TexasCHLforum.com

Last night my daughter calls and asks me to come over about 7:30 as she has some people coming to pick up a TV she sold on Craig's List.

Her boyfriend (also a CHL Holder) and I are there to greet the folks as they arrive. Both of us were carring, concealed of course. It turns out they are nice people. The money is paid, we help load the TV in their Pickup and they are on their way.

I was glad she called because you just never know who is looking at Craig's List these days.

I agree with her decision to call the two of you in. I have done a LOT of Craigslist selling (and buying) but I have pretty much always insisted on a meeting elsewhere. At this point I have not brought someone to my house nor have I been willing to meet at someone's house. If you are buying/selling furniture or certain things that are harder to move then it might be necessary. I think I'd probably also keep the buyer from seeing inside my house though. Have the two of you carry it outside where they can take a look. Or the garage or something.

I have been stolen from in a CL transaction. It was a theft at night and I did have certain deadly force rights because of that, but the guy and I were standing at his car where I was selling him an iPhone. He agreed to the terms and had to step back into his car to get the money...and he promptly floored it and took off. I wasn't in any danger, my life wasn't threatened, I lost a $250 phone, but there was no need to shoot the guy. So from then on, I prefer to meet inside some establishment like a fast food place, etc. Then its hard to make such a move, there are cameras and other people around, etc. I also don't let someone hold onto the merch and step away either.

And yes, I had plenty of description and license plate, etc. I was able to ID him with the cops in about 5 minutes searching on his computer. His rap sheet was so long (at 24) that we just perused some highlights...Considering that he got arrested approximately every 2 months according to the rap sheet, my incident just went on his Wanted list for the next month or so during his regular arrest. I haven't followed up on what happened with the loser.

It would have been nice if you'd had that app where you could disable and wipe the phone.

Another tip for dealing with craigslist: I use a dedicated "disposable" e-mail address (that doesn't include any part of my name) for all correspondence, and I don't give my cell number until I feel it is a done deal. I've done a fair share of transactions and have had a positive experience with all... but you definitely have to be on guard.

Just the other day I had to convince someone NOT to drive 100 miles round-trip to save $10 on something they could buy at their local Walmart or Target. (Anyone need an electric wine bottle opener!?)

As for giving out a phone number setup a google email/voice account and simply change numbers when done.

Unless it's furniture or something large that requires meeting at a house, I always meet in the local police departments parking lot! I've even notified the dispatch that I will be there meeting someone off CL and they had an officer keep an eye out while the transaction was completed.

This was a 65" rear projection TV so it was big and heavy. I always meet in a very public place and not at night whenever I sell anything on the internet.

Good move dad! If you absolutley must do a transaction at your place of residence ( I personally do not) this is the way to go about it.

Bob in Big D wrote:This was a 65" rear projection TV so it was big and heavy. I always meet in a very public place and not at night whenever I sell anything on the internet.

I normally try and meet inside of a store like bestbuy / walmart when I am selling small stuff or in the parking lot of its larger items that cans till be put in the car eaisly always had good luck and with this approach I can spend the money right away

Good idea on going along with her. Good to know you have a daughter who informs you on such matters as well.

Justin Franklin wrote:Unless it's furniture or something large that requires meeting at a house, I always meet in the local police departments parking lot! I've even notified the dispatch that I will be there meeting someone off CL and they had an officer keep an eye out while the transaction was completed.

I LIKE that one!!! It also helps you build a good rapport with the PD.

I always bring a gun totin' buddy for deals.

gigag04 wrote:I always bring a gun totin' buddy for deals.

On or off duty?