How to Successfully Sell Items on Craigslist

These days everyone is strapped for cash. Luckily, Craigslist makes it easy for people to offload items they no longer want or need in exchange for some extra income. And it's free!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Items to Sell
• Digital Camera
• Pictures of Items
• Craigslist Post
• Email

1. In order to sell items on Craigslist you need to have an account. It's totally free and easy to set up. Simply go to www.craigslist.org and click on the link "Post to Classifieds," which can be found at the top on the left hand side of the main page. On the next page, look to the top right and you'll see two links: "log in to your account" and "Apply for Account." Follow the directions from there (you'll be required to create a username and password).

2. After you've created a Craigslist account you can start posting. However, it is best to create a rough draft of your post. The best ads are well written ones so don't just jump onto Craigslist and start posting away. Your ad should be brief and straight to the point. It should also be free of any typos or grammatical errors. Buyers are drawn to well-written posts so avoid looking juvenile by typing in "text-speak" and avoid slang.

3. Your Craigslist post should explain exactly what you are selling. Add detail where needed, such as color, size/dimensions, condition (new? like-new? used?). The best Craigslist posts are ones that don't leave the buyer guessing.

4. Buyers on Craigslist are quickly drawn to posts that have pictures associated with them. This appears as the notation "img" in orange font next to your headline. Use a good quality digital camera to take photos of the items you plan on selling. Make sure the lighting is good and that the images appear clear and crisp. You can attach your images to your post and be sure to resize them so they aren't huge files but aren't teeny-tiny either.

5. Think about pricing. The "For Sale" section of Craigslist is where items are bought and sold. Browse through that section and search for the category where your items fit in (books, collectibles, household items, clothing & accessories, etc) and compare the prices other sellers have put on similar items, if available. If you really need the money, place your price a bit lower than other sellers. It never hurts to add "Or Best Offer" to your listing so buyers know you're willing to negotiate.

6. Because there are different categories for items sold on Craigslist, make sure to post your items in the appropriate ones. Don't just pick a random category and have a huge list of items for sale. You're only allowed 4 image uploads per post and breaking any posting rules could get you banned from posting on Craigslist in the future. So be sure to read the rules and regulations if you're a first-timer.

7. Because Craigslist is an anonymous site, safety comes first. Never post your address (residential or business). Some people list their phone numbers but this is generally not a good idea since anyone can view your number. Instead, rely on the anonymous email address feature that Craigslist offers (it will redirect any emails about your post straight to your primary email address). When interested buyers contact you via email then you can go about letting them know the details such as pick up arrangements and at that point in time you can give them your phone number (or get theirs instead) if they are indeed going to purchase your items.

8. For safety reasons it is best to meet your buyer in a public place to exchange your items for payment (cafe, parking lot in a shopping area, etc). For furniture and other heavy items that are difficult to move, the buyer will more than likely have to come to your home to pick up the items. Be sure to hold the meeting during the day and make sure you aren't home alone. If possible, move the furniture to your garage or driveway so that you won't have strangers coming into your home to view the items. When making contact with buyers make sure you have their full name and a contact number.

9. The best and safest way to sell items on Craigslist is to post locally. The website allows you to choose a region/area where your post will show up. Choose your city or one close to it. It is better to deal with buyers that are local instead of someone that has driven over an hour or more to come meet you. If the deal turns sour or something bad happens, at least you'll know the buyer is in the same location as you.

10. Always deal in cash. Remember, these are strangers so while you want to give people the benefit of the doubt, your worries will be all but eliminated if you only deal with buyers willing to pay in cash. No checks (personal or business) and definitely avoid arranging for an online payment method. Keep it simple. With your item sold and cash in your hand, you'll have nothing to worry about.

11. Craigslist posts in the "For Sale" section expire after 30 days so don't worry if no one replies to your posts. You may have to lower your price, post better pictures, or rewrite your ad. Or you can post sooner than the 30 days, but beware of over posting since users can "flag" your posts, which will remove it. In the end if no one at all has expressed interest in your items then chalk it up as a lost cause and donate your items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Tips & Warnings

• The headline is the first thing buyers see when they go to the "For Sale" section of Craigslist. Write a strong headline to grab their attention. Use keywords like "Affordable," "Cheap," "Brand New-Never Been Used," and other similar catch phrases (but don't use these words if they aren't true).
• Never hold out for a buyer if you have other people interested. If you have interest from more than one person, check in with each person to see who can offer the best deal. If a buyer wants to buy your items but keeps delaying your meeting or seems flaky, move on. Chances are someone else will be able to pay and pick up your items right away.
• When taking photos of furniture be sure to state what condition it is in. Be honest. Mention if there are any cracks, scratches or water damage. And price accordingly. No buyer is going to spend a ton of money on an item that is has been damaged.
• If you aren't sure how to price your items, do research online and see what the items are going for brand-new. Then use your best judgment but remember, people come onto Craigslist looking for a bargain. If they wanted to pay full-price for something, they could have gone to the store.
• After posting your ad, you will receive an email notification from Craigslist. You can use the links to see what your ad looks like in real-time, make changes or delete your posting.
• It is best to delete your posting after you have sold your item that way you won't have to deal with emailing buyers who are too late.
• Don't be stubborn about pricing. Negotiation is a part of the process of selling items on Craigslist. Learn to bargain. Insisting on maintaining a high asking price is a quick way to make buyers skip your post.
• When meeting with a potential buyer, make sure you tell a family member or friend where you'll be at, the name of the person you are meeting with, or--better yet--have someone come along with you.
• It is usually best to speak with your potential buyer on the phone instead of relying strictly on email. You tend to get the "vibes" off of someone once you talk to him/her on the phone. Take note of their tone of voice or personality. If he/she sounds nervous, says strange things, or just gives you that "creepy" feeling, chances are you won't want to meet this person face-to-face. Use your best judgment in this case.

Resources

• Craigslist Website