Craigslist Purchase. What to do?

[kuntrygirl]

Has anyone purchased any electronics (TV, DVD player, CD player, stereo, etc) from Craigslist? If so, how do you know if the item will last more than 30 days? Do you take the chance and purchase the item? I saw a 32 inch TV for $200.00 on Craigslist. I spoke with the owner but he doesnt have any receipts, warranty paperwork, etc. I'm just a little skeptical about buying items like this on Craigslist. What should I do? What would you do? Can anyone offer any advice or suggestions? Thank you.

 

[michickenwrangler]

If he's not too far, go out and offer $150 cash. Warranties are nice but I used to work with someone who had been an appliance salesman and he confided that those warranties are mostly useless anyway, nothing happens within the covered time and it's extra money for the company. Try it out, if you have a friend or relative that's electronic savvy, take that person with you to look at it, plug it in, check it over. How old is it?

 

[nerfy]

You don't know. I feel the majority are honest, and you get what you pay for. My family has dealt and bought a lot of items from there. One was a riding lawn mover that runs great.
My MIL found a dishwasher on craigs list, it was in like new condition. He even delivered it to her house.
Craig's list is an as is purchase.

 

[kuntrygirl]

he said it's brand new. that's what the ad says as well.

 

[rainplace]

The first thing I always do when buying something off of craigslist that I am unsure about is to google the exact model and make of what it is. If it's brand new you can then see what it goes for retail. Then I google the name and model followed by the word "review."

 

[fordmommy]

We use craigslist a lot. But I would be sceptical on "brand new" and whatever price. If the person didn't want it and it was "new" they could just return it for full price. Why would they sell it to you at a loss????It sounds fishy to me.

Usually if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Just my opinion.

 

[Chickenmaven]

Hey, you are taking a chance. Follow your gut and do not be afraid to back out.
But you could get a good deal. I sold a great washer & dryer on CL. My hubby just had to take advantage of a sale... whatever. The new machines are nice and I was able to give a "steal deal" to a couple who was buying for a family from their church.

 

[Countrywife]

also be aware that craigslist is used a lot to get rid of stolen goods.

 

[ChickensRCool]

If they are truely selling a new YV for $200, its stolen.

 

[MandyH]

I agree with the above post, if it's really new it's probably hot. BUT with that being said, a lot of people are selling things because of the economy and they need the money. With Christmas getting closer there's NO telling what all you may find listed. My thoughts on it are, if you need it buy, if you're scared of it don't. You are not legally bound to buy it if you check it out and don't want it. I use Craigslist a LOT, but mainly deal with local folks. Also, most electronics have a sticker on the bottom, back or side that give a manufacture date just look for it.