[Boatanchors] Craig's List

[bdm0221 at aol.com]

David,

I have used Craigslist extensively for several years for electronics, 
household goods, and boating items and have never had a problem. Never any 
charges. I use the Ham oriented sites too.

If cash payment is not made in person, I specify PayPal, get the buyer's 
phone number, and talk with him to get a feel for the transaction. If a Money 
Order, my bank can verify it in a couple of minutes on the spot. In fact 
they mandate it before cashing.

About 80% are local and 20% have been from other areas of the US for both 
sales and purchases.

You will get all sorts of strange responses asking if the price is correct, 
repeating your ad's first line with a question mark, and silly questions 
that are worded by someone who does not speak English as their first language.

I generally place ads that states IN CAPS (next to the price),
-------------------
"To avoid any unsolicited email ploys:"

If you are interested in this item, please contact me through Craigslist by 
email and mention in your message:
.........THIS ITEM
.........A PHONE NUMBER I can reach you at 
.........YOUR FIRST NAME
-------------------

This seems to take care of most problems and I don't reply or give my email 
address out unless things look legit. I've found some sellers who list a 
number and request you call rather than email them, but I don't do that.

For searching around the US, I use "Search All Craigs"

     http://www.searchallcraigs.com/

BTW, eBay owns a major part of Craigslist.

Interestingly, I just shipped a "real" Boatanchor along with 150 ft. of 5/8 
in. anchor line and some chain to a fellow boater on the East Coast this 
morning.

Brian