The Pros and Cons of Craigslist

Craigslist is becoming more commonly utilized through out the entire world. Along with the increased use comes some increased controversy as well. It takes just a little bad press to completely destroy a long standing good image. This latest incident in Hazel Park Michigan is a prime example. A youth went to meet someone from Craigslist to buy a phone and was robbed and shot to death.

I have used Craigslist to buy and sell over a hundred items over the years with very few problems. The only concerns I have had were occasional no-shows and low-ballers. Also my spam box stays busy, but this is a minor detail to deal with. I have purchased four vehicles in the past few years, and just recently bought a set of tires advertised on the site. I will continue to use this site in the manner that works best for me.

The main thing to know about Craigslist is that you are dealing with complete strangers. Regardless of whether you are buying or selling any given item or service, the respondents are still complete strangers. They can email you and say they are church volunteers or work at an orphanage. They can say they are soup kitchen volunteers or that they provide a homeless animal shelter. The point is that a prospective customer can say they are anything they wish to be. But they are still strangers, and caution must be used.

PROS: Unlimited Services

You can buy or sell anything you want on Craigslist. Tools, toys, appliances, household items and every other item you can imagine is readily obtainable. Services that are offered are endless as well. Skilled trades, laborers, lawyers and whatever sort of lessons you may be searching for. The personals section also offers almost unlimited services as well. Blind dates, platonic relationships, spouse searching, massages and casual encounters are all available.The jobs section covers everything from accounting to government to real estate jobs. Buying, selling or renting real estate is also represented by a complete section of its own. The community section also has a wide variety of topics to browse through, including pets, lost/found items and local activities.

CONS: Exposure to strangers

If you put your phone number in your original post expect a few solicitors to call. If you put your email address in your original post expect your spam box to get active. It is also best to avoid putting your street address in your post.

Here are a few basic guidelines to keep things going smoothly.

Do not use your own personal email in your post, use the Craigslist option provided.
You will be spammed and your addy will be passed around and sold.

Never put your phone number in your original post.
You will get calls not related to your post

Never put your street address in your original post.
Paper spam hits your mailbox, and a lot of strangers will know where you live

Never go alone to finalize whatever deal you are contemplating.
Just in case you are a potential target.

A personals rendezvous should be done in a well lighted public and populated area.
You have read enough stories about this sort of thing.

Perform your transaction in the daylight whenever possible.
For obvious reasons, more stories and common sense

Cash works best.
Too much check and money order fraud going on

Request a phone number from prospective respondent, but do not give yours.
This way your number is safe, and the spammers will not come through with a number

Do not put your personal photo in your original post.
Unless you wish to be identifiable in a strangers community

Just keep things simple and safe. These are all common sense rules that unfortunately, not everyone adheres to. Comply with the security rules and your benefits from using the Craigslist site will be unlimited.

Thanks for reading, and please see related article below.

Unbiased guide to navigating Craigslist