HELP! Please. How to handle more than one potential buyer on CL

[cmdunn1972]

I had not one, but TWO people who wanted to by the item I recently posted on CL. The one who responded first via email was also slower to respond to my follow-up email, and I couldn't get a hold of her over the phone number she left either. So, I contacted the second person, who was very interested.

How do I let her know that she missed the boat by not being quick enough with the follow through? I hate to appear like a cutthroat jerk, but prompt follow-ups are important since I want to deal with the person who seems most interested.

[Globetrotter]

Just email #1 and tell them sorry, since you didn't hear from them, it was sold to someone else. I've gotten muliple offers before, many times, and I usually go with the most enthusiastic buyer LOL

However, I usually give #1 a deadline in advance. Something like: "I have several people who are interested. If I don't hear from you by tonight, I will sell it the next person." I think that's fair!

Kris

[Wife_and_mommy]

nak

i'd sell it to whoever got there and paid first. you can't be expected to sit and wait in case #1 wants it. maybe send an email saying it sold due to person's non-response to cyb.



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[punkrockmama]

Yep, I would just be straight up and say you snooze you lose (in a nice way,lol).

Just say that it has already been sold as you did not hear back from her in a timely manner.

[cmdunn1972]

Thanks, all of you, for your advice!

I sent her an email saying, simply, that the items were already sold. (This was after calling her this afternoon and getting only voice mail.) She wrote back, "Why didn't you call?" to which I responded, "I did. You didn't answer the phone."

FTR, I can't wait to get these things out of my house at this point. ;)

[DrSally]

I like this approach. I contacted a seller immediately upon posting her item and she replied that it was still avai. I contacted her about arranging a pickup time, and then didn't hear from her. When I contacted her back, she had set something up with another person. I thought that was poor ettiquite. Luckily, the other person never followed through, so I got it, but I felt like giving her a lecture on CL ettiquite.

[kijip]

I always make it clear in my emails that the first cash in hand gets it. it is totally fine to respond to the first person and say "I was not able to reach you so I went with another buyer. Good luck finding another (item) to buy!"

[fauve01]

sorry to barge in and i apologize for the hijack, but i can't stand it~ what is CL? I am sure it is obvious and as soon as you tell me i will be hanging my head in *DUH* shame.



TIA~

Anne

[kellyotn]

www.craigslist.com, basically a free online classifieds. :)

[fauve01]

AHHH! DUH! thank you so much. :-)

Anne

[cmdunn1972]

Thanks for answering Anne's question for me! I was at playgroup and couldn't get to it. :)