Living a semi-nomadic life has taught me a thing or two about buying and selling used stuff. It’s a great way to save some cash and get back some of the money you’ve already spent. But selling on Craigslist isn’t as easy as taking a quick, blurry photo and posting it online. There’s a method to the madness if you want to get the most bang for your buck.
First things first, do your research and set a fair price. This doesn’t have to be a long process, but it can make a big difference in how much you get for your items.
Next, pick the right platform. Not everything will sell for the best price on Craigslist. Depending on what you’re selling, you might get a better deal on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, or Amazon. For example, Craigslist is great for selling large items like furniture, but if you’re selling smaller, pricier items like jewelry or rare collectibles, you might want to try Ebay, Amazon, or Etsy. These platforms reach a wider audience, including international buyers.
Also, consider the right Craigslist markets. Craigslist operates on a local level, so you might want to post your ad in multiple cities if they’re close enough for easy pickup. College towns and areas with lots of young adults are great places to sell furniture and other used goods.
When it comes to pricing, be careful not to ask for too much or too little. After checking out similar items on Craigslist and other used marketplaces, you should have a good idea of a fair price range. Consider the condition of your item and price accordingly. And remember, what you originally paid for the item doesn’t matter. What matters is what it’s worth now.
When writing your ad, be specific in your headlines. Instead of writing "Couch for sale," write "IKEA Kivik 3-seat sofa couch." List the brand and model number if you know it. This not only makes it clear what you’re selling, but also builds trust.
In the ad itself, provide the right amount of detail. Too little and potential buyers will be left with questions. Too much and they might lose interest. Always include the item’s color, age, and condition, and make your payment policy clear.
Be honest about any damage or imperfections. This builds trust and saves time by reducing the chance of a buyer backing out when they come to pick up the item.
Include your name and phone number in the listing to establish trust and make communication easier. If you’re not comfortable using your real phone number, you can create an anonymous one on Google Voice.
Set a deadline for pickup to create a sense of urgency. Just make sure it’s at least a few days away so buyers have enough time to see your ad and respond.
If you have any accessories that go with the item you’re selling, be sure to list them in your ad. And consider selling related items together as a batch or lot.
Take good photos of your item. Clean it up, set it against a contrasting background, and use strong light. Include close-ups of any unique features or defects, and caption all photos accurately.
When it comes to safety and security, plan your pickups carefully. Meet in a public place if possible, or schedule pickups during the day when someone else can be with you. Only accept cash to avoid scams.
Finally, manage your ad effectively. Refresh it every couple of days to keep it near the top of the listings, and don’t take it down until you have cash in hand and the item is gone.
If your item doesn’t sell quickly or for a good price, consider donating it to charity. You’ll be helping others and potentially getting a tax write-off. Just be careful not to overestimate the donation value and trigger an audit.
