5 Tips for Selling on Craigslist [Maximize Your Money] (2024)

If you’re looking to get rid of some belongings and make a little extra cash, selling on Craigslist is a great option. But if you’ve never used the site before, it can be a bit overwhelming. With a few simple tips, though, you can be a Craigslist pro in no time.

What is Craigslist?

First, let’s start with the basics. Craigslist is an online classifieds site where people can buy and sell everything from cars to furniture to houses. You can list just about anything for sale on Craigslist, but there are a few things that are not allowed, such as weapons, alcohol, and drugs.

Why Use Craigslist to Sell Stuff?

I personally find Craigslist is a great place to post your stuff for sale if you:

• Want to find a local buyer.
• Want to funnel your inqueries through an unseen email address.
• Need to sell something relatively fast.
• Want a really simple way of listing items with no frills
• Want control of setting the terms and conditions as well as shipping fees
• Looking to avoid paying commissions on your sale

When I don’t like to use Craigslist to sell stuff:

• If I want to attract a larger audience, even a global audience, to my items.
• When I’m selling something really expensive.
• If don’t want the hassle of haggling with people or having to go and meet someone.
• When there is a potential for sketchy meeups, I prefer FB Marketplace since identities are verified.
• When I need a better user experience and interface for better marketing

5 Tips for Selling on Craigslist

Selling on Craigslist follows many of the common themes for writing an effective classified ad. There are however a few special things that I do specifically for the Craigslist audience.

1. Write a Good Headline

Since people will be searching for your item by keyword, it’s important to include key information in the headline of your Craigslist post. But you also want to make sure your headline is attention-grabbing so that people will click on it. A good rule of thumb is to keep it short and sweet while still being informative.

2. Write a Good Description of the Item

When you’re ready to list an item, you’ll need to write a description and take some pictures. For the description, be sure to include all relevant information, such as the item’s condition, size, brand, and any special features it has. But don’t go overboard – the goal is to give potential buyers enough information to whet their appetite, but not so much that they feel like they don’t need to see the item in person.

3. Take Good Pictures From Different Angles

As for pictures, make sure they are clear and well-lit, and that they show the item from different angles. And if you’re selling something like furniture, be sure to take a picture of it in the room where it will be used, so potential buyers can get a sense of how it will look in their own home.

3 to 5 pictures are usually enough. The more expensive the item, the more pictures you should consider posting.

4. Firm, But Flexible Negotiation

Once you’ve listed an item, you’ll start to get responses from potential buyers. When negotiating prices, it’s important to be firm but flexible. Start by giving your best price, but be willing to come down a bit if the buyer counter-offers. It’s also important to be clear about payment methods – will you accept cash, credit, or Paypal? – and whether or not the buyer will need to pick up the item or if you’re willing to ship it.

5. Be Clear About Delivery of the Item

Be clear about your expectations of how the item will be delivered. If it is pick up only, then state that. If you are willing to go and meet a buyer then say so. You can even say that you will mail it. No matter what state the terms in your listing. People will try and take advantage of you if you are not clear about it.

If you find a buyer and the items are heavy, work out up front how the items will be transported. You don’t want someone thinking you will carry a treadmill out of your home by yourself. If they need to bring help to load stuff on a truck, make sure you tell them up front.

Beware Scams When Selling on Craigslist

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams on Craigslist, so it’s important to be aware of them. Some common scams include buyers who want to send a check for more than the asking price and then ask you to wire them back the difference, or buyers who say they’re from out of town and want you to ship the item before they’ve sent payment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Is it Safe to Meet People Who Want to Buy your Item?

While it is generally safe to meet up with someone who wants to buy an item from you, there are a few precautions you should take. First, always meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop or park. Secondly, let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. And finally, trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.

I typically don’t invite anyone to my home. Meeting in the parking lot of my local super market is what I prefer. If you are selling something large like a bed room set, then you may need to have someone come to your house. If you are female and live alone, I would suggest asking a friend to be with you during the entire transaction.

Tips for Selling on Craigslist – Conclusion

Selling on Craigslist is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra cash. Just be sure to follow these simple tips and you’ll be a pro in no time.