Character matters...

Sometimes a balmy year-round climate or higher paying jobs aren't all that matter, sometimes its the overall character of the people of a place.

I've been doing some commission work for a widow who's husband was a big large-scale model plane builder. Most of what she has are WWII fighters at around1:16 scale so they measure about 2x2 feet. If the landing gear can fold up, might be able to sell and ship on ebay (had 1 great sale) but if not the shipping generally kills a deal. Anyway, had a couple of the planes on our local craigslist, one for about 2 months. Finally got a hit on it from a lady just over the MN line, her husband thought it was cool looking. With a big winter storm coming in, we decide via e-mail to do the deal tonight. I suggested a c-store meeting at the nearest little town in MN on I-90. She didn't know me except from a few e-mails and I don't know her, although I'm not generally fearful of meeting unknown people for the things I sell. I have a CCP but rarely carry, especially crossing a state line.

So, we meet at 7 tonight at the c-store which I assumed would be open. Not. The outside lights were on but no one around, anywhere. She had a dog in her car but it couldn't have stopped me from harming her. Maybe she had a can of mace in her coat pocket or 911 on speed-dial or was packing heat herself (very doubtful!) but I think she basically trusted me, as I did her. We had a pleasant exchange and both of us were on our ways. My metro area has gotten a bit more violent as its gotten bigger (or so it seems) but still lots and lots of good people around where trust is a big deal. I'm not saying big metros don't have a lot of good people as well but the perception that the odds of meeting a greater percentage of bad characters is out there. Maybe its not true but I'll take my region any day...

I used to do a lot of deals locally through a site similar to Craig's list. I would normally meet at a local business that was a combo gas station, quick mart, Mcdonalds with lots of cameras, lights and customers. Like you it would make myself and the other person as safe as can be expected.

What surprised me was the number of women who would insist that I come to their homes to pick up. I was always surprised by that but never did speak to them about it.

If you don't have experience with ebay take time to search for similar items that have SOLD. Lots of folks seem to think that the asking price for items is what to base the value on. The other thing is that there may be a market for them on ebay and if so you will be able to reach thousands more potential customers where they shop.

Even here you have thousands of potential buyers but did not include a couple of good photos. I recommend include at least one photo that includes a tape measure or yard stick for scale. 73, Mike

Thanks Mike!! Lots of good info there.