Power Sellers Unite

elgato · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 17240 Location: Texas

DENVER (CBS4) – I have found craigslist.org to be a fantastic resource for selling items my family no longer needs. It took me a little while to figure the whole system out, so I thought I’d share some of my tips with those of you who’d like to give it a try.

First, a few personal hints:

– Never buy or sell anything when you’re home alone. If you have to meet someone when you’re by yourself, try to do it inside a public place where lots of people can see you.

– Set a minimum amount for items you’d like to sell. Everyone’s threshold is different in terms of what price we place on time and energy. I don’t list anything that’s not worth at least $15 because it does take work, and I want it to be worth my while.

– Consider donating — especially if you have something a charity can really use, such as coats for children in winter.

– Check out the competition! Do a search on your local city’s Craigslist page in the category in which you’re selling and look at the price, condition, etc., on similar items. I always price a few dollars less than the lowest price I can find, so that my item is (hopefully) the first to sell.

more.. link to news article

slythorne · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Posts: 220

I noticed some errors in that article.

"Your post will stay up for more than a month."
Depends on where you list, in my area it stays up for about a week.

"It’s against the rules to re-post just to get your item back to the top of the list, and other Craigslisters will report you for this."
Reporting doesn't do a damned thing, flagging is what will irritate you the most as one flagger with a vendetta against you will kill your listing each time you try to post it.

"There are some scams out there,"
There are a TON of scams out there! I am always getting junk nonsensical emails that are a ruse to get my email account on the spam lists.

"Set a minimum amount for items you’d like to sell"
AND add 20% to it very seldom does someone want to pay you your full asking price.

"There are flakes out there"
There are more flakes than real buyers.

And I want to add that if you put up your phone number, you better hope you have a good texting plan and be prepared to screen solicitors. Even if you are on the DO-NOT-CALL registry, you WILL get calls!

The*elite · Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 189

I don't think its too bad. I have had people come to my house and pick up stuff. Left outside, cash in the mailbox. Well, we have a dog and family member is PO.

The only thing I get is a few flaky people. Maybe 2 scam emails, I never leave my number but I did for another person selling stuff and they didn't have any problems either.

They come to my house looking for trouble they just might find it. :?
My husband has a killer bite! lmbo

gooddealsbooks · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 1048

I paid no listing fees or FVF with ebay or got socked again with paypal's .30 cents plus 2.9% No worries on shipping fees or buyers not satisfied or a chargeback from a credit card. No worries on what kind of feedback will they leave me.
Just 60.00 cash in the pocket and no big corporations who think they deserve a piece of that

WatchCount · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 16

I've been CL'ing since 1997-ish. To add to that list:

1) I rarely have them come to my home. Instead, I meet at a local Starbucks to complete the sale.

2) I never post a phone number, although I may eventually give them my number if the private conversation progresses enough.

3) Don't forget the Barter section of CL. There are many people who are near-broke but willing to give up stuff in exchange for your item.

-WC

eBayEXPAT · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 96

Craigslist is full of no-shows and also people who wish to trade a bag of magic beans for your item, :evil: .......o.k. I've fad a few sales, the upside, no fees, cash transaction, easy to list, no shipping hassles....

WatchCount · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 16

1 way I've learned to substantially curb no-shows is this:

When we're making our appointment, I also assert: "Ok, call me 1 hour before our appointment to confirm that you'll be there. Otherwise, I'll assume you changed your mind."

-WC