Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Advertising on Craigslist

A large majority of the goats I've sold has been through ads I've placed on Craigslist.  It's a great way to reach lots of people.  For those of you who aren't familiar with it, you choose a city (or cities) to advertise in and list them under a specific topic.  I list the goats under Farm and Garden.  I'm one of the many who check Craigslist every day (farm and garden in at least 4 different cities) just to see what people are selling. 

Two days ago I listed 2 ads for some goats.  It's time to slim down before more babies are born.  I've received responses from 2 different people, both of whom I won't reply to.  One of them says, "call me about your goat".  Well, that's not the kind of person I'd sell to.  I want someone who asks questions and shows a real interest and also has some manners.  The next one was a real doozy.  I have to copy and paste it so I get it right. 

Hello,

l really appreciate your response to my email. I want you to
consider it sold, please do withdraw the advert from CL to avoid
disturbance,anyways I don't have time to come over to take a look
because of my Business but you don't need to bother yourself with the
shipment, I'll take care of that by engaging the services of a mover,
hence I'll be sending a Certified check and it will be delivered to
you via United Parcel Service (UPS), so I'll need you to provide me
with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the check.
First Name.........Last Name.......
Street Address ...........................
City, State, Zip Code ......................
Cell Phone Number ...........................
Actual Amount of the Good ......................
Note that the payment will be shipped to your address via UPS NEXT DAY
AIR SERVICE and I will like you to know that you will not be
responsible for shipping i will have my mover to come over as soon as
you have cashed the check..........Best Regards.

I don't even know what to say about that.  Talk about impersonal, not to mention suspicious.  I like the remark, "you don't need to bother yourself with the shipment".   And also, "I don't have time to take a look because of my Business".  

I've also bought things through Craigslist.  My responses probably give too much information instead of not enough.  They might sound like this.  "I'm interested in the goat you have for sale.  Is it still available?  Can you tell me more about it?"  It usually gets into how I spoil my animals and on and on as the emails continue.  I'd like the person to know I'm really interested in giving their animal a good home. 

It's hard to tell what's a scam and what's not but I'll continue to advertise this way because I've met many nice people who are just using it like I do, like reading the classifieds. 

5 comments:

  1. Unbelieveable. At least it's good for a laugh or three.

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  2. Total scam. I've gotten a number of ad responses like that. I'm sad for the people who actually fall for that sorta thing (and you know they're out there...).

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  3. Funny...but your right....Mike ps. I saw your ads and knew it was you...LOL

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  4. So odd! But I am puzzled at what kind of scam involves purchasing goats - too weird.

    Phyllis

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  5. I understand the intent may be to elicit a reply and then send a bad check, followed by an email apologizing that the scammer's secretary wrote the check for too much and asking the recipient to send a check for the difference. The recipient's check clears, the scammer's check bounces, and the scammer has "made" some money. Or he might simply want to disrupt someone else's life and sit back, a gleam in his eye, thinking/knowing some "fool" has fallen for his trick.

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