Craigslist is my homeboy. I've sold cars (two of them), Stampin' Up! stamps, fake trees, Ikea tables, microwaves, couches, beds, home decor, and the list keeps growing! The only thing I haven't tried: clothes. We use eBay for that one. The greatest part: list your stuff for free! Here are some selling tips for Craigslist.
1. Price the items slightly high, but fair.
Peeps on CL are looking for a deal, and everyone swindles. By setting the price a little higher, you'll probably end up making what you expected initially. Compare what you're selling to similar items already listed. That will give you a good idea of an acceptable price.
2. Photos are a must. Minimum of 3.
I won't even look at a posting without pictures. It's worth the extra time. Freshen them up in Photoshop if you need to. Don't post bad photos.
3. Include links to your items selling other places.
We just listed my old TV for $300, but found it on Overstock.com for $850 -- yes, I am going to put the link on there to show the buyer what a great deal mine is!
4. Double and triple list.
Let's say I'm selling a couch. This can fit under multiple categories: furniture, general for sale, household, and maybe a few others. List items in all categories that are applicable.
5. Package deals.
Do you have a whole bedroom set? Put it in one post, and do another for each item in the set you are trying to sell. Have a toaster, microwave, and blender? Group them together! Sometimes this will help move the items a little quicker. And maybe the buyer didn't realize they wanted that blender, too.
6. Renew your postings.
Each ad appears in the order it was submitted. If it's a popular category, that chair you posted 30 minutes ago is already 20-30 ads down the page. People will scroll, but not too far. After 48 hours you can renew your post so it appears at the top of the page again. This is a MUST.
7. Use keywords.
The search function on CL can be a lifesaver, especially if you know what you're looking for. Use popular words that describe what you're trying to sell. For instance, Anthropologie sells some expensive shiz and I wanted to see if I could score something for a deal. WOW. There's a lot of stuff that is Anthro styled but not necessarily from that store that will show up with that keyword because the seller took the time to put that specific word in their post.
8. Be patient.
If what you're selling doesn't get interest right away it's OKAY. Be patient. Usually the right buyer will come along. If you're tired of waiting, drop the price. If it's still not moving, consider what you're selling. Should you really just donate it?
9. Have low expectations.
You'll get at least 5 emails from people who aren't really interested in your stuff before you find the right buyer. Don't waste your time with people if they're not responsive to your emails or texts.
10. Be safe.
When you do have a potential sale meet the buyer/seller in a public area and bring a friend with you. 99% of the time you'll be fine, but there could be a wack-o out there who you don't want knowing your address. Use the buddy system. :)
BONUS TIP: The best days to post on CL are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Those days typically have the highest traffic. And post in the morning!
"Um, Hi, I didn't make these purchases. I'm not romantic. Ask my wife. And duh, I'm too poor to shop at Safeway."
2.) Contact a recruiter
1. Grocery IQ. The days of hand-written grocery lists are gone. Embrace technology and reduce, reuse, recycle. Share the app with other users to add to the list, get coupons, and have a list of favorite items to easily add on for future lists.
3. My Fitness Pal. Track your calories, calculate calories burned through exercise, and keep up with your fitness goals. You can also connect with friends to help motivate each other. Great for keeping yourself accountable!
4. Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter. What's not to love about social media apps? Pinterest is my personal fave, followed by Instagram. Twitter is a great place to catch up on the news, as long as you follow reputable sources. ;)
