How to Make Fast Money on Craigslist

Sell items your kids have outgrown on Craigslist.

Craigslist is an Internet company based in San Francisco. It supports virtual classified ads and has local listings throughout the world. People use it to buy and sell used goods, services, cars and other items. Prices are typically much less than retail, and some postings are scams. However, if you need to make money fast, Craigslist is an option. It is easy to use and keeps your contact information private, so you can communicate with potential buyers without revealing your identity or location, unless you want to.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Items to sell

Instructions

1. Identify items you are willing to part with. These must all be items legally obtained and legal to sell.

2. Take pictures of your items with a digital camera. Upload the pictures to your computer.

3. Type in the name of your city.craigslist.org, like this: kansascity.craigslist.org. This will take you to your local Craigslist community.

4. Click on the section that says "post to classifieds."

5. Click on "for sale" when the page asks "what kind of posting is this?"

6. Click on the category that best describes your item.

7. Fill in your title, such as "Blue and White Huffy Bike," the price you're asking and location, like "North Kansas City." Type in your email twice and then click "hide" or "anonymize," according to your privacy preference. Write a product description, including colors, sizes, condition and any other information a buyer would want to know about your item. Click on add/edit images if you have a picture to upload. Add your picture(s) and click "continue."

8. Proofread your ad and look at your picture before you submit. After you post your ad, wait for email alerts to notify you of interested buyers.

9. Answer all emails related to your item, unless they are obviously spam or scams. Set up safe places to exchange your item for cash.

Tips & Warnings

• Use positive words in your description, but do not lie about the condition your item is in. Let potential buyers know if there is a hole or dent or chipped paint.

• Only accept cash as a payment.

• If someone comes to your home to pick up an item they buy from you, have another adult with you in the home.

• Do not go to a buyer's home to deliver the item if you can meet at a public location instead. Never to go a buyer's home alone.

References

• LinkedIn: Craigslist
• Craigslist: Kansas City

Resources

• Craigslist: United States