As a decorator and home staging specialist spend much time shopping in general, especially for large purchases on a website called Craigslist.org for my clients too, but mostly for themselves. It provides an opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together as eBay does not, without the need for auctions or any fees. This is all done locally, so that usually no shipping involved.
It's amazing to see how Craigslist is quickly removed in so many cities and towns. Daily there are free items up for grabs, the ads for garage sales and any items in the artwork and bedding to cars, appliances and clothes! It really is a great way to save money and recycle, so that you are helping the planet too with fewer items in landfills!
As with most things in life, there is a certain degree of etiquette that must be adhered to for everyone to be happy in the world of online selling and buying. Below I've listed some guidelines for buyers and sellers.
Sellers:
You've decided to do some 'spring cleaning' and a few items that you want to send. Setting up an account is easy and fast. This allows you to edit the settings later if needed, add / remove photos, and once again a year later again if necessary until it sells.
When posting an item or group of items sure to provide a photo (if possible) and give an accurate description of the case, including whether they are new, new in box, easy to use and very worn. If you mislead the buyer may reject the item when they see it, and it all just a waste of time.
Prices of items can be lukav.Cilj Craigslist is selling items at a reasonable price, like a garage sale, but not necessarily as low. Feel free to list what you paid for the item, the sale of new and provide a link to compare prices so you really stand out. This is not usually a place to sell $ 5,000 sofa, or a period piece. It is not impossible, but these are the places that I see in a few months, often without sales, antique dealer will be more convenient for these items. Make sure you add the words "Serious inquiries only please" at the bottom of your posts. I find this minimum amount of false calls and e-mails that come my way.
Prices of items can be lukav.Cilj Craigslist is selling items at a reasonable price, like a garage sale, but not necessarily as low. Feel free to list what you paid for the item, the sale of new and provide a link to compare prices so you really stand out. This is not usually a place to sell $ 5,000 sofa, or a period piece. It is not impossible, but these are the places that I see in a few months, often without sales, antique dealer will be more convenient for these items. Make sure you add the words "Serious inquiries only please" at the bottom of your posts. I find this minimum amount of false calls and e-mails that come my way....
if you post an item, you can expect to receive phone calls and e-mail. So, do not ask the right before you go on vacation or a weekend away, it's frustrating for the customer. Make sure that you'll have time to respond and actually about the customer to pick up your item.
Try to make some changes to the hand or remind the person picking up your item that you do not change the amount, and you only accept cash. This avoids the customer must run the local store to make a change.
Is that the buyer knows of other similar things you have for sale. I can not tell you how many more sales I made it to May only require a quick trip to the ATM to grab the extra stuff, you can even put together a multi-item package at a discount to move your unwanted items!
After the item sells, be sure to go into your account deleted immediately posted the item (s), which is useful for customers, but still reduces the unnecessary calls and emails for you too. In the case of free items, it is especially important (I always include the fact that I deleted when picked up), so that the customer does not waste gas and time driving to your home to find the items they have chosen someone else.
sale includes not only merchandise. You can also ask the services they provide, such as painting, house cleaning, tutoring, seamstress, etc. This is a great way to advertise and I know several people who got a job as a result.
buyers
As a buyer, these findings are an excellent way to reduce costs in the economy down and keep more money in your wallet! Often things are new or like new and a fraction of what even discount stores in your area. Here are some tips to ensure success you stay safe and happy.
respect! Use the same level compared to the vendor as you would for your family and friends, if you say you'll pick up somewhere in the subject, do it! I've had several people tell me to drive over the left wasting my evening waiting at home. If something comes up, call the vendor, or at least email them so they can re-plan your time accordingly.
Always ask! It is not uncommon for me to receive a few dollars off the price of an item, simply because I asked for it! Trying to track the item and see how many times it was published in the past few days / weeks, and negotiate accordingly. If I know they have not had any takers, I always ask for a lower (reasonable) price. If you are free to ask if they can meet in the middle of their price and mine because I have to drive over and get it. Another important thing to ask about the pickup location. I try to meet in the middle whenever possible or, in some cases I had the seller drop off point off if you are in the area, but I generally do not ask for it. With the price of gas, it is worth asking.
If you pick up the item in one's home be sure to bring a friend as you may go inside the house that could potentially lead to security issues. I never had any problems at all, but better safe than sorry. Alternatively, you can agree to meet at a local landmark as the front of Target, or Best Buy parking lot, as I have done many times before. Especially if you're a woman, a seller of a man, this is the best.
Be respectful of the sellers of the house and neighbors. Do you call before you show up and show up at the appropriate time. Once the home does not knock or ring the bell the door again. It is not acceptable to drive into the driveway and honk your horn constantly and loudly shouting hello. Give the seller as you would like to be treated. Following support from the driveway to make sure that you do not drive over your lawn that could damage the ground sprinkler system.
Be creative! There are loads of free items daily that published because someone is moving out of state / country and to download things quickly. Feel free to snatch one and sell them yourself! Or find a large piece of furniture and give it a sanding and coat of paint and post up for sale. I found it more and more and it's a great way to earn some extra money while doing something you love, re-purposing furniture.
If you are in the service sector, raising the experience of using the item as a great way to get their name from the shared bus. You never know who knows someone who might need your services. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Buyer Beware! Once you pay for the item, it's yours! Make sure you test to make sure it works, is comfortable, not broken / corrupted before you fork over the cash. This applies to all equipment, furniture, bags, etc. They are always sellers to connect the item to prove that it works. Also, if you buy a couch or a chair, make sure it is comfortable and if that's not what you expected, you can always leave.
I hope you find these tips helpful in online buying / selling world of Craigslist. I've been using this site for years and never had any trouble. I was careful and I always negotiate! My points come from the experience (just today I came across loud car horn honker her horn to get my attention to come out with a set of bamboo blinds !)
Happy Craigslisting!
