A recent move gave me the opportunity to downsize and get rid of some "stuff". It happens slowly over time you accumulate things, they are shoved in a corner, and alas no longer serve a purpose. With my recent move I decided it was time to get rid of as much as possible to eliminate clutter and yes, make some money in the process!
Selling "stuff" on Craigslist does not take a lot of skill but there are a few important things to keep in mind as you prepare to list your items.
Don't be the person with the bad ad
When I started using Craigslist a few years ago to purchase some household items on my tight, post divorce budget nothing frustrated me more than all of the "bad" listings. I am not what you would consider a grammar specialist or spelling expert, but have you heard of spell-check? Punctuation? Or, shudder proofreading?
It only takes a few minutes to create an ad that will sell your stuff, however some thought and effort should be put into it.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Always include pictures in your ad. When I scroll through the listings for an item I am looking for if there isn't a picture, I just keep scrolling. Believe it or not there is competition on Craigslist just like in the retail world and good pictures just might help you to sell your "stuff" over someone else's.
Take the time to take good pictures. Remove any clutter, try to use natural daylight, and take at least two pictures from different angles of the item. By displaying a good picture you can reduce the number of inquiries regarding what the item looks like, its size, dimensions etc.
Descriptive title and listing
You want as many people as possible to be interested in your item, so take the time to create a title and item description that is eye catching and fully describes what you have to offer.
The more descriptive keywords in your post, the more likely it will show up in someone's search terms. For example I listed an older leather sofa and loveseat this way:
"Gently used, light tan, dual-reclining leather sofa and loveseat from Ashley Furniture"
I included their condition, the color, material, special features, item, and original purchase place all in the description.?
Pricing is key
Do your homework. When I get ready to list an item I search other Craigslist ads for similar items in my local area. I set the price competitively with the other listings as not to dissuade traffic from my listing. Be sure your initial asking price is at least a little bit more than what you would like to get for the item as the name of the game with Craigslist is bargaining.
Avoid using the phrases, "Price is firm" or "Non-negotiable" for Craigslisters this is a big red flag as they feel everything is negotiable.
Be Ready for Buyers
It always amazes me at how quickly the buyers pour in on Craigslist. Most of my sales occur within the first three hours of listing an item. If someone is looking for something they are typically checking in constantly to see new listings. This means you must be available to respond, and fast or they will move on to the next listing.
If you can meet the person the day they inquire and want to pick up the item the better your chances of actually completing the sale. I had many people that asked me to "hold" the item until Friday when they got paid. Well guess what Friday came and went and they spent the money on something else.
Lesson learned, don't hold items for someone; politely explain that if the item is still available the day they are able to pick it up its theirs, but you will not "hold" it for them.
My pre-move Craigslist earnings totaled just over $2600.00, not too bad for a few hours work; even better I had less "stuff" to move and some money in my piggybank to buy a few things I needed at my new pad.
Do you Craigslist? What has your experience been like?
Suzanne is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor for CareOne Debt Relief Services and is a Social Media Specialist. Suzanne supports the Ask the Expert forums as a coach and writes for A Straight Talk on Debt. You can also follow Suzanne on Twitter where she shares the latest debt industry news, and tips to keep your finances in check during divorce SuzanneCramer1
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