Craigslist

[ZYX]

Do any of you have experience from buying off of Craigslist? I really want a Nikon D3100 camera, and there are two really good deals in the Tulsa area listed. I'm just worried that I would end up getting one of those people who posts fake pictures and lies about everything. I know I can meet them somewhere, and definitely would before I bought it, but do most people seem to be okay with you looking over their product before you commit to buying it?Sorry for my rambling, I've just got a lot of questions.

[Ed W]

I think Craigslist has some good tips, like always meet in a public place because the seller knows you'll be carrying cash.  Download the D3100 manual from Nikon so you'll know how it's supposed to work - and if it doesn't work - walk away.

A new one with a kit lens from Adorama or B&H Photo is right around $650, so rule-of-thumb for a used one is half that.

[TUalum0982]

Do any of you have experience from buying off of Craigslist? I really want a Nikon D3100 camera, and there are two really good deals in the Tulsa area listed. I'm just worried that I would end up getting one of those people who posts fake pictures and lies about everything. I know I can meet them somewhere, and definitely would before I bought it, but do most people seem to be okay with you looking over their product before you commit to buying it?Sorry for my rambling, I've just got a lot of questions.

I have sold sporting event tickets, concert tickets and also a wii on craigslist.  Everytime, I met them somewhere local, usually at a Quiktrip.  I have only allowed one person in my house and that was to sell the wii.  I wanted to physically show them it worked and there were no problems. 

I would suggest meeting somewhere like a QT or walgreens parking lot.  Exchange vehicle info over the phone so you know what to look for.  generally speaking, the scams and fake pictures are generally in regards to vehicles, not things like cameras, electronics, etc. 

[BKDotCom]

what they said.
If the seller responds and sends you to a website that only accepts a pre-paid credit card as payment...
well, that transaction isn't going to end well

Craigslist is built for fact-to-face transactions.  Meet theme somewhere and check out the merchandise.

[sgrizzle]

I buy on CL all the time. Other than a bluray player that crapped out, the products have been fine. I've had a few buyers and sellers flake out, but that's it.

[Conan71]

I've bought and sold via CL.  It has the increased benefit over buying off eBay of being able to see and test an item before you use it.

[godboko71]

I've bought and sold via CL.  It has the increased benefit over buying off eBay of being able to see and test an item before you use it.

Plus no listing fee, Plus no shipping (generally, lazy buyers don't count) plus plus plus.

[Gaspar]

. . .and you have a fairly low chance of getting murdered or raped.

[ZYX]

Thanks for all the infor guys, and Gaspar, its not like I'll be meeting them in a cornfield...