enough proof to know it was him but likely it was. He lives back off the road and even though he stored the splitter outside under his lean to, it was not visible from the road or even the driveway. You would have to get out of your vehicle and walk around back to ever know it was there.

 

[Woodenhead]

When buying vehicles I usually show up armed, with cash and my buddy who is typically armed as well. Obviously CCW, there is no reason for anyone other than me to know I'm packing. Sometimes it can be tough to pull enough cash without giving the bank some notice so I'll get a cashiers check for part, then bring cash to leave flexibility for negotiating. I have gone by myself at times but I always leave information with someone so they know where I went and who I went to see.

Selling I just have them come to my place but don't let them in the shop or house, just my gravel yard. It becomes quite obvious to visitors that not much BS is tolerated here.

 

[Simplysmn]

selling is easy have buyer show up look truck over have him give you Cash no check's . Have him sign a bill of Sale AS IS Where is keep a copy and then your on your way .

 

[Deleted member 995608]

As far as vehicles goes, I've either let them come to my house or go to there's if I'm buying. Vehicles usually have titles so there's virtually no way to hide your address.

Depending what it is, I'm packing heat 99% of the time for CL transactions. I bought take off wheels from a 2014 Ram a few weeks back and accidentally exposed my firearm. Needless to say, it freaked out the seller.