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Bay Area Startup Plans To Offer Security Guard For Craigslist Deals

SAN LEANDRO (CBS SF) - A San Leandro entrepreneur is hoping to turn a profit by taking some of the risk out of transactions set up through Craigslist.

Titus Green's venture, known as The Drop Spot, provides both security and product testing at the transaction site to "ensure that all parties involved walk away with a feeling of satisfaction," according to the company website.

For a $15 charge a "drop agent" will meet both parties at a transaction site, issue receipts for both sides and "ensure a smooth transfer." For $25, an agent will inspect the device, record relevant information and issue a 3-month service failure warranty.

Green tells KPIX 5 that the security guard service is for products like smartphones and laptops. The company cannot provide a guard for cars and other large transactions because the liability burden would be too large.

"Craigslist is a wonderful service that connects people together and also helps them save money. Unfortunately there are often people that ruin the experience for everyone else," reads the company profile. "We hope to increase the value while simultaneously extending the life expectancy of used electronics."

The services are expected to formally launch in mid-February.

Local police frequently encounter stolen property for sale on Craiglist and both buyers and sellers have been robbed at gunpoint after setting up transactions on Craigslist.

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.org - which operates out of a small office in San Francisco's Sunset District -  did not initially comment after being contacted by KPIX.

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