26 Feb
I’m a terrible negotiator – I always have been. So it’s no surprise that I’ve been banned from using Craigslist.
First there was a stroller
It all started when I tried to buy a double stroller. I found exactly what I was looking for – for only $100! The picture made it look like new – and it was a stroller that normally would have sold for over $500 in the stores.
I raced over to a woman’s house to buy that stroller. Only when I got there, it was ancient and looked nothing like the picture. It was covered in cobwebs and dirt – and the only way to get it to fold down was to turn it upside down, lay it on the ground and stand on it. No lie.
You would have said, “No thanks.” and left. Right?
Not me.
I started up a conversation, and before I know it, she’s crying on my shoulder because her daughter – the one that used to ride in this exact stroller – has just died. And she’s still in shock and devastated. And then I’m crying and we’re hugging, and I’m feeling guilty about having two healthy children – and so I give her $100 cash and take the stroller.
Even Steven: Let me get this straight. You hated the stroller. You knew you didn’t want it. But then you gave her $100 and bought it anyway?
Anna: Yes.
Even Steven: And now you’re saying that you still want to buy a double stroller?
Anna: Ummmmmmm….
Then there was a jacket
A few months later, I decided to make my first sale on Craigslist. A woman arrived at my house, tried on my Patagonia fleece jacket, went on and on about how much she loved it – and then asked me if I’d take $20 less than what I was asking.
“YES” I nearly shouted.
Even Steven: Let me get this straight. A woman drove 30 minutes to our house to try on your jacket. It fit her perfectly. She loved it. And then she asked if you would come down in price by $20?
Anna: Yes.
Even Steven: Do you think she would have paid full price after driving 30 minutes and loving it?
Anna: Ummmmmmm….
And THEN there was a couch
A few months after that, I decided to sell a couch that had been in our basement for years. Before that it was Even Steven’s grandma’s. I listed it for $50. A young couple came over that very same day and loved it.
“We’ll take it,” they said. “But will you take $300?”
“Of course not,” I said. I’m only asking $50.”
“Really? We thought you said $300. Wow – what a deal!”
Even Steven: Let me get this straight. A young couple borrowed someone’s truck and came on the very same day that you listed this couch, and they loved it. And they tried to give you $300 in cash for it. And you would only take $50?
Anna: Ummmmmmm….
And it all comes back to the stroller
I finally listed that terrible stroller that I disliked so much. I was very honest in my ad – and basically said it was a total piece of junk and that you had to stand on it to get it to fold up. I asked $50 – and I was surprised when someone wanted to come see it that very same day.
I met the woman in the driveway. She was driving a conversion van – and who was in the passenger seat? Her wife! I was immediately jealous – they were clearly the same size and could share clothes.
They checked out the stroller. I showed them how to stand on it to fold it down. They said they’d take it, and they gave me $50 in cash.
And then while one wife was loading it into the car, I talked to the other wife. It turns out the two of them had adopted 12 kids – 8 of them with special needs. They range in age from 1 year to 17 years. They were taking all of them to Disney World in a few weeks and were looking for a double stroller for the trip.
Do you think I could take a dime from these amazing women?
Even Steven: Let me get this straight. Two women with a van full of kids said they’d buy the stroller. And they actually gave you $50 in cash.
Anna: Yes.
Even Steven: And instead you gave them back their money – AND you gave them the stroller?
Anna: Ummmmmmm….
Even Steven: No more Craiglist for you.
Oh Anna you have such a good heart! The way you’ve blessed others will come back ten-fold. As for Even Steven…
I was shaking my head and then nodding vigorously. You go girl.
N Trick Steinbach recently posted..Look Mom, No Hands on the Floor!
Too funny!
Awww, bless your heart. I bet Even Steven secretly agreed with all your decisions.
Patricia recently posted..Right brain, left brain
Why I can not have a garage sale or go to flea markets!
Yes, you ARE a hoot. But I learned today that your HEART is even bigger than your sense of humor. Your mom may have ‘lied’ to you sometimes (BWAHAHAHA!) but she raised you RIGHT, girlfriend! And I have a sneaking suspicion that Even Steven agrees.
Kai recently posted..HELL IN A HAIR SALON or WHY I NEVER COMB MY HAIR
Oh my gosh you are totally cracking me up!!! Thank you for the good laugh this morning!!
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Aw! I laughed, and then I smiled. But I agree, you probably shouldn’t go back on Craigslist
lol!!! no more craigslist for you!
you did the right thing with that stroller. i would’ve done the same thing. and i’m not just saying that cause it’s the internet. i would’ve.
Your stories always make me laugh. This one makes me smile in a different way- good for you- you did the right thing every time.
SheilaG recently posted..Cheap & Easy Bathroom Storage Solution
HA! Love it!! You should probably let him do the negotiating!
Stacy @ Cardigans and Crayongs recently posted..Home Tour…Back Entry, Laundry Room, Pantry
Ha! Even Steven is correct in banning you! You have no business trying to negotiate a sale of any kind. But what funny stories!
You.are.hysterical.
I can sympathize. My husband came home to an air mattress on our floor. I had given our bed room set to people who truly needed one. He just went with the flow….. Then later, he came home to a cooler on our kitchen floor with all of our frig stuff in it. He said, “where did the frig go?”……Me…”I gave it away to a family that didn’t have one.” He isn’t surprised anymore. My thought…..give when we can because we are blessed to be able to do so. Were we rolling in the dough at either of those times, heck no. But our needs were met as well. Keep on! Love your blog. Such a great job! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkintoomuch.com
Awww, I love it Anna! It shows what a good person you are with a huge heart!
Leanne
Leanne recently posted..Oh, How I Love Pinterest!
I just discovered your blog, sad for me since you are HILARIOUS (good for my kids and husband since I spent all of naptime reading instead of you know cleaning or something). Anyway, love love your blog! I totally identify with pretty much every post (like I feel exactly the same way about my mom too
> Except you actually look really good and not like your diagram of post-natal mommy body which I actually look like so I’m totally jealous. Don’t let the mean comments get you down! But if they do feel free to write a really bitchy post about it cause i’d love to read it 
I could not stifle my laughter while reading this post. My co-workers must think I’m NUTS. I’ve been seeing your posts on various link parties, and all of them are equally hilarious. Thank you for brightening my day! I’m a follower now.
Kirsten recently posted..Scrap Wood Floor Lamp
I”m just as bad. We have a coffee table that was Rick’s grandma..U.G.L.Y…lo nooks and crannies. we went to have it stripped and guy wanted $80…when I got done showing him the nooks and crannies we ended up paying $100.
I just came across your blog for the first time through HOH and the post was hilarious!! It sounds like an exchange in our house! thanks for the laugh
Maybe you stink at craigslist….but you throw a mean garage sale!
Beth @ QueenBee recently posted..Crisis in the Kroger Parking Lot…
I’m dying over here…did you ever watch Seinfeld? “No soup for you” You know the soup natzi?? I totally mispelled natzi…whatevs…anyway, Even Steven is the Craigslist natzi! Seriously though, I would have done the same.
Kim recently posted..Project 52 Week 5 Liquid
Now, on this book you’re going to write……………………………………
I won’t even tell you how I’ve done some of the same things. Yard sales, though, not Craigslist.
You are SO entertaining! Just like reading a book! Imagine that!
I just found your blog a few weeks ago and told my whole family about it, and we’re all getting our daily laughs from reading it. I loved this one on Craigslist because I am addicted to it. I always pay full price–would never think of offering lower. I have yet to sell anything there, but I keep telling my husband I am going to. And like the others have commented, you really do have a good heart, so keep shopping on Craigslist!
BTW, we were in Cincinnati last week because my son and his wife had a baby, and I went up to the Kenwood Mall to look for you. I didn’t see you. They also have a big hairy dog like yours, a girl, maybe the two of them could get together.
That is so funny, Anna! I think you are a GREAT negotiator! Well, in love and emotions and kindness and this makes no sense, but you get what I mean, right?
Kelley recently posted..Finding the Funny: The Race For Sleep
That is the awesome-ist thing I’ve read in I don’t know how long. I needed a laugh out loud moment today, Thank You!
Wait, the couch thing did really happen, did it???? DId you really turn down $300 because they misunderstood?????
sparkling74 recently posted..Flagging Down the Mother Ship
Believe me – it happened! She called me afterwards….and although my daughter may say otherwise – I don’t lie!
I just had to come over to say that I am thoroughly enjoying your blog. I’ve been reading it nonstop for hours and I’m not sure I fed my kids dinner….or lunch. I do see a lot of fruit snack wrappers and empty yogurt containers so I guess they fed themselves. Anyway, I’m so happy to have found your blog and I can’t wait to read some more.
Semi-Domesticated Mama recently posted..POST NOTES
This is awesome on so many levels. When are you coming to California, Anna? I need to buy you a Natty Ice. =p
you’re soooo funny! I love the pictures of Steven, too. just perfect. Thanks for the laugh
PJgamers recently posted..Vendetta n-Force Nerf Sword
This had me cracking up!! You are a very generous person and I hope those people truly appreciated all that you did for them!! However, yeah, you probably shouldn’t go back to Craigslist. But why not try http://www.freecycle.org/ ??? Just try to to get banned from that one too…Goodluck!
Heather recently posted..February is ________
total attention that is what your blog post held for me very interesting
Hahahahahaha! Loved this post! Even Steven’s face is classic!
design fluff recently posted..Cheap Large Frames DIY
Hehe I love it!!
I literall laughed out loud… too funny. I can honestly say — craiglist is definitely not for you. You would’ve done better just taking that stroller to the Goodwill. However, you definitely blessed those people.
Jasmine @ Hello, Good Morning Sunshine recently posted..Weekend Sunshine
So blessed by the stories, but I am cracking up! Girl – you are me. Hubby won’t even let me go any more.
Thanks for blessing others!
Positively Alene recently posted..When all is Silent Give Thanks
Oh Anna, your heart is made of pure gold. And I followed each of your anecdotes thinking “yep, that’s exactly what I would’ve done too”. I just love reading! Thanks again for helping me laugh out loud ~:)
This is hysterical! Some people just should not be allowed to go on craigslist. And that makes two of us. I’m the same way! Love the pic of Steven- perfect for this post. Just found your blog and it is entertaining me on a lazy Sunday.
ali recently posted..The Confessional
Maybe he should just go with you from now on! I would’ve given ‘em the stroller, too.
Michelle recently posted..itty bitty blue barn raising
Hysterical…mostly because I would have done the same thing!
Cari recently posted..TGIF #5 – Share what you did this week!
LOVE this!! You are a wonderful storyteller!
You are just darling!
However, maybe let Even Steven do the financials
LOL
Also, when he’s done selling your stuff, can he come sell mine? I’m worse than you are
Marcia (123 blog) recently posted..Getting my craft on – Mini scrapbook travel journal
OMGosh.. I think we were split up at birth. I just smiled and laughed the entire time I read this post. It was like I was reading something I wrote. Maybe we can start a blog about Craigslist Calamities
Thanks so much for sharing this.. I needed the laugh 
Hahahahahaha Love it!
Natasha
Natasha recently posted..Journal 10+ (Review)
oh Anna, this post made me giggle and giggle!!! It was beautifully told – I too suck at negotiating…if D knew he could try and ban me I’d be in trouble!
Jolie recently posted..The owl and The Pussycat – a HoopUp Swap
The way you’re blessing people through your Craigslist sales and purchases I say continue doing what you’re doing girl! The gift of mercy and compassion is seriously lacking in our world and is much needed!
You have a big heart… Loved this post…it was hysterical!
Gwen recently posted..Abiding in Boldness
BAHAHAHA I love this post….it so me and my hubby.
Nina@ninasarena.com recently posted..Mini Kitchen Renovation Before and After
Loved reading this post! (You are kind hearted and quite funny.)
Miss Charming recently posted..Cool Fridge Frames
This is TOO FUNNY. Thanks for sharing!
Amy recently posted..Works for Me Wednesday: Dishwashing Tip
I’ll be honest. Im a new blogger and I’ve been seeing your link all week and thought it was a joke. I finally had the courage to click on it today. AND, I AM GLAD I DID!!!!! This would be so me. That’s why when those precious kids come to my door and are fundraising for something I can’t say no. My husband said Im banned from answering the door
This is so hilarious! I can so see myself getting suckered especially if the lady’s kid died. Wow! I don’t think I would be a good craigslister. It’s such a crap shoot. I can haggle at a store. I think it’s harder when you are lead to think one thing and then there is always room for negotiating when you show up. Even though you think “I came here for this and thought it was X but now I’m dealing with Y and the owner’s baggage.” Would someone at a retail store do that even if their circumstances were the same? No. Hugs for being a good person.
Karen @MSEnthusiast recently posted..My Favorite Valentine Ideas on Pinterest
Awesome!!! Sooo sounds like my husband and myself.
Michelle recently posted..Valentine’s Love
Wow that is something that I would do. I am a sucker for a sob story.
Mandy
bunnygirlblog.com
Mandy recently posted..Got to love nap time
Love this post! Each and every situation had it’s own special circumstances. So you were kind hearted and honest…who can not love that about you?
It is for all the reasons/examples you list above that I know better than to step foot onto Craigslist.
You might not be the best negotiater, but clearly you’re a good person and I would rather be a good person than get a good deal.
Oh my gosh, how adorable are you? Thanks for this comical story – it made me smile! And I’d have to say I’m very similar {which is why I would be a horrible salesperson}. But I always say, “What goes around comes around”, so I think your generosity will come back to you . . . and I hope it does!
Warmly, Michelle
PS – The picture of your hubby is so fun too.
Michelle at Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust recently posted..Fabulous Friday Linky Party 19
LOL – you are so funny!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates recently posted..10 Pink & Red Valentine’s Desserts
OH my LOL!!!! This is a great set of stories. While your compassionate heart may not make you a lot of money your compassion will get you many other places in life! Good for you!
Terrie M recently posted..Piles and Piles and Piles of FABRIC!!!
Oh, Anna, you are too funny!! Your writing style is fantastic and so entertaining. I bet you also have a stack of personalizaed address labels and greeting cards 6″ high from organizations you have donated to by mail.
salami salami bologna!!!
This made me laugh out loud. You have a good heart! Thank you for sharing.
Anna, you just confirmed what I already knew that you are a good person who is kind hearted. I get why Even Steven banned you, but still I can’t help, but think what a nice wonderful person you really are!!
Lmao I had to read this out loud to hubby, Odd Todd agrees with Even Steven!!
Ahahagahsha… That was one funny post girly! Love it !
Hilarious!
Jennifer recently posted..Monday Mingle: Fitness Delayed
Hahahahahahhaah! You are me. I feel like I could have been in every one of those scenarios and I would have reacted the exact same way!
Robin Jingjit recently posted..10 things I’ll never buy at Tops Supermarket
You are hilarious! You are destined for oodles of good karma coming your way!
Momchalant recently posted..Bath Time Mayhem
Love it…..sounds like what I would do….sometimes dont you hate your upbringing?!?!?!
Awesome and hilarious. In the end it’s all about how big of a heart you have. Great post.
Tiffany recently posted..8 Things No One Else Will Tell You About Having A Baby (but I will)
I too am the not-so-proud owner of a double stroller that is basically a piece of rusted junk from Craigslist. When I got there, I saw that it wasn’t what I wanted, but the lady was just so sweet and… Anyways, I was out $100 and still had to buy a double stroller after that. Bought the second one at Babies R Us.
Hannah @Supermommy!…Or Not. recently posted..Tongue Tied
Funny!
I read through to the very end trying for the life of me to figure out why these actions would really get you banned from the wonderful list of Craig only to finally realize what was really going on.
then I had to snicker to myself because I can actually picture that same look from my own “Even Steven” if I pulled those same financial fails.
Kim P recently posted..Shut the Front Door … Day 57 … Mid winter blah. Has anyone seen spring?
This right here is the reason I don’t do ANY of the negotiating. I’m ridiculous. I love the couch story the best. Why would you take $300 if you only asked for $50? Duh.
Also – I love that your mom replies to comments. That fact is almost as hilarious as your post.
Meredith @ The Girl Next Door Drinks and Swears recently posted..Either Way
Why am I just discovering this blog? Think of what I’ve missed! This post is hilarious!
Mindy @The Inquisitive Mom recently posted..Easy, Inexpensive Laundry Organization for Kids
OMG. U are hilarious. I had to pause my dvr so I could totally focus on your story. Too funny. Thx !!
You deserve an honorary sainthood or something. LOL!!!
Terrye recently posted..Crossroads And Crackpots
Love this! so funny and goes to show what a great person you are. But I do not blame Even Steven for saying No More Craigslist!
You are so funny with a good heart
That was some comic genius…the timing…the dialogue…that hilarious photo of your husband over and over…nice one!
Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. recently posted..Virtually Authentic: Parenting in the Age of Social Media
So you were banned for having a concience? sounds like even steven needs to reevaluate his own moral standings. Check out freecycle.org. Might be more your style.