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Today Is Save Me Sundays.
I want to discuss briefly the virtual version of thrifting...craigslist. I have bought and sold on craigslist for close to 10 years. Craigslist can lead to fun discoveries and even dangerous encounters. I want to share 5 tips for selling and buying on "da List." (there are so many more and I hope you will share as well).
1. SAFETY:
Seller: Whether man or woman, dont show an item alone, if you can help it. If its a small item agree to
meet in a high traffic area...Wal-Mart, McDonalds Ikea. Do all you can to show the item outside
and not in your home. People may seem unassuming, but dont assume.
Buyer: Dont show up alone. This is a stranger's house you are visiting. For all you know they are satantic
worshippers. Ask to meet in a well lit area, local Quickie Mart, library, police station.
2. PRICE:
As a seller you want to make sure your items are priced right the first time. It is akin to selling a house, kinda. If you dont get a response within a day of your listing...you are priced too high and you may think you item is worth more than it is. Ive seen the same set of dining chairs for $600 listed for the past two years (quite a few actually). Research and price accordingly.
As a buyer, know how much an item costs at retail and perhaps on sale. I remember this guy listing a Ballard tufted chair for $800. I went to the Ballard website to compare pricing and the chair was actually $699. A seller wants to make a small profit and you want to spend a small amount...do your research.
3. PHOTOS:
Seller: No one looks for items without photos. If you do have photos make them clear, featuring the item. Worst thing is to post an ad for a sofa and you are showing the inside of a shower stall, or you are selling a bedroom set and your baby is propped up on it. You may think your baby is cute...others may not.
Buyer: If there is no photo I would pass on by. If you are using key words and the there is no photo ask for one. If the reply, "I have no camera, but you can set an appointment to see it.", go at your own risk...you've been warned.
4. DETAILSSeller: "Wont last long!" means you ad is expected to grow roots on craigslist.
"I paid $10,000 for it a minute ago, but I will sell it to you for the LOW LOW price of $19.99!"
Sounds like someone made a bad investment.
Don't reply to a potential buyer saying, "People have been blowing my email up ALL day! If you
want it, you better come now." Urgency doesnt always work.
A woman texted me saying "Do you want this or not. Ive got people waiting to buy."
I replied..."SELL IT!" The item is still on craigslist to this day.
Buyer: Pay attention to what is listed in the ad. Four chairs for $100 doesn't not mean 4 for $1. Its $25 per chair not $25 for all chairs. If the seller says $80 firm...offer $60 in the email and let them reply. Don't show up with $60 when it says $80. You might be short. ( I say email because if you get there and they try to pull a quick one over you you have some proof that that they accepted a lower price)
4. FREQUENCY:
Seller: If your item is priced right it will sell fast. I sold my recently purchase of a dining set in a day. I paid $200 sold for $250 (had to comp for the truck I rented). I broke even.
Buyer: Good items go fast...like hours fast...sometimes minutes fast. Check da List every chance you get.
What do you suggest for buying a selling on da List?
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com
9 comments:
You covered what I wanted to say but I wanted to stress that research is key. Sometimes I will check other cities close by and check bigger cities such as San Fran or New York and see if anyone is selling something similar and for what price. When I check the antique section I always research because people love to jack up the price on something just because it's "antique" or "antique looking." Also, never be afraid to offer a lower price when someone says "firm." Most of the time, they will negotiate. Remember that the item is on Craigslist for a reason: to get rid of it and to make some money.
Thanks for this post. I have never purchased or sold on "da list" because of fear. I may just put up an ad as I have some items to rid myself of.
BTW, I love your blog. I found you via Eddie Ross (whom I adore too).
You covered everything I would suggest!
As a seller on CL I suggest putting into your ad "Cash Only Please" I've had people show up with checks in the past!
As a seller I suggest putting "Cash Only Please" in you ad. Ive had people show up with checks!
My husband was selling a small boat on craigslist and a "pottential buyer" contacted him saying they would take the item but could only pay Paypal, they also said they were out of the country and would send a friend to pick it up.....alarm bells started rining when he told me this - I said tell them you will only take cash on pick up, this "pottential buyer" did not make any more communications with him after this...
My thoughts were they were setting themselves up to lodge a "Item not received" complaint through paypal?
Hope you are enjoying your weekend :) Samie
I found your blog through Home to Three Duncan Boys and am thoroughly enjoying it!
I'm a big Craigslist browser and buyer. One thing I find is that people overprice their items. You touched on this, but I wanted to add that unless an item has something special about it (an actual antique, handmade from reclaimed African wood that Kunte himself cut down, etc.) you should deduct at least half from your purchase price, and then more for each year you've owned the item, to set the price. I am always amused by people selling a $700 Pottery Barn item for $650 or such nonsense.
Great tips. I have bought on CL but never sold.
Sellers: ANSWER THE DERN PHONE/EMAIL/TEXT!!! Gracias
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