POSSIBLE STOLEN TOOLS- Englewood NJ

[festnoob]

I ran across some tools on Craigslist that were posted in NJ. I quickly replied to the post because he was selling an ETS125 for $95. The ad states he purchased new last year. So I asked if it came in a TLoc and he responded that he had no idea what that was and that it doesn't come in a systainer, just sander by itself. He is also posting an 850 planer and ts75.

My concern is that someone got jacked for their tools. I'm trying to get him to send my pics of the label so I can "check the date of manufacturing" (at least that what I told him).

Anyone missing any tools in or around NJ?  [eek]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If you can get serial numbers or a photo of the label, that may be helpful in identifying who they belong to.

I can also check our tool registration database for the name of the person who is selling them. I can't share that info but can determine if it looks legit.

 

[RKA]

I'm talking to the same guy about the planer.  I don't know, the other ads are slightly used equipment as well, and those indicate it comes with the original festool box, so maybe he just doesn't know what a TLoc or systainer is?  Hard to fathom, but there are non-"Festool nerds" out there in the wild.    Anyway, if he agrees to meet I'll see if I can get the serial and name and have Shane double check that it's legit.

Update: it's sold to someone else.  Oh well.

Update #2:  There was an auction nearby on Mosely Ave. in Staten Island last Saturday.  Supposedly some kind of print shop was being liquidated.  There were 9 or so Festools in the pics.  I remember seeing a TS75 and a domino, couldn't make out the other stuff.  All looked very clean in the pics.  Very possible this CL seller picked up the lot and unloaded the extra tools.  There was some other nice stuff available as well.  I wanted to go, but just couldn't swing it.

 

[festnoob]

That's the same thing that he just emailed me. "It sold to someone else." There was something that seemed shady about it, but what can you do? We tried! [embarassed]

 

[chayu]

This is one more great thing about owning festools, 

Thanks for your attention to this!

 

[Julian Tracy]

I always figure that the last thing you'd want to do if you stole someone's tools, is to list them on CL.  Seems like tool thiefs would stick to pawn shops or street corners to off their stolen goods.

Because if had some tools stolen, first place I'd look is CL...

That being the case, I'd assume he got them as trade or inherited or other reason.

JT

 

[duburban]

it should be craigslist's duty to push sellers to post serial numbers of goods that carry them. this is a no brainer.

 

[SittingElf]

it should be craigslist's duty to push sellers to post serial numbers of goods that carry them. this is a no brainer.

No, it is the potential buyer's duty to accomplish proper due diligence if there is a suspicion of impropriety. If a seller is not willing to provide when asked, then don't buy! We don't need more regulations... [sad]
What would be next?  Serial numbers for every product sold on CL, eBay, newspaper classifieds? After that, we could require that sellers post a scan of their original sales receipt or Bill of Sale.

We have enough of a nanny state as it is NOW... People need to take some responsibility for themselves.  (Unless of course you're happy with gov't groups like the Consumer Protection Agency, and regulations like Prop 65 in California, mandated bicycle helmets and kneepads, etc...) [mad]  I just want the gov't out of my business.

Suspicious, or looks too good to be true... then avoid. Simple. [big grin]

 

[duburban]

having craigslist add a "serial number" category similar to the "item location" category is no infringement on your freedom. seller fills out all fields, potential buyers need not communicate unnecessarily. is craigslist a government program?

 

[ShawnRussell]

I would wonder about the security of this. I sell computer gear on Ebay and purposely do not provide serial numbers and ensure they are not visible in my photographs. Someone could easily call the vendor and access support information and my personal information from it.

Festool may be vastly different. I am fairly sure Festool is not going to turn over your registration information to anyone. But what would stop someone from taking your serial number and calling in a support case against that serial. I am not sure if that has any ill effect.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I would wonder about the security of this. I sell computer gear on Ebay and purposely do not provide serial numbers and ensure they are not visible in my photographs. Someone could easily call the vendor and access support information and my personal information from it.

Festool may be vastly different. I am fairly sure Festool is not going to turn over your registration information to anyone. But what would stop someone from taking your serial number and calling in a support case against that serial. I am not sure if that has any ill effect.

First rule when buying goods over the internet, especially with used goods, is to ask for the serial number. If a seller is not willing to give it to you, the object is automatically suspect in my eyes.

As for your personal information, good companies would never give that information. Not sure about America, but in Europe it's forbidden by law.

 

[Julian Tracy]

I sell and buy tools via craigslist every week.  Im not sure what I'd do with a serial number of any given item im buying?

If asked about something Im selling, sure I'd givevthem it, but in 10+ years of selling stuff ive never been asked outside of photo gear.

Again - you'd be even stupider (then the average dumb thief) to list online items youve stolen.

Jt

 

[duburban]

i sell and buy on craigslist/ebay/fog all the time also. i wonder how many times i've bought stolen tools?

 

[Julian Tracy]

No way to know...

Jt

 

[festnoob]

No way to know...

Jt

I always start off with a small level of suspicion when I purchase anything off Craigslist. First, in this case, the price was really good and he stated he purchased it new recently, yet did not know what the systainer was. I've never seen a ETS125 sold without a systainer. Second, a lot of people have been robbed during transactions.

Also when selling check all the bills right in front of the buyer. Counterfeit bills are more common than one might think. I sold a Woodmaster not too long ago and I sat there in front of the buyer and checked every single bill.

If you have the slightest suspicion that a tool you purchased is stolen walk away. You can and will be charge with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. The "I didn't know" excuse won't fly.