It could be time intensive, but once you started buying things for 1$ in small claims court and flipping it could potentially pay off... 
With the same people listing things like that one would think that it would be easy to convince a judge that the listing was not a typo.
Has anyone ever tried this? I would not know where to start, and besides I have a day job.
Just wondering.
I don't follow. Whacha mean?
DrBoost said:I don't follow. Whacha mean?
Same here.
Folks post stuff for $1 in the price, but really want much more.
eg. 1999 Civic Si price: $1
description, blah, blah, asking $7500
Are you talking about the many ads that have $1.00 in the heading but they really aren't selling it for that amount, and taking them to court if they won't actually sell you that thing in the ad for $1.00?
Wait...a CL ad is leagally binding? Who knew ?
A lot of times this is done on FB because the FB algorithm won't let you list a higher price than it thinks is appropriate for your particular car. You civic example is a good one. A normal 99 civic is usually only worth $1k-$3k. I nice 99 SI is certainly worth a lot more but FB doesn't know the difference between a beat up 200kmi civic DX (vast majority of 99 civics) and a nice low mile 99 SI.
stuart in mn said:Are you talking about the many ads that have $1.00 in the heading but they really aren't selling it for that amount, and taking them to court if they won't actually sell you that thing in the ad for $1.00?
Yes, that is what I mean.
Someone has had to actually try this.
I would have to read through the terms of use, but I don't think there is a leg to stand on. I do know that the pricing laws that we're referring to apply to commercial sales. If WalMart has a $1 clearance tag on an item but it rings up $50, they are legally required to sell it to you for $1. If you have a yard sale item in your front yard that accidentally fell into the 50-cent box, you are not legally required to sell it for 50 cents.
But if the terms of use for the website specifically says otherwise, you might be on the hook. I kinda doubt that any online listing site would support something like this. They want to stay as far as possible away from liability and responsibility. FB is pretty much on autopilot. The last thing they want is lawsuits around their listings. CL was specifically originated as a hands-off, free-market thing. One guy came up with it and turned it loose on the world and it has evolved.
Just checked. CL's TOU is about 5 paragraphs long and says nothing about pricing.
I think you should secure a lawyer to file a claim for you and report your experience back to us.
Beer Baron said:I think you should secure a lawyer to file a claim for you and report your experience back to us.
Start with this $59 Road Runner
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/shawnee-1969-plymouth-road-runner/7413329831.html
In reply to Datsun310Guy :
I think the only way this would work is if they don't include the price In the body of the listing. the road runner example above, he clearly calls out the price as $59k in the body. I think you would just piss off the judge for wasting his/her time with a worthless lawsuit.
old_ said:A lot of times this is done on FB because the FB algorithm won't let you list a higher price than it thinks is appropriate for your particular car. You civic example is a good one. A normal 99 civic is usually only worth $1k-$3k. I nice 99 SI is certainly worth a lot more but FB doesn't know the difference between a beat up 200kmi civic DX (vast majority of 99 civics) and a nice low mile 99 SI.
Facebook also won't let you list a car for less than they think its worth. I was trying to sell my Subaru Baja, which had 150k miles, copious amounts of rust, a clutch that was starting to slip, a check engine light, and MIA e-brake shoes and cables, the last two of which means it fails NY state inspection. Facebook refused to let me list it for less than $1300.
FieroReinke said:In reply to Datsun310Guy :
I think the only way this would work is if they don't include the price In the body of the listing. the road runner example above, he clearly calls out the price as $59k in the body. I think you would just piss off the judge for wasting his/her time with a worthless lawsuit.
Exactly. This is like if the pricetag ripped on the box for a 70" TV. Best Buy doesn't have to give it to you for $9.99. It's still $1999.99.
I don't believe the pricing laws apply to private sellers either
Yep, a pointless endeavor to pursue against private sellers, who are ungoverned by any such truth in pricing laws.
Any lawyer who would take such a case would demand payment up front because they know it's a lost cause and likely to get thrown out.
That is sort of what I figured. Thank you for the input.
It's actually a gray area for dealers too. In most States online pricing is considered "an offer to sell" and is not binding. They don't need to take your "offer". Print is much more regulated.
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