Anyone trying to live more frugally owes it to themselves to check out their local CraigsList site. CraigsList is a one-stop local shop where you can buy second-hand goods, buy a car, hire a wedding photographer, find a job, and about a zillion other things.
Any time I’m in need of anything for the house, CraigsList is my first stop. I’m a big fan of secondhand pre-loved items. Not only am I usually getting a great deal, I’m conserving natural resources as well! However, you must be aware that CraigsList is NOT Target. You won’t be able to find exactly what you want, exactly when you want it. You may need to be patient, and man their (very useful) search feature for a few days. But it almost always pays off in the end.
Some of the gems I’ve gotten from CraigsList are:
- A like-new recliner for Mr. Cutie for $75. When we were having trouble coordinating our schedules, the seller even delivered it to me and put it together in my living room!
- An old-school reel-style push lawnmower for FREE
- An entire year’s worth of clothing for my 3-year-old for $60.
- When my family was lucky enough to have our home re-done on a home-makeover TV show, we were responsible for certain things out of pocket. Our budget was really tight at the time, and I had NO idea how we would pay for it! Mr. Cutie jumped onto CraigsList, and bartered for some things in exchange for national television exposure. For the low, low price of $0, we got a new window in our living room, two rooms worth of hardwood floor installation, a new dining room table, and new drywall work done.
- 3 houses worth of outdoor planters and stands for FREE
On the flipside, when you have items that you no longer have a use for, CraigsList is a great place to sell items, as well! Some tips for making the sale:
- BE HONEST! If you’re selling your old sofa, and describe it as “like new”, but the buyer arrives to find a chocolate milk stain and one corner clawed off by Mittens, your loveable but slightly tense cat, not only will you lose the sale, you now have an irritated stranger standing in your living room. Less than fun, right?
- Be pleasant and helpful in your correspondence. Nothing turns me off a CraigsList purchase quicker than someone who is terse, dodgy, or sends e-mails that look like my 13-year-old’s text messages!
- Try to include a photo. Not ALWAYS necessary, but helpful.
- If your price is firm, make that known in the ad. We buyers LOVE to negotiate!
Finally, a few tips for shopping on CraigsList:
- Cash is king! Most sellers don’t have a credit-card terminal in their living room, so be considerate and bring cash. If possible, have exact change.
- If there’s something you really want, contact the seller right away. Things can disappear fast, and it’s first-come, first-served out there!
- Don’t string the seller along. If you change your mind about something, be polite and let them know, so they can offer the item to the next person in line. If you make an appointment to pick something up, show up when you say you will!
- If you’re buying a smaller item, it’s smart to meet in a public place to complete the sale. If this isn’t feasible, bring someone with you, and make sure others know where you’re going.
And a final note on the world of CraigsList. Search carefully, my frugal friend. There are some things on there that you CANNOT un-see.
So, what have you uncovered on Craigslist? What’s on your CraigsList wishlist? I’m currently looking for a large area rug for the living room, a buffet or sideboard to put my television on, and oh yeah! A new house…
Tags: CraigsList
