Is it normal for vendors to refuse to meet you up for weights?

[RemainDieHard]

Are you serious.. Why would anyone want to load up that much weight with the the opportunity of you saying no thanks, not showing, etc.

In the last 2 years I would guess I've had over 200 people pick things up.

THis. If you've ever sold a few things on CL then you've probably had people say they're on their way then flake.

Yeah, it's unfortunate but you just need to use common sense. I tend to stereotype my emails by location, slang, grammar, attitude etc.. Many times I conceal carry. Might be overboard but I don't care, it's my house, my family.

This too. If I don't feel like they're an upstanding person then I'll either just step outside the door and not have them inside my house or garage. Or I meet them somewhere. I CC often but I only make it a point for a CL deal if a lot of cash is involved.

[CropDusterMan]

Damn. Do I need a gun to sell stuff on Craigslist?

That cracked me up.

[obey46]

Damn. Do I need a gun to sell stuff on Craigslist?

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/clt/4488825725.html

Dere u go man.

[Horgleton]

Craigslist is a battlefield.

[cmarti063]

I certainly don't blame Stasher and others for being cautious, but if I would become that concerned for my safety, I need to either cut off communication with the person who is making me feel that way, or I need to quit Craigslist altogether.

Have you every been mugged? How about in a grocery store parking lot? 6 gang bangers vs. 1 white kid aren't good odds. I wasn't there to meet anyone, it was a public place, in the middle of the day. I've carried a weapon ever since. I started toting a knife before I could carry a firearm, but I guarantee that will never happen again. It has nothing to do with Craigslist and everything to do with a few bad apples in the world that won't get a job and think it's okay to take from others, even if they have to cause physical harm to them. 95% of people are decent people, but I don't gamble on never meeting any of those 5%.

[AttyGuy]

Craigslist is a battlefield.

Love is a battlefield. Craigslist is love.

[rlundregan]

Have you every been mugged? How about in a grocery store parking lot? 6 gang bangers vs. 1 white kid aren't good odds. I wasn't there to meet anyone, it was a public place, in the middle of the day. I've carried a weapon ever since. I started toting a knife before I could carry a firearm, but I guarantee that will never happen again. It has nothing to do with Craigslist and everything to do with a few bad apples in the world that won't get a job and think it's okay to take from others, even if they have to cause physical harm to them. 95% of people are decent people, but I don't gamble on never meeting any of those 5%.

I have never been mugged, and I'm sorry that you have. I certainly can't sit here and say that I understand just what a game-changer that experience must have been for you. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

I do understand the need to be cautious. I spend a lot of time walking through rough parts of town as part of my job working with people with mental health issues. I certainly keep eyes on what is happening across the street, the deal that is going down on the corner that I have to walk past, etc. I am often tempted to carry some sort of weapon with me. Speaking for myself, I feel like that would only escalate a situation, and I don't really like my chances there. For myself, I am better off not carrying.

When it comes to Craigslist deals, there is a lot that I can do to minimize the chance of having problems. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a K-9 officer living across the street. I can plan for people to pick up when he is around. For that matter, I try to take clear pictures and give good descriptions in my ads so that people aren't surprised when they arrive. I don't say "OBO" in my ads--I pretty much always agree on what the price will be beforehand whether I am buying or selling.

When someone responds to my ad, I do a little screening--if there is something about the language they are using, I will suggest that we meet somewhere public and busy rather than my home. Same when I talk with them on the phone. And I don't give my address out until they are on their way.

None of the above means that problems can't arise, I'm just saying that there is a lot that we can do to avoid trouble before it starts.

[cmarti063]

I agree with all the above. Aside from flaky buyers, all my CL deals have been cordial and smoothly executed. I'm just saying it's smart to prepare for the one time things don't go as expected.

[rlundregan]

I agree with all the above. Aside from flaky buyers, all my CL deals have been cordial and smoothly executed. I'm just saying it's smart to prepare for the one time things don't go as expected.

Yeah, I totally hear that. I think we just have differing philosophies on how to prepare for those "unknown unknowns"!

[Mech6]

The one problem with carrying a weapon, and I'm not implying this applies to anyone in this thread, is that often the weapon will end up in the other guys hand. Many people don't realize it's not a 100% deterrent for some people out there, and if you're not 100% ready to use it, you really shouldn't have it.

[maltralson]

I have done several deals in good and bad parts of town, and never had any mishaps but I always agree on pricing before I go or people come to my house.

A few people have loaded the equipment up in their trucks then start low-balling so now I need cash in hand before anything leaves my garage.

For the most part here the only firearms anyone has are long rifles so I think if I was going to meet a guy and he was holding a rifle I would turn the other direction.

I agree with everyone else here use your instinct on buying and selling, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back, and I personally never let any buyers in my house (unless its very heavy or I can't lug it out of my basement on my own), I move stuff I have for sale to the garage before they get there.

[buffbrown21]

Some sellers do not want to lug their stuff to a public location for a few reasons-1) buyer may not show and they have wasted their time, gas, and effort. If they meet at seller's home, he can schedule it on his own free time and is not out anything if the buyer flakes and 2) often when the seller has taken steps like loading stuff up and meeting, the buyer will use it to their advantage as an opportunity to lowball. The potential buyer might feel like the seller will not want to pack everything back up and take it back home and will take a lower offer.
Again, these are just possibilities, to me, loading up a few plates and meeting at Wal-mart is no big deal if I want to make a sale.

[Northernmoris]

The one problem with carrying a weapon, and I'm not implying this applies to anyone in this thread, is that often the weapon will end up in the other guys hand. Many people don't realize it's not a 100% deterrent for some people out there, and if you're not 100% ready to use it, you really shouldn't have it.

I trained in Philippino martial arts. During Kali and knife fighting that was the first thing we were told. Most times a knife ends up in the attackers hand.

[AttyGuy]

The one problem with carrying a weapon, and I'm not implying this applies to anyone in this thread, is that often the weapon will end up in the other guys hand. Many people don't realize it's not a 100% deterrent for some people out there, and if you're not 100% ready to use it, you really shouldn't have it.

I trained in Philippino martial arts. During Kali and knife fighting that was the first thing we were told. Most times a knife ends up in the attackers hand.

Which is why if you're going to carry, in addition to putting a miminum of 40 hours and 1000 or so rounds down range in fighting pistol course, you ought to do some weapon retention training and learn how to use personal weapons (arms, legs, head, etc). And last, but not least, if you're not planning on using it, don't pull it out. If I'm breaking leather, I'm putting copper and lead down the barrel. As many rounds as it takes until the threat is no longer a threat.

[Northernmoris]

Which is why if you're going to carry, in addition to putting a miminum of 40 hours and 1000 or so rounds down range in fighting pistol course, you ought to do some weapon retention training and learn how to use personal weapons (arms, legs, head, etc). And last, but not least, if you're not planning on using it, don't pull it out. If I'm breaking leather, I'm putting copper and lead down the barrel. As many rounds as it takes until the threat is no longer a threat.

This.. I have been looking into some pistol classes with a buddy.
Urban Pistol Lvl 1
Length of Course: 4-5 hours
Taught at these locations: Woodland Park, Mobile training for this class is also available.
Course Level: Novice (What's this?)
Course Description:
This tactical pistol course will serve as an introduction to urban pistol shooting for the novice shooter. The course will begin with the fundamentals of shooting on the move into tactical pistol shooting drills.

[crutoi]

This.. I have been looking into some pistol classes with a buddy.
Urban Pistol Lvl 1
Length of Course: 4-5 hours
Taught at these locations: Woodland Park, Mobile training for this class is also available.
Course Level: Novice (What's this?)
Course Description:
This tactical pistol course will serve as an introduction to urban pistol shooting for the novice shooter. The course will begin with the fundamentals of shooting on the move into tactical pistol shooting drills.

this whole conversation actually brings up an interesting point. Did any one have anything happen or know of any one selling gym stuff having something happen, that you feel you need to carry? I do have people come by the house from time to time, but no one ever steps in further then the garage. I find it hard to believe that a craigslist lurker wants to jack some one for $500 worth of weights\dbs... wouldnt it be easier to go after someone selling an iphone or something ???? With all the sellers that carry, do you really feel he need to carry? or is it just a habit? in NJ, laws are tuffer then other states i guess for carry

[cmarti063]

And last, but not least, if you're not planning on using it, don't pull it out. If I'm breaking leather, I'm putting copper and lead down the barrel. As many rounds as it takes until the threat is no longer a threat.

This is the gist of it.

[Stasher1]

this whole conversation actually brings up an interesting point. Did any one have anything happen or know of any one selling gym stuff having something happen, that you feel you need to carry? I do have people come by the house from time to time, but no one ever steps in further then the garage. I find it hard to believe that a craigslist lurker wants to jack some one for $500 worth of weights\dbs... wouldnt it be easier to go after someone selling an iphone or something ???? With all the sellers that carry, do you really feel he need to carry? or is it just a habit? in NJ, laws are tuffer then other states i guess for carry

In the Atlanta area, home invasions, muggings, car jackings, and armed robbery are fairly common occurrences. I'm armed at all times.

[Cleveland33]

this whole conversation actually brings up an interesting point. Did any one have anything happen or know of any one selling gym stuff having something happen, that you feel you need to carry? I do have people come by the house from time to time, but no one ever steps in further then the garage. I find it hard to believe that a craigslist lurker wants to jack some one for $500 worth of weights\dbs... wouldnt it be easier to go after someone selling an iphone or something ???? With all the sellers that carry, do you really feel he need to carry? or is it just a habit? in NJ, laws are tuffer then other states i guess for carry

all the instances I have heard of seem to fall into electronics. Gear is just too cumbersome I would think for someone to try it. That said, better safe than sorry.

If I had a garage I would have felt different about it, but I don't. With the basement they need to walk in and through the house and all that nonsense, carrying stuff up and down stairs. It was just so much easier taking less money but being done in one fell swoop.

[Horgleton]

Kriegslist.

[morebarbell]

Love is a battlefield. Craigslist is love.

Always be careful when meeting at a cabaret or your honkin' days could be done.

[aclockworkoi]

[morebarbell]

[Horgleton]

"Your choice, gringo — the iron, or the lead."

[buffbrown21]

Which is why if you're going to carry, in addition to putting a miminum of 40 hours and 1000 or so rounds down range in fighting pistol course, you ought to do some weapon retention training and learn how to use personal weapons (arms, legs, head, etc). And last, but not least, if you're not planning on using it, don't pull it out. If I'm breaking leather, I'm putting copper and lead down the barrel. As many rounds as it takes until the threat is no longer a threat.

As a law enforcement officer and firearms instructor, I agree with this 100%. And I would add, this amount of training should be done at least once per year.
Standing in front of a paper target and punching some holes in it absolutely will NOT prepare anyone for a true violent confrontation where you use a firearm. Doing that sort of training (standing and shooting paper) is fun and you can use it to do things like improve accuracy, but there MUST be some stress drills, clearing malfunction drills, moving/taking cover drills, combat reloads, weapon retention drills, and so on or you will not really be prepared.
And I absolutely agree that if the time comes when you have to pull a firearm, USE IT. Do not hesitate.

I also agree that a firearm and firearm training alone is not the magic answer to any confrontation. Hand to hand self defense could be the critical life or limb saver needed when the firearm cannot be used (for whatever reason).

[CropDusterMan]

Holy cow, this thread went down a direction the OP probably never though of...

We should form a "Craigslist Shoppers Guide to Weapons and Tactics" thread.

If any of you are in the San Diego area, I am available for aerial recon of the area
prior to you meeting up with the buyers or sellers.

;o)

[morebarbell]

I have all craigslist buyers strip searched by my cleaning lady before they enter my home. She's very thorough... but not very gentle.

Seriously though... this thread has reinforced the idea that it's best to meet Craigslist people in a public location where there will be lots of people (witnesses).

[dskoo65]

I have all craigslist buyers strip searched by my cleaning lady before they enter my home. She's very thorough... but not very gentle.

you got anything for sale? I can be there in an hour.

[morebarbell]

you got anything for sale? I can be there in an hour.

[Northernmoris]

Seriously though... this thread has reinforced the idea that it's best to meet Craigslist people in a public location where there will be lots of people (witnesses).

How do you come to that conclusion?