How to Deal With Flakes on Craigslist
It happens if you use Craigslist to buy or sell, and it doesn't matter in which category you do your transaction -- be it goods and services, employment or even romance. A certain percentage of other Craigslist users you interact with back out of transactions, something colloquially known as "flaking." Attempt to convince a flake to follow through with his promise, but if he won't, refocus your resources on finding a different transaction partner.
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Instructions
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Send the user who has flaked on you a follow-up email after a day has passed since your last communication with him. Explain in concise, professional terms the course of action he needs to take if he wants to continue the transaction. Include your phone number to make it easier for him to contact you.
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Wait one more day and send a second follow-up email, this one explaining that you are no longer interested in transacting with him. Thank him for his time and be polite and respectful throughout. When someone flakes on you, it isn't personal -- it's probably just how he is or could be an extenuating circumstance causing him to change his mind.
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Focus your resources and energy on interacting with other interested parties who haven't flaked on you. Decrease the chances of this happening by being direct, enthusiastic and specific in your communication. For example, instead of saying "I will email you tomorrow with more details," ask "When is a good time for us to talk over the phone about the next step in this transaction? Please send me your phone number and I'll call you at a time that's good for both of us."
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Repost your ad if multiple users flake on you, and if enough time has passed since originally posting that your ad appears near the bottom of Craigslist postings in your category. Click the link in the email Craigslist sent you when you published the ad, then click the "Delete" button above your original ad. Create a new ad -- using the same copy and photos, if you please -- and publish it on Craigslist. Include a "Serious parties only" disclaimer to avoid dealing with flakes the next time. You might also want to see if you can clarify your ad with more details that people might need to know.
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