Craigslist Etiquette
Craigslist is one of the premier ways that people buy and sell items within a limited geographic area. Unlike auction sites such as eBay, where shipping items is common, most Craigslist transactions take place face-to-face and over the phone. That means that buyers and sellers should adhere to certain standards of etiquette to ensure a successful, safe and respectful exchange of goods or services.
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Punctuality
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Because Craigslist encourages face-to-face interactions and item pickups, the majority of transactions will require you to pick up an item you have bought or be present at your home while a buyer comes to pick up an item you sold. Punctuality is key: Arriving far too early or late to pick up an item is rude, and may reduce your chance of actually procuring or selling the item.
Selling
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When you sell an item on Craigslist, be honest about the item's condition and any defects it may have. By doing this, you are saving yourself and the buyer time. If the buyer arrives and finds the item is not how it was described online, he may decide against buying it, leaving you empty handed and wasting the time of everyone involved. When the buyer arrives and hands over the money, count it. It's not rude and it can save you from being shorted by a customer who hands you a bunch of bills and makes a quick exit. Make sure you're comfortable with your seller before giving out your home address. If in doubt, meet in a public, secure location for the exchange, and bring a friend.
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Buying
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When you agree to buy something on Craigslist, you typically will agree to buy it at the price listed. Though some negotiation is common, once a price is agreed upon, stick to it. Trying to negotiate a lower price when you arrive to pick up the item is in poor taste, and may even cause the seller to go back on the sale. Also, when buying larger items, bring friends to help you move it: Sellers are not expected to do anything other than present the item; expecting them to spend time helping you move it is a breach of etiquette. If you're uncomfortable with the area where you'll be picking up the item, only go during daylight, and bring a friend. Or agree to meet in a public place, if that's reasonable.
Communicating
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If you receive a response to your buying or selling advertisement on Craigslist, chances are you will have to coordinate pick up times and prices by phone. Treat Craigslist-related phone calls to a stranger the same way you would other phone calls: If the person on the other end tells you to call at a certain time, abide by it. Additionally, avoid creating frustration by adhering to whatever communication method a buyer or seller specifies. If someone says they only want to communicate via email, avoid calling them. Likewise, basic safety precautions (like meeting during daylight hours) should meet with no resistance. If you're uncomfortable with the arrangements, don't take the risk.
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