Tips for better craigslist and similar forum sales and encounters

[Conjou]

Where I live there is a local online board similar to craigslist for selling stuff. Now that I am in the reduction of clutter mode, I am using it for selling and getting rid of stuff but am running into all kinds of flakiness. For those of you who have used these online options for selling, how do you handle

A) the no-shows who set up a time to come for the item and then don't bother to send word they've changed their mind or aren't coming?
B) the ones who show up with less money than the agreed upon amount?
C) the ones who arrange a time, then are late, and then can't show and want to arrange another day (and will likely repeat the process)?

There are other frustrating aspects of this type of exchange that serve as a big lesson in the way my stuff ends up owning me and how I will work hard never to accumulate or buy this crap again, but is this just the nature of how people treat people in these types of forums or am I missing some key tricks for making it work effectively? 

Thanks for sharing anything that has worked for you.

[Zamboni]

I only sell large ticket items via this process because of the chance of flakiness. Generally, though, most transactions have worked out for me, so I just take the goof balls in stride.

A) I haven't had much of this happen, but it's probably just part of the process. Keep all inquiries as a back up and keep the item posted (ie don't remove your ad until the money has changed hands.)
B) Say that the price is firm (no haggling) in the advertisement if you don't want to haggle. Otherwise, everyone will want to haggle once they see the item and you can't really hold it against them. I always just expect to lower my selling price a little bit and when I am a buyer most people give me a few bucks off as well.
C) Tell these folks that you are sorry, but you can't help them again. Unless you think their reason is really, really good, or it is particularly difficult to unload item. I've had sellers want to meet at a neutral location and then be more than 30 minutes late. Uber-annoying!

[naners]

Reply only to people who write their message in complete sentences. Then, start all responses by saying you do CL or whatever on a first come, first served basis. So if they can't come till next week or flake out, sorry, on to the next person. I've had pretty good luck this way.

[Paul der Krake]

Reply only to people who write their message in complete sentences.

This goes both ways. High quality ads with clear instructions yield better interaction, in my experience. Spell everything out and assume you are talking to a groggy fourth grader. List all of your expectations and leave nothing to the interpretation. The people you want to be your counterparty will love you for it.

On top of that, I have an entire fake identity dedicated solely to Craigslist. Throwaway google voice number, email address with a name that is completely made up, etc. Probably unnecessary but a cheap insurance policy against the mentally unstable.