There is a Free Way to Buy and Sell Online! Check Out Craigslist

As a chronic pessimist regarding my thoughts about, "Nothing in life is free," I am pleased to announce that there is a website where one can post items to sell, buy, trade or look for that special someone (although a bit disturbing), Craigslist.com is the answer. I must say it's nice not to pay out fees to an auction house, when I can reap the benefits of my own selling profits.

I have been a faithful buyer and seller on Ebay since 2000, but hate the fact that the fees are getting higher, a final value fee is deducted, and the fact PayPal charges the seller for using their site to quickly transfer money into my bank account. To really get ahead of their game, you need to sell high or become full-time with selling as your main form of income. I tend to make my lunch money back when I sell, but I can say I keep them in business when I buy.

My sister introduced me to Craigslist years ago, but I don't usually follow-through with tips on free advertising because I am doubtful at heart. This year, I finally sat down and checked it out, and what to my startling amazement was a free site with little strings attached.

I recently opened my own ladies consignment boutique and with a very low start-up budget, I opened an account and listed a post to purchase ladies nice quality clothing. I received a response immediately from a woman in my area that she was selling two new leather jackets for $20.00. Pictures were provided and I picked them up with cash in hand and was able to sell them in my boutique. I continue to sign on new consigners and find great buys often.

I also posted to the "wanted" category looking for used garment racks and displays for the shop. I received a message from a local scuba diving shop that was relocating and had what I was looking for. I drove to the shop and purchased retail racks and displays, along with a $50.00 display case with lights. I was hooked!

It's a very easy site to operate on your own by following basic rules. No money is exchanged through Craigslist, so you need to be careful of scammers. I don't give personal information and only accept cash and pay in cash. Since I live in Columbus, I enter the Columbus site and post the county I live in so people know the which part of the area I am located. I have referred many friends to Craigslist and they are buying, trading, selling with ease.

As a footnote on the personal ads, I can't help but being curious about what people post. I guess it's great for some, but I would keep my children out of those categories until they are 18!

So, if you are a pessimist like me, give it a try and I believe you too will change the way you buy and sell online. A personal message to Ebay, I don't want to share my profits with you anymore!