Craigslist

I am a huge fan of Craigslist!

I see no reason to hold a garage sale anymore. I have not been able to sell anything for a fair value (to me) at a garage sale. I've spent 6-8 hours with a garage full of stuff, only to make $200. Maybe's it's user-error, but I just don't have any luck, even with foot traffic.

I find that your average garage sale customer is looking for fantastic deals only. The professional customers are looking for the same. There is something about putting your cute sofa on your lawn that transforms it from furniture into junk. I think garage sales scream, "Junk for Sale!" And everyone knows that after 2pm, it's all going to Goodwill anyway (at least that's what I do.)

I think garage sale customers often believe they are doing YOU the favor and you should almost just give them your stuff for free. The exchange of money becomes a polite gesture rather than a business deal.

Not so with Craigslist!! 

If you haven't tried it--you must. I use it for all items worth $10 and up. Everything else goes straight to Goodwill and I spend my Saturdays with my family instead of haggling over pennies. 

This is how Craigslist works for me. I take a photo and post my item. I generally price it for half of what I paid if it's in good shape (unless it's electronics--then I go lower).

Within a few days, it's sold. Often, it only takes hours.

Here are some examples.

Trendy dog carrying purse--$20. Sold in 2 hours.

10 year old TV--$45. Sold in one hour.

Plastic toy workbench--$10. Sold same day.

Five year old, heavily used portable crib--$40. Sold in two days. 

Bedroom set, $1000--sold same day for $750.

Rustic coffee table--$75. Sold in four days and received $45 more dollars to deliver it 16 miles away. 

Plastic, faded outdoor playhouse--$150. Sold for $120 same day.

Brand new double-stroller--$200. Sold for $200 same day.

We've also sold cars and dirt bikes and many other things that I can't remember. 

Just the above items (not including the vehicles) sold for a total of $1305 and each only took minutes of my time (other than the delivery). It would take me 6.5 Saturdays to make that much money doing garage sales, and I'd have to sell a ton more than 8 items!

My items sell so quickly because the customers on Craigslist are looking online for the exact items I have for sale. They know that potentially thousands of people are shopping at the same time, which produces a real sense of urgency. They want to purchase their items before anyone else does--so they call immediately and set up an appointment with me. Most of my customers arrive with the exact change for the item. Items over $100 may draw some haggling, but that's to be expected.

Both parties generally leave the transaction feeling like they got a good deal. Every customer I've had has been kind and grateful--and I have felt the same way. My items are not perceived as junk. Craigslist customers are savvy to tricks. I photograph my items as they are with no big "production". It's a high-class garage sale, but one that puts real dollars in your pocket and real savings in your customer's as well!

Be safe though! I never meet anyone alone at my house or at their house if I'm delivering an item. I bring my husband.

The second side of Craigslist is the purchasing side. I've had just as much fun and success buying things from Craigslist. Recently, my brother and I fixed up our dad's apartment. He needed a breakfast table. I checked Craigslist, found a solid oak, round table, and we picked it up that day for $40. The cheap tables at WalMart were all over $150.

The unspoken benefit of Craigslist is that it's green. Anytime you can buy something you need used or sell your item rather than junk it--you're helping the environment. You're also buying local and helping your neighbor. Not to mention--it's FREE (unless you use paypal and then there is a small fee--thanks for pointing that out Chris!).

All and all, it's a win-win website and I'm grateful for it!

(I have no affiliation with Craigslist or any of its employees--I'm a natural cheerleader when I find something I like!!)

Posted in: Lessons Learned,Riches to Rags