<p>My dh is selling his Suzuki Burgman Scooter–which I guess is a slightly nerdy motorcycle. Anyway, we listed it on Craig’s List, and somebody nearby is interested, but it occurred to me that I don’t know how to accept payment. I thought a cashier’s check would work, but apparently they’re easily faked–same with money orders. Do I ask somebody to show up with $2500 cash? Also, how do I know they aren’t going to kill me and stuff me in the crawl space? My dh works out of town, and won’t be home for two weeks. If I have a serious buyer, then I’d love to get this done so I can get braces on my middle son’s teeth soon. </p>
<p>People pay cash for a lot of expensive things. I never sold, but I bought a $800 item form a local guy. I showed up with a wad of cash and my H in tow at the guy’s apartment (I had a number of conversations with the seller and checked that the apartment was in a very safe neck of the woods, so I was comfortable with the setup). We also paid $6K cash for one of DD’s cars (before Craigslist).</p>
<p>I’d postpone your sale until you H is home. And it is not just because of security issues. Can you demo the bike to the buyer without your H?</p>
<p>Good point BunsenBurner–I don’t even know how to move it out of the garage. I guess I figured I’d hand him the keys and let him do it. I could ask my neighbor to come over when the transaction is happening. I suppose this sounds greedy, but the guy is in Chicago and I’m afraid if I wait two weeks, he’s going to look out the window at the weather and lose all interest in owning a motorcycle. </p>
<p>I will look at Paypal–though I’m sure there’s a fee involved. </p>
<p>Helenback, if the buyer asks to take the bike for a spin around the block, it would be a good idea to have some provisions in place that he doesn’t disappear with the bike (e.g., leaves something of value in your posession while he is test-driving). “Trust, but verify” is a good motto in such transactions.</p>
<p>I thought of that, but then, he’d be leaving whatever vehicle he drove to get here wouldn’t he? I guess I could ask for his keys. I really should just wait for my dh to be here, but I’m also worried about him getting cold feet. Even though the bike hasn’t been out of the garage more than five times this year, I think it’s hard for him to let go of the dream. I read something once that said, </p>
<p>“We buy books because we believe we’re buying the time to read them.” </p>
<p>Ask to see his drivers license and make a copy of it. </p>
<p>I used to work for a group of auto dealers and that was considered necessary security before a test drive. Then, if they drive away, you can get the authorities on his tail.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cash</li>
<li>Paypal</li>
<li>Make them wait for their check to clear before they get to take the item</li>
</ul>
<p>I sold some expensive fishing equipment for $1,500 on Craigslist (but the buyer ended up from being out of town, so didn’t have to deal with the face-to-face part). But I have sold several other items, and haven’t felt any concern about the people who showed up to get stuff.</p>
<p>I sold a Steinway grand piano on craigslist. Almost $10,000. I expected only locals would contact me, but I was contacted by a dealer - all the way across the country. He dealt in quality piano restorations, and mine needed that. He would make substantial profit restoring and selling.</p>
<p>He proposed to send me a check and allow me to wait until it cleared, which I did - more than a week. Then he arranged to have the piano picked up by national piano movers with whom he dealt regularly.</p>
<p>Bottom line - people realize they have to either pay in cash, use PayPal, or wait for check to clear.</p>
<p>I have sold lots of things on craigslist. Small items to furniture etc in the $300 range (second highest price to my piano, lol). I have never had a scary person come to my home. But I do think it wise to take precautions. When I have been home alone, I have made sure to have a friend on the phone while I answer the door and meet people etc. Or, as someone suggested, “rent-a-neighbor.” My H has been away for most of the times I’ve been selling things, so I get where you’re coming from on that.</p>
<p>My S has sold several vehicles and also many high dollar diesel truck parts. He’s always dealt in cash. As you said, money orders and cert. checks are easily faked. I had a client get taken with one for $50,000 on a Hummer. If you do take cash, buy one of those money marking pens, so you know that isn’t fake either!</p>
<p>The guy who bought my husband’s motorcycle showed up with $2500 in cash. My husband asked for his driver’s license before he took the motorcycle around the block. That was the extent of the security precautions.</p>
<p>When we were trying to sell the car, we did ask for the keys to their car and their driver’s license, but we also just assumed things would be okay. We didn’t sell the car through Craigslist, but we didn’t have any problem, either.</p>
<p>i’ve sold many things on craigslist. largest $ and size item was my fathers pick up truck. the smallest $ item was a pool table. i did have company over when they came to pick up the pool table…i didn’t like the thought of being home alone with strangers coming over.</p>