Craigslist Tips: How to Safely Use Craigslist
Posted: Sunday, December 16, 2007
by Lorrie Davids
A few months ago someone told me about Craigslist. We were in the market for a dryer and I didn't want to buy new, so I thought "what the heck", tossed my apprehension aside and googled the Craigslist (CL) for my city. I came away with a dryer that should last for many years for only $50 and a new appreciation for the internet. Since that first purchase I have also bought a very nice pillowtop queen size mattress, box spring and rail, (I know, it sounds gross, but how many of you sleep on motel mattresses and think nothing of it?) a wood bookcase, wood dresser and night stand. My total out of pocket for all of this was $150. Today I just made my first Craigslist sale. I sold some IKEA shelves for $25 - and posted part of my Coke collection just a few minutes ago.
I know Craigslist has had some bad publicity recently with the murder of the young woman who was interviewing for a nanny job, but if you use caution, there is no reason to be afraid of this type of sale. So, here are some tips to make your experience, both selling and buying safe, fun and profitable.
Privacy is important When you post your ad, Craigslist keeps your email address private so when someone responds to your ad, you get the email, but the buyer sees it as coming from CL. Request that those interested or with questions respond via email. No one knows who you are. There is no need to give a phone number or directions to your home or office until there has been email correspondence. If the person is truly interested, they will respond on your terms. When you posted your ad you gave a general area of your location and there is no need to get specific until a sale is agreed upon.
Cash Only Agree on a price before the person comes to pick up the item. Make sure the buyer knows your price is firm and there will be no haggling when they arrive. And make sure the buyer knows you will only take cash. Accept a check from someone you don't know and you may just have given the item away. When buying, take cash. The transaction is then over.
Cell phone When it comes time to give directions, ask the person to call your cell number rather than home. That way you both have a record of the call. If the person gets lost, a quick call can be made to clarify directions.
Take or have someone with you Don't have someone come by to pick up an item or go to pick up an item if you are alone. That just isn't smart and needs no further explanation.
Have the item in the garage If at all possible, move the piece you are selling into the garage or yard. It is never wise to let someone into your home or go into someone's home that you don't know. There is a safety factor and a boundary or protection for you. It sounds far fetched, but you don't want to be accused of a theft of someone's property or even of a sexual impropriety.
Remember, this is basically a business transaction and you most likely will never see this person again. Remember to treat it as such and your CL experience will probably be a success. I know I'm hooked!
Got any tips to add? I welcome your comments.
Privacy is important When you post your ad, Craigslist keeps your email address private so when someone responds to your ad, you get the email, but the buyer sees it as coming from CL. Request that those interested or with questions respond via email. No one knows who you are. There is no need to give a phone number or directions to your home or office until there has been email correspondence. If the person is truly interested, they will respond on your terms. When you posted your ad you gave a general area of your location and there is no need to get specific until a sale is agreed upon.
Cash Only Agree on a price before the person comes to pick up the item. Make sure the buyer knows your price is firm and there will be no haggling when they arrive. And make sure the buyer knows you will only take cash. Accept a check from someone you don't know and you may just have given the item away. When buying, take cash. The transaction is then over.
Cell phone When it comes time to give directions, ask the person to call your cell number rather than home. That way you both have a record of the call. If the person gets lost, a quick call can be made to clarify directions.
Take or have someone with you Don't have someone come by to pick up an item or go to pick up an item if you are alone. That just isn't smart and needs no further explanation.
Have the item in the garage If at all possible, move the piece you are selling into the garage or yard. It is never wise to let someone into your home or go into someone's home that you don't know. There is a safety factor and a boundary or protection for you. It sounds far fetched, but you don't want to be accused of a theft of someone's property or even of a sexual impropriety.
Remember, this is basically a business transaction and you most likely will never see this person again. Remember to treat it as such and your CL experience will probably be a success. I know I'm hooked!
Got any tips to add? I welcome your comments.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)hi LM, very nice article. i never heard of the craiglist. i'm glad you were able to make your purchases at such a good price. now, if i could just find some money:) best regards, sueThanks, Sue. I have had fun with this. After posting my second ad yesterday afternoon, I have had 2 inquiries and this time it is a collector's item I am selling. I really didn't expect to get a response. Thanks for reading and responding.
Lorrie - good advice, and the part about not letting strangers into the house or apartment is v. important. If possible, and if items are small enough, I would even meet at a local shopping area. That may sound paranoid, but there is good reason to be cautious. Once your home address is known, then a stranger is even closer....We recently used a carpet cleaning business from an Internet search and the Internet site lists companies/people that are bonded and recommended. I felt nervous about it at first, but it turned out great. The man did the job quickly - 2 rooms we had just painted - and was out of here quickly. I think all is well on that one. Thanks for this article. I know one person that has had good results with Craig's List.~Jane
P. S. I would meet at shopping area with a friend or friends, not alone!!JaneGood morning, Jane. Thank you for reading and responding. My second Craigslist sale was completed at a McDonald's parking lot. I took my husband along and it went smoothly. I agree...I don't give out my address unless it is necessary. But, with a White Shepherd (bark sounds mean) and a Siberian Husky (eerie blue staring eyes), I've been comfortable.Have a wonderful Saturday!
Hey Lorrie. I am a proud craigslist user. It's the best thing ever invented. I am currently planning my wedding for next July and have already saved a ton of money. For example, I bought my dress, the slip, a purse, jewelry, a beautiful sign-in pen, and my veil from a lady for $400 !!!! I have gone on to help my bridesmaid by finding them dresses for the wedding which have never been worn before! Unfortunately I find lots of people selling their things unused because the wedding was called off. Seriously though...I don't think I'll ever buy a new anything....why? I have also bought my washer, bowling ball, dining room table and hutch all from people selling them on craigslist. I love telling people about it, but I also warn them to never go alone and be very watchful. Craigslist is letting me have the wedding of my dreams on my very small budget...so cheers to whoever invented it!Hi Anon. Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. That is great! Wow, maybe YOU should write an article. I haven't looked on Craigslist lately because I haven't needed anything. But, the times I have used Craigslist, I have not been disappointed. Congratulations on your wedding!
Oh yeah...I have a tip for people who don't like to do that much browsing on craigslist: Go to a search engine like Yahoo or Google. In the search box, type in the thing you're looking for specifically and after it type the word craigslist. This way you get more results and a broader search rather than just your city. Good Luck!
Hello Lorrie, I'm going on my first craigslist transaction and am a little worried. I will be meeting the seller at a fast food reastruant. Hopefully all goes well, wish me luck!~RashadI'd love to hear how it goes for you, Rashad. Please, let me know. A public place is good for a Craigslist swap.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
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