Preface by saying, I'm trying to get some extra $$ together for our WDW trip in April (big chunk of savings just went to the oil company ). We are going in April and that is really too early for yard sale season around here. I am considering putting some of my "better" items up on Craigslist. (I have sold on ebay in the past and just find the fees a bit high and the work involved in packing, shipping, etc too much.) I have spent some time "lurking" over at Craigslist, trying to get an idea of how people write listings, link photos, etc. It all seems very casual and quick and easy!! Just a few questions.... Would I be better off writing one listing for multiple toys (or multiple books or videos or whatever), and put an individual price for each item, or do a separate listing for each item?? Since I have LOTS of get rid of, should I just write a "general" ad and list EVERYTHING??? I don't really want people coming to the house and I live so far out in the boondocks, most folks wouldn't want to come out here. I was thinking about using the local Dunkin Donuts as a meeting spot, but even that is still 7 miles or so from my house. Do you set up multiple meetings for one small time period?? What is the rate of "no shows" (from your experience)?? Is there any kind of "feedback" system?? Any helpful suggestions would REALLY be appreciated!! .......................P
Craigslist is a good thing, not only do you not have fees and such, but you can list in your own area and avoid the shipping... But there are things that aren't as nice, such as the NO Shows that you seem to know about already. It really depends on the items, sometimes we have listed stuff and had lots of no shows and then other times we get NO Noshows... really just depends on the people that you are working with. I have lots of stuff listed right now. I have been playing e-mail tag all morning with some, while others have already gotten their goods. Since you have lots of items, on each of your listings put something "MyStuff" on all of them, that way if someone wants to see what all you have for sale they can search "MyStuff" and bring up all of your items. I sometimes list everything sep. but then sometimes get nasty e-mails saying that I should list everything together as to not "clutter" craigslist... I just say that I am sorry they feel this way. Right now everything I have listed is on it's own since it is only letting me post one picture at a time. I usually do really well listing stuff in groups for one price, then if someone wants to buy only 1 or 2 items... I will think about it. If you really want your stuff to move, price it a little lower. But be ready for everyone wanting you to come down on your price... you can put firm on there and they will still ask. Just know what you want to get for each item! As for meeting in one place. I don't see anything wrong with that, make sure that you set your times and have a # so if someone is running just a bit late that they can let you know. Good luck, I have done well with craigslist. If there is anything else I can try and answer for you let me know!
Pictures are a very good idea. Keep prices low and things will go fast. Be perpared for lots of questions even if you decribe things well.
Only take cash for your items. No checks. I live out in the boondocks too. I just made sure my DH was here when they came. I did not have any no shows with the things I sold and no one asked me to cut prices either. Like another poster said, be sure you have a cell number for the person and be sure they have yours if you are meeting them.
Here are some things that I've found helpful: Put in your listing that responders must include a first name and phone number so that you can contact them regarding the sale, as email is sometimes too slow for things like that. I've found that this greatly cuts down on the number of no-shows and people that email you once and never email you back. As someone else stated, include a "Cash only, please" in your listing. Also, include "Please have exact change." I've had people show up for an $8 item and only have a ten or 2 fives and I didn't have enough change because I just had to give it to the previous person who didn't bring exact change. Kimya
I tried using CL this past fall to clear out a bunch of items, since our Yard Sale was a huge bust (in 2 days, 3 people showed). CL wasn't much better! Many, many no shows, Lots of emailing back and forth, phone calls and sending additional images. Finally I took many of the same items and put them on Ebay and got rid of my junk, for a much better price than what I was asking for it on CL. It's worth a shot. It is free. Maybe you'll have good luck with it!
As a buyer from Craigslist, there are a couple of things I would suggest. Try to list your item when you are at home and will be able to check your listing. If it's a really nice item, great price you may be swamped with email and request. Take maybe the 1st 5 or 6 inquiries that seem serious and add a Pending pickup to your listing. It may stop people from contacting you about the item and keep you from getting frustrated as the inquiries pile up. I was actually yelled at by a gentleman because I called 2 hours after he posted an item becasue I called to express interest. Apparently he's been swamped, was very irritable with the constant phone calls but had not updated his post so no one knew. Let people know you have 3 or 4 inquiries before you, I'll let you know by tmorrow at 6:00 pm if you have a shot etc. I had $$ in hand to buy my DD a PSP. Responded to post Thursday evening, advised could pick up Saturday in Atlanta (I live at leat an hour away) please call me to make pickup arrangements. I hear form the lister Thursday night will call you tomorrow. No call, email nothing. Pictures are your best friend. If I can't see a picture, I don't inquire. You can't really tell if good condition is good condition without a pic. Good luck with it. I hope you don't have any no shows. I have to usually drive an hour to get a Craigslist item, so I can't imagine not showing up!
Craigslist has been great for me. I am suprised by the number of items on there listed for $5.00 and under. I realize money is money, but to me anything under $20.00 is not worth the hassle of dealing with strangers coming to my house. I know many like to take it to the phone level, but my mother has brainwashed me into thinking anyone I meet online will "hack me to pieces." (luckily my DH who I met online has not done this yet lol). Anyhow, much like internet dating, I do like to "get a feel" for who they are through a couple emails before giving them my address. My tips would be: Set up a generic email address through yahoo, gmail, etc with no identifying info. I am always annoyed with the emails that simply read, "Is this item available?" I now include in each listing, "I will delete this listing when the item has sold. If you would like to purchase it please email me with your contact info and times you are available to pick it up." If applicable you should make mention to being a smoke-free, pet-free home. Likewise, I state that I have been the only owner of said item, where I purchased it and for how much (people like to think they are getting a deal on a quality item) and that it has never been stored in a basement/garage/etc, Pictures are huge. But, make sure they are good pictures. A $3.00 white sheet from Walmart goes a LONG way in making a photo look good. Be detailed to avoid fielding dumb questions. Whenever possible have the item in an area that will prevent strangers from coming into your home. Never be home alone. Insist on exact cash. List things on Thursdays. There seems to be lots more traffic on that day and Friday as people plan to do weekend pickups. Good luck.
How do you relist (bump up you message)? I'll see people that have the item listed every day. I've only been able to do it after 30 days.
I've furnished my house with Craigslist... AND found my house on it! Needless to say I'm a BIG fan, it's the best source of everything for me. I've sold and bought, sometimes several times a week. As a seller, as with anything you will get your flakes and your no shows, depending on the item. I've had people beg and plead and run with the money in their hands, while other things never got a bite! I put up a TV once that sold in about 5 minutes. My washer and dryer sold for the same exact price I paid for them NEW! My dining room set sold for twice what I paid for it! As a buyer I filter my searches for "with pics only". I don't even consider something without a picture. If it's what I want I contact the buyer and, honestly, here in Atlanta, 5 times out of ten it's already sold. If I want something bad enough, I keep the search up all day and keep refreshing it. Sooner or later the exact thing I want will show up. Be the seller the buyer is looking for. Post pics, have all the "right" words in your description for the searches, and be prepared to haggle. Good luck!
