Would you meet buyer in person?

[facetgirl]

Looking for input on this. I am selling something on LT and the buyer wants to see the item in person. Would you meet- presuming of course its a public setting?

Any words of advice?

Thank you!

 

[aljdewey]

I have done this a few times, both as a buyer and a seller. On either side, I make sure I have someone with me and make sure it's a well-trafficked public place.

 

[autumngems]

I have done this a few times.
Always in a public place, my husband does go with me if it's a high dollar item.

 

[ckrickett]

If you can meet at a police station thats what I would do.

 

[marymm]

I think twice I have been asked (as a DB/LT seller) to meet up in person, but I have declined -- partly due to safety concerns and partly due to the inconvenience/uncertainty factors.

If I had a big-ticket item listed for sale, and prior to purchase a potential purchaser wanted confirmation the item was as it was listed to be, I'd prefer to have an independent appraiser or the like act as middleman.

 

[iluvshinythings]

I'd probably meet someone from DB or LT in person in a public place as long as my husband could go with.

I'd never meet someone from CL or eBay with an expensive item. NEVER!!!

 

[facetgirl]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input here.

I guess my gut is telling me I'm not comfortable, and I don' have someone to go with me, which just adds to that.

 

[PintoBean]

How about dropping it off at an appraiser's office and then having the person view there? Of course, the item would have to be of a $$ amount worth that expense...

 

[azstonie]

I have a friend who meets potential buyers at the bank.

This does not solve the problem of someone waiting for you as you leave the meet place.

I would err on the side of safety, probably not meet up. This is why I've only sold ONE of my cars as a private sale and instead trade them in when I buy the next car.

 

[facetgirl]

I like the idea of meeting at a police station- or even a bank. I'm going to see if I can get a friend to come with me.

 

[VRBeauty]

Some local police stations have set up safe trade areas where people can complete craigslist (etc) transactions. I suspect these are few and far between as yet, but you might check to see whether there's one near you.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I like the idea of meeting at a police station- or even a bank. I'm going to see if I can get a friend to come with me.

Inside a bank located in the affluent side of town.

 

[LAJennifer]

Our local police station offers their lobby for transactions such as these.


ETA: What VRBeauty said.

 

[lknvrb4]

When I sold my original ering I met the buyer at a mall. My husband and son were with me and she had her husband and kids with her. I never felt uncomfortable at all.