Paying for large Craigslist purchase

[Steve in PA]

I finally found a tractor within my budget in decent shape. The seller and I have negotiated everything including when I will pick it up. It's about 3 hours away from where I sit.

He hang up is that the seller is insisting on cash and I am not comfortable meeting a stranger far away with that much cash. I have offered a cashier's check, but they don't want to deal with the hold on it. I am offering 50/50 cash cashiers, but hey want cash.

Has anyone dealt with this and how did you get around it? The seller does not seem shady, I just am not comfortable with that much cash.

[bajiay]

Because of all of the scammers and such on Craigslist, this is how a lot of people do transactions. Just make sure before you hand over the cash you check that rig over and have all the paperwork. Good luck!

[FarmboyBill]

Be dang careful. I would take the cash and hide it in the truck. Id also take a check. Id tell him that id go with him, IN MY TRUCK to his bank so he could cash it. IF and after that time, he wouldnt take the check, AND IF I thought he was holnest, id then give him the cash.
Id also take a small 25 cal auto with me I could stick in my pocket

[FamilyOfFarmers]

It is more of a risk for them to take anything but cash than it is for you. I agree with above poster- check everything out completely and then pay in cash.

[forphase1]

I buy and sale many things on CL. When buying something large, like a car, I will go inspect the car, and if I like it I ask them to meet me at the bank OR at a very public place with the title and I'll bring the cash. I'd recommend something similar...maybe there would be a gas station or business parking lot where you could see and inspect the tractor or at the very least use that location for the exchange of money for safety.

And I don't blame the seller for wanting cash. There are so many phoney checks out there now, including cashiers checks, that sometimes cash is simply best (Yes, I realize that cash can be counterfeit too). I only accept cash when selling something.

[Nimrod]

How about they drive the tractor into the nearest town? You meet them there, inspect, get peperwork, hand over cash, load tractor on trailor, and haul it home?

[unregistered41671]

I know a man who answered an ad on CL about a forklift. He had cash and went to look at it. He met the seller and got in the seller's truck to ride to another location to see the fork lift. The seller shot him in the leg on the way there, but the guy I know was able to fight and get free and away. The seller tried to shoot him in the chest but he hit the seller but got one in the leg.
I would not sell to anyone without cash. Just be mighty careful where you deal and don't get into a car or truck with them. Forphase1 has mighty good advice on the above post.

[LittleRedHen]

I have bought large things over craigslist and I use cash.. cash only. I will not accept anything other than cash in return when i sell something too. Once I went with $500 alone to get a calf but usually my husband is with me. Anyways, what I do is keep the money in the locked van until I have checked it over and am certain I want it, if I need to negotiate I do it before i fetch the money. Then I go back to my vehicle alone while Hubby stays with seller and I get the exact amount and take it to them where they are. That way they do not see where i got the money. So far never had a problem doing it this way. the more people the better i think in a vehicle to assure nothing fishy will happen and I ALWAYS take my purchase with me immediately

[floyd242]

I actually think it's safer to go to a person's house. Why would someone rob you where they live. I always google the address to make sure it's in a safe area... you can even check tax records to make sure. Also if there's something wrong with the item you have an address instead of just a phone number.

Meeting a public place is safer for the buyer, but not usually the seller... again just my opinion.

[rambler]

This is a tough issue, I understand both sides of it. Just hard to carry big amounts of cash around and be safe, buyers need to understand the other side of it too.

Paul

[Bret]

A friend bought a truck clear across the country. A large nice fifth wheel pulling truck. The price of a small house. It turns out they used the same national bank that helped them pull it all together.

[DarleneJ]

Many cashiers checks are fraudulant. I don't blame the seller.

My husband and I just purchased a tractor and finish mower off of craigslist for $5300 cash only a few weeks ago. I don't even question why someone won't take a check/cashiers check. I certainly wouldn't.

There is always risk involved. For your own safety bringing another person would be wise but you have to go by gut feel. Even if you went to a public place for the transaction you'ld still have to meet him privately to load the tractor. If I were selling the tractor and someone wanted me to go to their bank I wouldn't. For all the same reasons you are nervous and more. ...And don't ever get in the car alone with a stranger. Duh...

It's a bit nervewracking on both sides when a good deal of money is involved. I just grouped the cash neatly in rubber banded groups of 20 20s ($1,000) each and a smaller one of $300. It was clear to him what I handed him. Then I told him to take his time recounting it.

That all being said, I have sold and purchased a lot off craigslist over the years. Some high ticket items as well. I used craigslist the least when I lived in an area that was not safe. It wasn't worth the risk to my wellbeing.

You have to decide if this transaction is worth it to you or if you are fearful for other reasons. I wouldn't let the cash only component sway you though. Unfortunately, it is necessary these days.

You could always ask someone to go. Tell them you'll buy them lunch/dinner for their time. $20 spent on a dinner could make all the difference and help get you over the hurdle. I wish you the best.

[Big Dave]

Have them meet you at the police staion. If they feel insulted SE LA VIE.

[Ramblin Wreck]

What WIHH said above. Most of my Craig's list purchases (including tractors) are with cash, and I understand that from the seller's standpoint. If it's a good seller, they'll understand your desire for security while finalizing the transaction. Doesn't hurt to ask the bank to notarize "stuff" too, even if it's not necessary. A good seller would not mind providing ID and having a bill of sale witnessed/notarized.

[mnn2501]

Bring someone with you

[bluemoonluck]

ITA with WIHH. Meet in the parking lot of a branch of your bank, and as long as the tractor passes your inspection you and the seller go inside and you get the cash right there to hand over to him.

I've met people in bank parking lots before for things like this as a seller. That way when they hand over the cash I can walk right inside and deposit it.

I wouldn't take a cashier's check either...to much fraud

[farmerted]

video tape the whole thing on your phone or camera and tell the person why you are doing it. If they have a problem with that then I would bail, because the only person who would would be someone who is about to rob you.

btw I use craigslist to get jobs have since 2008, and have never had any problems.

[mzgarden]

Summarized from good posts above: Bring cash, bring a friend (pocket-sized ), bring another friend (passenger sized), meet publicly. Leave cash with (passenger-sized) friend, stay in line of sight. Test, load to your trailer, shake hands, trade bill of sale for cash. Allow seller to leave parking lot before you. Happy tractoring!

[Quabbinite]

Meet in a public place, then go to where the tractor is. Bring a friend to "help" and have him hold onto the money. Go to where the tractor is and check it out before you hand over the money. It's normal for people to be apprehensive about CL with all the garbage that's been going on, so I wouldn't doubt that he's legit and having some of the same concerns about you.

[Conhntr]

I alwAys pay/request cash. I also always open carry my 1911. I will meet at someones house but no one crom craigslist is coming to mine.