Craigslist Barter Section

Ever since Barter Kings came out, I've been listing more of my items in the barter section of Craigslist. I usually get several responses but it's almost always some guy looking to low ball me. It's like everyone I talk to is trying to be like the guys on Barter Kings. I'm just looking for a trade of equal value but can't seem to attract any serious offers.

Perhaps I'm just doing something wrong. Does anyone have any tips?

Yeah, don't post in barter. People think that their stuff is worth more just because they own it.. If you're willing to take a trade, post in for sale, with a sale value and put "or trade for XYZ"

I'm amazed. I posted the RV I bought in the barter section and I have been getting some pretty decent offers. The last three offers are:

1. A 1985 Honda Enduro 500, a older Dixon zero turn mower with an 18 hp engine and a 2005 Murry ride mower.

2. A 2004 Dodge Stratus with 100K mi.

3. A 1994 mobile home that is in average condition but needs repairs in one bathroom.

I'm considering the last two. The stratus is worth at least 3 grand and I'm only asking $2500 for the RV. The reason I know is I've bought and sold two 2004 Stratus this year. The mobile home is tempting because I could buy a cheap piece of land and turn it into a rental property.

1994 isn't terribly old either, if it was cared for..

I love a good barter

I tried the barter section but no luck.  I might try placing a cheap item on there and try to move up.

Bartering is real tough now because people are onto the game since the show came out and that red paperclip story. Everybody wants to give up nothing for something of value. I'd much rather trade cash for my stuff..

I think that the peoblem for me is that I just want to sell my stuff.  I don't need other peoples junk...

I think that the peoblem for me is that I just want to sell my stuff.  I don't need other peoples junk...

I agree.

I've tried to barter when other post "I have....."

Not much came of it.   Everyone thinks their stuff is gold.

I think homegrown is right, everyone thinks their item has a higher value than the next persons. I personally love the barter section, I was on the barter section like 10 years ago before people knew what bartering was. I used to make beanbag toss games aka cornhole games. It probably cost me about $12 in supplies to make a game but this was before every store was selling cheap plastic and bolsa wood crap versions. The only way you used to be able to find them was driving down the road and seeing them in someones yard or maybe at a flear market. They went for anywehre from $75 to $200 depending on the type of wood, hinged or not, designs, lights, etc.

Anyhow, I used to trade them for all types of good stuff, great tickets to sporting events and concerts, etc. Basically what cost me $12 in supplies I could trade for almost $400 worth of tickets. Why? Because one mans junk is another mans treasure. Most of the guys I traded tickets with got them for free from work so the tickets meant nothing to them in terms of csot but a beanbag game for their tickets was a $100 item tehy didnt have to spend a penny out their own pocket for. On the other hand I could take my gf and a few buddies to a sporting event that would have cost $400 and it really only cost me $12 and an hour or two of my time.

Bartering can be a pain but you can often get more bang for your buck than selling. The thing that annoys me is the people who dont have one item worth anything so they try to send lists.

For example...Sorry I dont have $500 to buy your motorcycle but I do have....

1 laptop plug for a hp netbook
lamp
dog crate
origional xbox
3 playstation controllers
ipod nano

and basically just give you a long list or random and worthless crap

I think that's when it works bet, when someone has a skill or an ample supply of something.

Not thru CL but I trade autobody work and details all the time. Autobody &  Detailing is one of those things that your not not really paying me for my time.  Your paying for my knowledge and my tool set and chemicals. 
 

But more towards what Rules said, I bartered show tickets all the time for way less values items.  I worked at the venue.  Part of my compensation was free tickets to every event for friends/family or business. Meant for networking.  You know, give he owner of a resturant tickets then when we need a catering job with only 24 hours notice he is more willing.
  I couldn't, by contract, sell them but trading them was one of those grey areas.  Owner would say we couldn't <wink,wink>.
By doors open if no one was using them I'd trade (some shows up to $500 value) for just about anything.
I gave four tickets to Daft Punk to a guy for bringing me some Burger King......

I decided to check out the bartering section in my area.. I don't know if I'm just not a boating enthusiast, but I don't think this boat is worth the $500 in trade value he's asking for.. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bar/4037290736.html

I couldn't see trading a gun, or anything "manly" for this POS boat.

Not too bad of a price.  Maybe he will trade it for another boat?

I don't know if I'm just not a boating enthusiast, but I don't think this boat is worth the $500

I'm with you on that one, I wouldn't pay $50 for it, let alone $500.

I'd much rather trade cash for my stuff.

Absolutely, it's the universal common denominator.