Why is craigslist stuff so overpriced??

[BEphoto]

I hit up craigslist just about every day to see what all photo gear is for sale in my area, and hope to come across a good 40D at a price i cant pass up.

However, every day it seems there are SO many things on there that are just ridiculously overpriced! Things go for hundreds more than on here, POTN, or FM. Even people that seem like they are legit photogs still have stuff way more than any other used prices ive seen.

I can understand overpricing consumer electronics like cell phones, car amps, and that kind of thing due to people just buying on impulse. It seems like with camera gear that you would at least do some research beforehand if you are going to plop down several hundreds or thousands of dollars. I recently saw an XT with non-is kit lens with the asking price of nearly $900!

Anyone else noticing the same thing, or am i just being idiotic?

This is just me being picky and finally ranting about it. Maybe I'm just bitter because i havent yet found that 40D ive been searching for locally!

[swanny338]

Less demand on Craigslist and more uninformed buyers.

On FM, takes a second to search an item to find how much it is going for at any given time. People who post on craigslist aren't necessarily looking at FM and TPF for guidance on price. Heck, they may not even know of websites like these.

[klynam]

Many people are loosing work, selling extra stuff, hoping to get "what they paid" or very near it.

Then there are the professional "sellers" praying on the uninformed with common bargaining: Start with a rediculously high price, and let someone work you down. They feel like they got a bargain, and you got more than you should have in the first place.

???

[joedanger11]

Interesting... I have found that craigslist has been a cheaper alternative to most places I've looked. TPF, ebay...

Whats "FM"?

[photonewb]

2 things...

First it's a sentimality issue. People become attached to their property and when it's time to part with it don't think it has lost as much value as it really has.
Second is marketing to the uneducated. I know that was the biggest reason I chose to sell my D80 on CL. I saw what others were listing theirs for, and saw the price difference for the ones being sold here. I feel I managed to make slightly more money on CL than I would've here and sold it in much less time.

Craigslist is not a bad place, but just be careful as there will be scammers and many uneducated people. You'll also deal with a lot of low ballers and offers of "home audio equipment" or "car modifications" etc. people seem to think that for sale means "or make me a trade offer".

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by joedanger11

Interesting... I have found that craigslist has been a cheaper alternative to most places I've looked. TPF, ebay...

Whats "FM"?

http://www.fredmiranda.com/

[toverman]

I've found a couple of good deals on CL. Just like eBay, though, if the deal seems TOO good it probably is. Agree that in most cases, a legit item that's overpriced is being offered by an uninformed seller. I check it too, particularly the bicycles and boats in addition to the photo equipment.

Craigslist is now America's Garage Sale. Sometimes there are surprising deals, other times it's just crap.

[klynam]

I've been looking at cars on CL lately - for my 16yr old daughter - everything in our price range has been one big problem, wrapped in an even bigger lie.

It really hurts one's faith in humanity to encounter person after person after person who really have no idea what honesty and integrity mean.

You hear all the politicians talking about this lie/cheat/steal/grab-everything-you-can-for-yourself mentality with the corporate and financial leadership of America.

What a joke - it's everywhere man; all the way down to sellers on CL...

[Supermanny]

I think they use the formula (Wolf Camera Price) - 10%

[gtakacs]

I think it's called basic economics. Supply and Demand. Or something along those lines.....

[photostein]

Sounds like Craig's list is a good spot for a good business man with some equipment to sell. You know when I see posts like this, I get that "hair standing up on my back" feeling of liberalism trying to get people to "fairly" price their stuff; but I digress.

If you are on the other side, you know where to go.

[crazeazn]

ifs too pricy move along!

[timbertoes]

lol, on CL's I recently got 3 (yes 3) Nikon N80's for $38 each. One for me, one for a friend, and an extra for...something/someone.

[knowimagination]

Yeah it can be overpriced a lot and so many people check it out that the legit good stuff goes quick...

I was recently searching for a first gen iphone (thanks abel) and on CL the only iphones priced below 300 are broken ones! I eventually just stopped looking.

[cagirlintexas]

I think people price things higher on craiglist because they do expect people to negotiate with them. I always leave room to come down when I sell on craiglist.