10 Secrets to Selling Stuff on Craigslist

Craigslist is a great resource for people who want to sell their “stuff” they no longer need, or a quick way to make some money on unused items. It’s also a great resource for people who want to look for used, new, or barely used items including furniture, baby items, clothing, cars, motorcycles, jewelry, antiques, electronics and more. While there is always a chance for a “fake buyer” to come across your items, there are many ways to eliminate this risk so that you and your item receive the fair treatment it serves, and you sell what your stuff is worth. It’s easy to post your stuff on Craigslist but to receive the best offers from high quality buyers, there are some steps to making the most money from your items without dealing with hassles from hagglers.  For the best experience on Craigslist, follow these rules for successful selling and buying, and you’ll be a Craigslist expert in no time.

  1. Don’t forget about submitting pictures of your item. When selling your item online, pictures tell a thousand words. Submit several from different angles if you can.
  2. Learn about the website and become familiar with the lingo. There is a lot to learn about Craigslist, including rules and regulations for posting your item. The more you know about the website, the more informed you can be with buyers.
  3. Prepare to negotiate for a price you can both agree on is fair. Negotiation is common on Craigslist, but excessive negotiation is not.
  4. Don’t feel pressured to take that first decent offer. Craigslist buyers can have a successful run with selling their items from the many people looking for furniture, cars, and electronics. If you can afford to wait, don’t be tempted by the first offer as you may receive a better one in a few days.
  5. Offer a detailed description of your item. The more thorough you are about the specifications of your item to sell, the more responses you will have with potential offers. Buyers don’t like to be in the dark but instead know exactly what they are paying for.
  6. Don’t let a buyer talk you into a different form of payment. There are many buyers on Craigslist who agree on your asking price and can guarantee you payment within 24 hours only to, at the last minute, tell you they can offer you half cash and half a trade. Unless the trade is something you really need, be firm with the payment negotiations up front.
  7. Consider a meeting place. Like with anything else, safety comes first. It’s never smart (even with a buyer who promises to take your coffee table at your first asking price) to agree to meet them at your home or his/her’s. Offer to meet them in a public place, bring someone else to accompany you and always rely on your gut feeling.
  8. Be honest about your item. This is an important secret for dealing with Craigslist ads. Many people who search the website for furniture, tools, jewelry, etc., are professionals including dealers who know what they want and what a fair asking price is. If your item is used, don’t submit pictures of it from when it was brand new or write a false description. In the end, you’ll only be wasting you and your potential buyer’s time.
  9. Ask for a reasonable price for your item. If you are on a time crunch and need to sell your item fast, there is no need to undersell it, but ask for a fair price. While Craigslist is a competitive online market place, your ad can also sit there if the price is too high. For example, if you have a used toddler’s bed that you need to get rid of before you move next Tuesday, don’t sell it for a new bed price. Instead, research what a fair price is and start there as a basis for negotiations.
  10. Post on Saturday and Tuesday mornings. This is a very useful trick for people who are serious about a quick selling time. Craigslist only lets you repost an item every three days, so posting on Saturday mornings and Tuesday mornings help you regain the most exposure for the weekend rush and those preparing for the weekend midweek.

Selling items on Craigslist can be a valuable online resource for people who want something at a cheaper rate and for others who want to make quick cash on their unwanted items. Knowing how to sell is key to your success, and with these helpful tips, you shouldn’t have any trouble making some pocket change (or more) for your valuable items.