On the CL
August 1st, 2007I made my first Craigslist sale last weekend. If every sale goes as smoothly as this, I would be very fortunate.
My initiation item was a girls’ bedding set from my Kmart clearance stash. I researched prices for similar items on eBay and other Craigslists. I made certain to include some detailed photos. (So many listings are missing them. Is it for lack of a digital camera?) A buyer emailed me shortly after the listing was posted, and we arranged to meet in a public place the next day. She showed up on time, she had cash, it was great.
So I’m currently enamored with Craigslist. I’m sure a less-stellar transaction in the future will dampen my enthusiasm, but the econ major in me is just fascinated by the almost pure “free market-ness” of the Craigslist system. You can post just about anything for free, almost instantly. The seller is responsible for setting all of his terms, and judging what the market wants and is willing to pay. Buyers have to carefully assess the item for sale, as well as the seller, to judge whether it is worth the asking price to them. No shipping or sales tax involved.
Viva CL! At least until it gets bought out/regulated…
Congrats! I love Craigslist!! I check it several times daily… never know what deal you might come across. My Van came from there… my cell phone… lots of stuff.
I’m glad someone is having some success on craigslist! I always hear such great reports, but I’ve had terrible luck with it (and I even post the detailed pictures, descriptions, etc). I’ve had buyers email back and forth and even set times for meet-up, then never show. I think craigslist just might not be very big in my city yet.
I love Craigslist. I have been using it for about 2 years. Have been selling on there for about 18 months have sold a car on there had over 50 hits the first day—sold it within 2 hours of it posting. Also loads of exercise equipment. My husband and I scan over it a few times daily, never know what you will find.
We have people come to our home, but they don’t come into the house, i always have my items out on my porch, or under our carport. It would be hard for me to bring my items to a public area.
I have sold everything I’ve listed on C.L.; my only complaint, frustrating “false starts” with people who never show up.
I, too, wonder why some people don’t post photos. As a shopper, I appreciate saving everyone’s time by ruling things out by photos first.
Thanks everyone, sounds like mostly a good record for Craigslist (except in Lucy’s city!) I need to get working on my next sale posting.
Sherry - I wish I had the time to keep up with everything to hunt for bargains. There are so many categories and they move so fast. Currently I’m keeping an eye on Sporting and Bikes for an exercise bike. Glad you’ve gotten so much benefit!
Sibyl - I don’t think I would have any problem with meeting at my house (as long as my husband was around). In this case, the buyer was a pregnant woman coming by herself, so the public place was her understandable suggestion.