Selling our playset on Craigslist...Is there anything I should know?

[A.J. at J.A.]

This is the first time I've used Craigslist and we are selling our wooden playset for $900. I have a man who is interested and wants to come look at it tonight. I told him I would like to be paid in Cash only (Craigslist said to avoid Cashier's Checks and money orders which can be faked). If he wants it and wants to pay tonight and pick up the playset next weekend, do I need to have him sign some contract or something? You know, something saying he takes the playset - as is and once he has paid he needs to pick it up by such and such date? I'm just thinking ahead, what if he pays me tonight and then on Wed decides he doesn't want it, doesn't pick it up and then expects me to give him his money back.

Am I worrying over nothing? Have any of you dealt with anything like this before? :confused:

Thanks!
Angela

[CynthiaOK]

I just sold our Rainbow playset on Craigslist. The lady who purchased it was from out of town. I thought the best option for both of us was to use paypal. She sent the funds via Paypal, then picked up the playset the next weekend. This alleviated the need for her to drive out twice (to pay, and to pick up). Also, it confirmed for her that she had indeed paid, and I knew that the funds were actually real. It worked out great for all of us.

[A.J. at J.A.]

But isn't that a little risky for the seller, because what if the buyer decides they didn't like what they got and they try to go through paypal with their "buyers protection." I've just heard people getting messed around with that so I was leary of using paypal.

ETA: I think this man lives in the area so it isn't too difficult for him to come twice. I can see where that would have been convenient in your situation and I'm glad it worked out well for you guys!

Angela

[CynthiaOK]

I took quite a few pictures of the item and described it in detail. The only way Paypal will refund the buyer's money is if the item was grossly misrepresented. I just went through that with Paypal on a purchase I made through ebay. It was grossly damaged and represented as "like new". I took pictures as well as copies of the original description. Paypal refunded me the money after it was proven that I had returned the item and she received it as in the original condition.

If your buyer decided against the item, he would have to return it to you (verified by paypal) in the original condition - so you'd only be out some inconvenience anyways. I think the headache of that would deter anyone from placing a claim.

As long as the pictures match the description, you should be fine.

Also, cash would work as well if you give him a receipt with a date of expected pick up. Tell him it must be picked up by _____ date. You sign it and he signs it. I didn't want to do a check because of the headache it causes when/if it bounces.

[A.J. at J.A.]

Totally sweet couple came tonight to see it with their 4yr and 2yr sons (and she's expecting another boy in October). They can't do the $900 but we're waiting to see what they offer.

I would feel great about them taking it, they were such a cute young family and their boys loved the playset. I just checked email and we have another nibble so that is a good sign too.

Thanks for the advice earlier!
Angela

[lighthouseacademy]

I think with something like a play set, I might be inclined to write something up like, the buyer is solely responsible for insuring the safety of the play equipment and its use after the sale. And then have it signed with a paid in full note at the bottom or something like that.