It’s official, I love Craiglist. Why? Because I can find awesome things at a fraction of the cost I would pay in an antique store.
Although I would not characterize myself as an expert, I have a few tips I would love to share with you about how to make the buying experience more successful for you.
1. If there’s a phone number in the ad, call, don’t email. The seller will see you as a more serious buyer and you will be put ahead of emailers. Emailers are often seen as lookee loos, spammers and scammers that aren’t serious buyers.
2. Don’t wait to call or to see the item, nuff said. I lost a gorgeous set of furniture ridiculously priced because I didn’t get over there right away. Yes the owner was supposedly holding them for me, but didn’t You can read more that sad story here.
3. Confirm with the seller right before you leave to go get it. Sometimes people forget you are coming or maybe it’s already been sold, and you don’t want to waste your precious time.
4. Be sure to get the seller’s phone number before you leave so you can call if you can’t find their house. That happened to me one time. When I called, the owner said people get lost going to her house all of the time. I didn’t mind though, she had a million dollar house in a breath-taking neighborhood, so I enjoyed my tour.
5. Bring cash, many sellers won’t accept checks especially on big ticket items. And bring some small bills in case the seller will accept less.
6. Check out the item thoroughly. Look at the bottom, back, sides, and make sure it is in a condition acceptable to you. I found a few tears on a settee I recently purchased, that I talked about here. I wish I had noticed them before, but I still would have bought it any way.
7. Don’t show up in your Mercedes if you want the best price. If you are driving an expensive car, the seller is probably going to think *cha ching* before you get out of your shiny vehicle. They are not going to be sympathetic to what they suppose are your imaginary budgetary constraints.
8. Ask if there is any negotiating room on the price; usually there is. Every time I have asked, I have been offered a lower price. I often pay full asking price if I think the price is already ridiculously low or if I can see the person needs the money. I would have paid full price on the settee and chairs, I bought recently but the person I was working with was not the owner and was not getting any of the money for selling the things. I did try to give him some money for handling the sale, but he refused it. He really looked like he could use the money, and I regret not insisting. I like a good price, but I like to help people too.
9. Don’t point out all of the flaws to get a better price; this just annoys people. Trust me here, I used to work in a furniture store, and the customers that asked for a better price got a better deal than those that started insulting the furniture. If you find something that is troublesome and you feel you need to mention it, just be careful not to offend. The owner is probably aware of the defect and will adjust the price accordingly if he hasn’t already done so.
10. If you feel uncomfortable going alone to see the item, get a friend to go with you. If you can’t find anyone to go with you, you can tell a friend when and where you will be, and ask them to call you at a certain time. If you don’t answer, then they’ll know where to send reinforcements.
I know I finished the list, but I forgot something important… have fun!! Better yet, call me next time!!!
Great tips! Love that bamboo rug! 😉
The chair is adorable. Was that big basket a Craigslist find? I’d love to have one!
Great tips Anita! I have never been lucky finding anything on craigs list.I guess I should check more often.
xx
Anne
I have one more tip…. prepare to be decisive once you get there because you don’t want to let a good one get away. Yeah, sadly I made the wrong decision on a table that went with some chairs, and I’ve been kicking myself since.
Bliss
Great tips Anita!
I just do not have any luck on Craigslist! Ive tried! I want to love it and find great deals! But they dont happen fo rme. Maybe no one in my area is selling fabulous things on it like in other areas? or maybe I dont look long enough?
HI Anita,
These are all great tips. My city is known for 200.00 ratty ugly sofas, and everything is WAY overpriced, but 100 miles away, there are much better deals to be had. Go figure.
-Revi
Great advice! I’ve been a little intimidated to do Craig’s List rather than just stop at a yard sale.
Brenda
Great tips and perfect timing-I’m considering selling my antique musical santa doll on there but I’ve never done it before.
Thanks.
I personally don’t do craigslist “business” alone. Both for buying and selling. Also for some “expensive” stuff (eg a car) I meet in a public parking lot, let’s say a grocery store. There are cameras. 🙂
Great tips. I pinned it to my Fine Tutorials board!
Thanks so very much for sharing those tips with us, Anita! I haven’t found a good enough deal in the Craigslist listings in my area to even want to call or pursue an item. I’m jealous of those of you who find great deals. If I DO find something to call about, I will remember your tips. I saw your post over at “Common Ground” link party.
Anita,
All great tips on Craig’s List buying.
Sadly, in our area. . .when selling, most buyers think you’re a “garage $ale” and after seeing your item ask if you’ll take ridiciously less for it! If I priced my item for $25.00 am I going to take $10.00??? NO! Most have been GREAT $ales for me!!! I, too have found some GREAT buys for re~sale when working at a local Antique Shop!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Great tips, Anita. I’ve never used Craigslist because I live in such a rural area and there isn’t that much available, but I have friends in bigger cities who swear by it!
Wonderful tips Anita! Love your Blog. I’m your NEWEST Follower!!
Jan ♥
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your tips. I forget what a resource Craigslist can be.
Ihave really enjoyed making a few CraigsList purchases in the last 4 years (since moving to a larger area…) and I have NEVER had any problems with wierdos…But, here is what I do. #1 I always call before I go. #2 I always going during daylight #3 I leave the phone number of the seller & the sellers address with a family member/co-worker/neighbor AS I AM LEAVING #4 When I arrive at the sellers location, I LET THE SELLER know that I have to text my “freind” to let them know I am “here” #5 I tell the seller that I have 30 minutes. #6 I stay ONLY 30 minutes. If I am longer than 30 minutes, I have to call my “freind”. Other wise? Said “freind” will call my husband & the law. I have never had any problems. I do not use this method to get a better price, I use this method for my SAFETY. And many of the sellers have been women & they have always agreed it was good thinking. If I don’t have that backup – someone to take the number & address? I will not go.
Sam
Great tips Anita! I have never bought anything on Craigslist before. I have bought once from ksl. They say it’s better here in UT. I would much rather talk to someone than e-mail. Much more on a personal level.
hugs,
Jann
Great tips. Such a beautiful story about your turtle. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.
Great tips…I totally agree with being mindful not to insult their furniture. We have yard sales regularly and sell really nice things for next to nothing and nothing bothers me more than someone pointing out the flaws. (We know, but its a yard sale!!)
Thanks for sharing!
Christy
http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com