My Love/Hate Relationship with Craigslist
April 4th, 2007 by matt
I always say that craigslist would be wonderful if it wasn’t for the people who visit it. I swear that 75% of the people who use craigslist are absolute morons.
I’ve recently been listing some computers and older tech items that I’ve been meaning to sell. Here’s an example of one listing I posted:
iBook: 500MHz G3, 384MB RAM, 10GB hard drive, Airport card - $300 - Fairfax
For sale is a 500MHz iBook (white). I’ve upgraded the RAM to 384MB (from 256MB) and added an Airport card. The LCD is perfect with no dead pixels. The computer is running OS X 10.4.8 and is up to date on all software updates (as of 3/11).
As a bonus, I’m including an A/V cable that allows you to hook the iBook up to a TV using the standard red/yellow/white RCA jacks. This allows you to watch DVDs on a large TV or display presentations on a projector.
The iBook includes all software discs and accessories that originally came with the computer.
This computer is in great condition. However, there are two small issues with it. One, the battery is the original and doesn’t hold much of a charge anymore (probably 30 minutes maximum). Two, the charger for the iBook is a little touchy. You have to make sure it’s plugged in just right for the battery to charge. It usually took me 10 seconds or so to find that “sweet spot” for the charger. Once you find it, it’s fine until you move the computer or unplug the charger, then you’ll have to find it again. It’s more annoying than a serious issue. I do not know if it’s possible to fix that issue, but you can certainly buy a new battery.
For more detailed specs on this computer, see http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/stats/ibook_500.html
Cash, USPS money order, or certified check only. I will not accept personal checks. Cash is preferred. The price is firm at this time.
Any questions, please ask. Thanks for looking!
Here is a sampling of the responses I got:
Hi,
My name is Michael and I’m very interested un purchasing your ibook.
Just let me know what would be a good time/place for me to see a short
demo and then purchase it. I really could use this in my class room.
Feel free to call my cell number, 267-xxx-xxxx, or email,
[removed] at your earliest convenience.
Thanks so much.
Michael [removed]
Sounds interested, right? I email him literally 19 minutes later and he never responded.
Here’s another one:
Would you take $250
That’s it. That juuuust barely qualifies as a question. Nevermind the fact that I said the price is firm.
Another:
Hello,
Please I will like to know if your item is still available. I want to buy it for a relative as a gift.Email me or call me as soon as you can so that we can proceed because I’ll be leaving town in few days timeThanks,
Jerry (removed).
# 206-xxx-xxxx
This one was obviously spam. The email address didn’t even match the name used. I think I got this exact same message for each item I posted within 30 seconds of each other. Moron spammer.
Another:
I am interested but the battery and AC worry me. Any flexibility on the price? Thanks, Andy
WHAT PART OF THE PRICE IS FIRM DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND is what I wanted to reply, but I simply replied that I was not flexible on price. He replied:
Mathhew [sic],
Are you in Fairfax? I’ll be in Fairfax Wed. to buy something else. Is it possible to see this laptop? Thanks, Andy
I guess the fact that “Fairfax” is in the title of the listing was not enough for this guy. I replied, but I wasn’t surprised to never hear from him again.
More “fun”:
I’m interested in this computer… Question how much would it cost for a new charger and battery?
Do I look like the answer man? Do your own Googling.
Hello,
I am interested in the laptop - other than the battery issue, is the computer fully functional otherwise?Also, where are you located? The earliest I could do the transaction would be thursday evening.Matthew
Another idiot who can’t read. Both questions were addressed in the listing.
i have 250 cash, will you take it
I have a foot that wants to kick your ass. Will you take it?
Hey interested serious buyer!!!!!!!! $39.99
Hey suck my balls!!!!!!!
HI.
I am interested in your ibook…however, I am not also familiar with mac and
wonder the issue can be fix easily.
So, I am offering you 180.
Just let me know if you think it is ok. Than we can adjust schedule to pick
up. I live in annandale near K-mart. Just let me know.
Thank you.
HI I am not interested in you…however, I am also familiar with idiots like you and wonder if your issues can’t be fixed easily. So, I am offering you nothing. Just let me know if you think this is not ok. Than we can adjust schedule to implement beating. I live in fairfax near your M-om. Just let me know.
is this the new ibook?
How much GB is it?
Can I buy it for $175 cause of the Charger and Battery?
Gee skippy, the page I linked to says which iBook it is. But it’s still an incredibly stupid question because Apple doesn’t make iBooks anymore (they’re MacBooks now). If I had to guess, I’d say it’s about 10 GB too much for you.
Here’s another gem from the guy who barely can phrase a question:
Do you still have it for sell? [sic]
He actually sent me this exact email three times. Three.
will you take 175 and ship to omaha. please
I could only laugh at that one.
Call me 202xxxxxxx. lets talk. Is 200 reasonable.
Your number is now registered with automated spammers. Thanks for playing!
This is what you have to put up with when you list something on craigslist that will generate a lot of responses. At least I was able to sell the iBook to a very nice girl who was very happy to get it.