I hate Craigslist

For many years we have loved Craigslist. While living in New York we: found two of our apartments, Jeanette's job, a couch, and more. We also got rid of most of our furniture that we didn't want to keep before we moved to Tennessee. We almost bought a van to bring our stuff to Nashville (before we wised up and realized that was a stupid idea). Now in Nashville, Craigslist has had some good things. We have found great garage sales. We bought a Joovy stroller and some other small things. But my recent experience has driven me to hate Craigslist.

I recently posted an ad to sell 8 different cans of baby formula which we won't be using. There are 4 of one brand(I'll call SA) and a single can of 4 other brands. Each one would cost around $15 in a store, but I was asking for $40 for the set(for those who struggle with math that $5 a can). I also listed the size of the can and the expiration date. I thought that was pretty straight forward and easy.

The inquiries started early with a question from SS as to whether I would just sell the four SAs. I replied that I would take $20 for the four. Then RC wrote and asked the same thing. I held off replying to RC waiting to hear from SS. No response by the next day so I sent the same message to RC (4 cans for $20). No response from RC either. Four others wrote with similar questions about breaking up the set. To each one I replied that would take $5 for a single can. No responses from any. I wonder why that is. Do they have trouble with the math that $40 divided by 8 is $5? Are they surprised that I want some money for the cans and I don't want to just give them away to some idiot I have never met? Are they cruising Craigslist for just any free can of formula they can track down? Did they realize they don't really even have a baby and have no need whatsoever for formula? The world may never know.

This morning things got ridiculous with two different people asking for two different individual cans. AS e-mailed and gave a number to text with information. Here is the exact text conversation:
ME: Regarding Craigslist formula, I will take $5 for (formula). Can you come this evening? Russell
AS: How many oz? (As you will recall I posted this on the ad.)
AS: And is it sealed?
ME: It is sealed and unopened. The size of the can is on the listing and I don't have it in front of me. I know its around 12 oz. (Do you think she thought I was being sarcastic? Besides who would sell an open can of formula?)
AS: Ok um have to talk to my husband and wat time n where I will let u kno for sure asap
ME: Ok, call me if you decide you want it and I'll give you our address. (I wrote our general location.)
AS: Ok we live close thanx
time passes
AS: Ok wat time is good
ME: I'll be home around 6. My address is (I write my address). (I always use proper capitalization and punctuation when I text. At least I try to.)
ME: I'm home. Let me know if you need directions.
AS: Well I won't b comin today sorry ill let u kno if or when thanks

Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath to hear from her.

I also received an e-mail from FC about a different can. I replied that I would take $5 for it (notice a trend?). She asked if I would take $3 for it. I should have told them to jump off a cliff, but I'm ready to get rid of these cans so I said yes. Shockingly enough, FC's husband came and got the can. He paid the $3 (though I saw the inside of his wallet and he definitely could have paid $5). I honestly wasn't trying to sneak a peak at the inside of his wallet, but he just about held it open for me to see inside. It really isn't a huge deal that I only got $3. I mean its two measly dollars, but really, it's a brand new can of formula. Did they feel like they won a prize for getting it for two dollars cheaper? Is that two dollars the difference between dinner tonight and going hungry? Are they using that two dollars to start their baby's college savings account that will hopefully mature one day to pay for him to slack off and cut classes? Are they putting that two dollars into the lottery to hope to get their dream house? Again, I don't know, but don't think I could care less.

So there is my experience. Craigslist in Nashville is stupid and waste of time. But if you want 7 cans of formula for $35, let me know.