Amazing deals can be
found online. A lot of people post things for sale on Facebook and their blogs,
but the go-to place is Craigslist.
The hubs and I have
found some amazing deals on Craigslist. We’ve purchased a high chair, a
changing table, the Chariot, and plenty of other items. We’ve also sold a handful of
things, including our living room furniture that I hated. One man’s trash is
another man’s treasure, right?
(although, the furniture was not trashy; in fact, it was
in wonderful condition!).
Buying and selling
online can be easy-peasy, sort of scary, and/or just plain difficult. I have
learned a few things in my day on how to best use Craigslist (in my day – I sound so old).
Tips for Selling on
Craigslist
1.
Include a lot of description in your post. Take
the time to measure the large item you’re selling (such as furniture!). This
will eliminate a step because, more often than not, a potential buyer would
like to know the dimensions.
2.
Like an enjoyable blog post, a good Craigslist
ad includes a picture (or 4). A buyer will ask for one, anyway. I, for one,
don’t look at posts that don’t contain images. I want to see the condition of
the item I plan to buy. When I first started using Craigslist, I would look at
any and all postings. One of my first messages to the seller asked for
pictures. Including them from the start is the best plan.
Tips for Buying on
Craigslist
1.
Look for the posts with pictures. Honestly, it
is so easy for the seller to add photos to their post. Pictures show a buy
exactly what is being sold. And, to give you a cliché, a picture is worth a
thousand words.
2.
Attempt to meet the seller in a public place. I
am a paranoid person. If I’m getting into my car late at night, I get in and
lock the doors behind me. Paranoia at its finest. Meeting in a public place
really is the safest route. That way, nobody has to go into anyone else’s home.
Safety first.
3.
Along those same lines, let some else know when
and where the transaction is taking place. I recently purchased a chair for Kid
that clips on to a table. I called my mom when I arrived at the meeting place,
and called her right back after I made the purchase and was safely in my car.
Even better, though? Bring someone along. Safety first, my friends, safety
first.
4.
Negotiate. Unless the posting says that the
price is firm, it is usually possible to purchase an item for less than the
asking price. In fact, I have never paid the asking price for something I’ve
purchased on Craigslist. Sellers usually want to get rid of an item as soon as
possible, anyway. So offer a price that it is a little less than what is
listed. It never hurts to ask.
(can
you spot how many clichés I just used?)
Jokes aside, though.
Safety really is the most important then when buying or selling on Craigslist.
If something about the transaction feels a little fishy, forget about it. A
used item for sale on the internet isn’t that
important, anyway.
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