Easy Guide to Selling on Craigslist

If you have a lot of stuff piling up in your home and garage you could be sitting on a gold mine! craigslist.com has become a household name and you can sell just about anything!

Fees Fees Fees!

Selling items on bidding websites can be frustrating when all of your money gets sucked up by fees for listing, fees for selling, fees from accepting payment via PayPal, it just seems like the fees never end!

For many years bidding sites have won the vote when it comes to hawking your antiques, collectibles, and unwanted junk--but there is a cheaper way to get it sold and guess what--it is FREE!

Craigslist is Easy!

From start to finish, the craigslist system is easy and basic. Once you open an account you can start uploading your ad. Here are the basics you will need to start.

Have a price in mind
Know the brand, make, or model
Write a short description
City or areas the pick-up spot is near
Have at least 4 good photos
How should they contact you

Setting the price

If you do not know the worth of an item it is a good idea to search craigslist for similar items, then base your price according to the condition the item is in. It is important to know that you may need to reduce the price later if you are not getting many inquiries. Also beware of scam emails, if someone wants to send you money to mail the item, skip it. You should really only have pick-up only items.

What is it you are trying to sell?

Make sure to put keywords in the description. Many people search by brand names. If they are looking for a kids toy they may search for Step-Two of Fisher-Price. Be sure to spell things correctly. For instance, searching for an elliptical machine may also be spelled elliptical with one "l'.. This could mean that your ad is not viewed. You may choose to use more than one key word in the title to take full advantage of potential buyers searching, for example: Dining Table, Kitchen Table

Write a short description

In your description you should include valuable information about the item. How old is it, what is it made of, how much was it purchased for new, size or dimensions. If you get a lot of emails with questions about the item be sure to edit the ad with the information you are being asked that way you can avoid unnecessary emails.

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words

Good photos are very important. The quality of the photos can help you get a the price you want. Make sure that the photos are clear and upright, you could lose a potential buyer if you post sideways or dark photos.

Where can the item be picked up?

For large items like furniture, it might be best for buyers to come to your home, but for smaller items you can meet the buyer at your work or in a public area like a gas station or busy parking lot just to be safe. I would recommend that you always have someone with you just in case.

How Should the Buyers Contact You?

In your craigslist ad you can select an anonymous option for email or you can have your personal email or phone number listed in the ad, although that is not necessary.