Arranging shipping for Craigslist purchase?

[Secret Ingredient]

I'm considering purchasing a guitar off Craigslist from out of state. Assuming the seller does not want to be bothered with boxing up the guitar, how does one go about arranging shipping? I'm thinking the seller would take the guitar, in it's case, to a shipping store like Fed Ex. The store personnel would prepare it for shipping. How do I go about getting an invoice from the shipper to pay?

Thanks

[Tim Plains]

Just ask him if he'll ship the guitar to your state. Selling a guitar is tough right now and he may do it as long as he doesn't believe you are one of those craigslist scammers.

[Secret Ingredient]

I figured I would ask. Just hoping to have a plan B in place. Thanks.

[DrOctagon]

Just tell him to please remove the ad and that you will arrange for your shipping company to come pick up the item while you're away on business. He'll know the drill.
Make sure the item is still available, though. Let him know you've been looking for one of the same type for some time now and would be interested in purchasing if the item is as described.

[jb4674]

Get in touch with him over the phone before you tell him you're wanting to get the guitar shipped. If you talk to him on the phone, he'll know you're serious as opposed to stating your wishes on an email.

[arothamel6360]

Just tell him to please remove the ad and that you will arrange for your shipping company to come pick up the item while you're away on business. He'll know the drill.
Make sure the item is still available, though. Let him know you've been looking for one of the same type for some time now and would be interested in purchasing if the item is as described.

I lol'd

[Tim Plains]

To add to DrOctagon's post, make sure you tell him you're an engineer on a oil rig or presently overseas on some first aid mission. :rotflmao

Being serious now, a phone call is key. Give him your phone number and he'll know you're a serious buyer.

[Secret Ingredient]

I talked to him on the phone. Hopefully, it will be in the mail on Monday. I wish there was a better way of buying stuff off Craigslist that has to be shipped. I've used Escrow.com once or twice, but if you add up the shipping and escrow fees, maybe paypal in there too, the cost starts to skyrocket.

I tried to get a guy selling an amp I wanted to use escrow.com. He got upset, and accused me of not being trustworthy. Let's see, you want to have the amp, and my money, both in your possession. I'm suggesting a scenario where neither of us has both the amp and the money in their sole possession at the same time, and I'm the one who isn't trustworthy?

[vortexxxx]

I'd be too afraid of buying something expensive like a guitar from anywhere far away.

[superrock]

in my experience, most reasonable folks will accept $50 or so for their trouble in the shipping gig. i have bought several guitars this way using paypal invoicing to protect myself somewhat, and have not had an issue. if anyone seems :messedup or :nuts they tend to lay that out there before i send any money... but i may be the lucky exception...

[echos]

But, he'll know your not legit....because you spelled everything right and you used correct grammer.

[Secret Ingredient]

It really comes down to the little details and how a person presents themselves. I suppose it's a bit like a first date where each party is trying to figure out the other. At least I assume so. Thankfully, I haven't needEd to go on a first date in 22 years. One of the benefits of monogamy.

[Beng2040]

I lol'd

Me too...

I had a guitar shipped to me after talking to the seller on the phone extensively. I would proceed with caution on Craigslist...lots of a-holes out there. My transaction went really well...got a great guitar at a very good price and made a friend in the process. DEFINITELY talk to him on the phone first.