Product Review: CraigRep.Com - a Free Reputation System for Craigslist

Launched in 1995 and continually expanding, craigslist has become the premier web destination for buying, selling, and giving away items locally, particularly large items, surpassing even eBay.

However, even though it has been widespread for a decade, it still feels somewhat shading. That's because what craigslist lacks is a reputation system that is found on giants like Amazon.com. Now CraigRep.com (cregrep) aims to change all of that.

"craigrep is a free service that allows buyers and sellers to provide reviews on craigslist transactions," the site prominently displays on its home page.

Simple and easy to use, cregrep allows its customers to use their Google account as a login. During registration, members create a username, select an avatar, and then are ready to start building their rep.

craigrep offers three simple tools:

1. The ability to invite someone to review you. The tool accepts the email address of the party you worked with on craigslist, allows for a personalized message to be included, and then invites the party to leave reputation.

2. Put your rating on a craigslist post. By copying and pasting simple HTML code, anyone can put their rep on their craigslist ads.

3. View your reviews. See the ratings and comments left by people who have had craigslist transactions with you.

Ultimately, craigrep makes craigslist a safer community. By being able to view the rating of a seller, buyers can feel safer about making a purchase. Potential e-shoppers who have avoided craigslist in the past can feel more secure by making purchases from sellers using craigrep. In short, craigrep makes craigslist better.