That's definitely been my sort of experience with Craigslist. Buying, good stuff in demand goes within hours. And its not unusual to get no response from the seller, even if the ad is still up (I think there are plenty of people who might sell something but then can't be bothered to take the ad down or respond that it's sold.) I might be old fashioned but I'm of the opinion common courtesy seems to have gone out of the window!
On the selling side, it's similar. I've sold quite a few things, but if I had a dollar for every time I've received an email saying "I'm definitely interested!" or "I'll buy it!" and then you don't hear anything back, I'd be very wealthy...... Whatever the transaction -buying or selling - I always make sure to ask for a confirmation email/text/phone call about 30 mins before meeting up to make sure the buyer or seller is actually serious. Sadly, I take every communication with a huge grain of salt and try to cover myself -you'd waste too much time otherwise!
On the positive side, the reason I persist is that I know you can get bargains and get rid of some unwanted stuff without messing around with
ebay fees and shipping. I bought my current car 9 years ago for a bargain price (I think I had the good fortune to go and see it in a thunderstorm when others were less willing to do so, and with a bargain, first there wins), bought some quality bikes for crazy prices and recently have sold some stuff to fund a new fork on my mtb.
Yes, I nag a lot, set an immediate meeting, and don't let someone make a higher offer. When I bought the Puch last year, I was in Peoria within the hour. My riding mower was called, viewed and bought before an hour was out, because Ariens/Gravelys don't last long around here. I have called within 15 minutes of a Brooks saddle posting, and missed it.
