Craigslist

Updated on March 16, 2008
S.W. asks from Olathe, KS
33 answers

I am just curious if anyone has used Craigslist to sell anything. We are going to be selling some furniture and an elliptical and were thinking about putting it on Craigslist. Are the people that generally respond genuine? Also, I am leary about opening up my home to a complete stranger. I will make sure that my husband is home, but I am still not sure. I think that I am judging the website based on a few things that I have heard instead of realizing that things probably happen every once in awhile. Anyway, any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from St. Louis on

Yes I sell and buy there all the time! You can meet people somewhere too. I only sell children's items and so I am meeting with moms. I feel ok about this.

W.Q.

answers from Tulsa on

Hi S.,

We use Craig's list all the time. Love it! Even sold a car on the list! Got things free too.

Good luck.

W. Q

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi S.
I have never sold anything on craigslist but I have bought several items. All experiences have been great! I have gotten a bike trailer, jogger, thomas trains and other toys. All but 1 time, I have gone to the person's house to look at the items for sale. Once I met someone in a parking lot that was mutual for both of us.
good luck

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I have used it several times to sell pieces of furniture & a motorcycle! I am VERY leary also but fell save by a few things.
1. My husband would be home.
2. I included pictures of the item so they could see it before coming.
3. I priced a bit higher to hopefully get more of the serious buyers.
4. I would most defiantly include that this is a local sale- NO SHIPPING! I had some contacts from out of state asking if they could have a friend send a check to me for hundreds more than what we were asking, for me to keep a couple hundred for our trouble and to then send the cash & item to them! SCAM!!!
Don't let that scare you... I just wanted to mention it but sure you would realize just as quick as I did!

Another thing I tried to do is set up times for the interested party to come see the item but under the understanding that someone else was coming to see it and that it is a first come first serve basis so depending on if you sell it, you will call the next party to cancel. If the first viewer wants time to think, let them know that others are coming to view & you will not hold the piece!

Hope that helps!

I hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Kansas City on

S.:

I use Craigslist all of the time, and have never had a problem. I do make sure my husband is home however, just to be safe.
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Kansas City on

We have sold stuff and purchased stuff off of craigslist we love it. We have not had any problems my husband was home anytime someone came to purchase something and I always took him with me to pick up the stuff I purchased. I think you just have to use common sense when it comes to buying and selling on there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Kansas City on

I have used craigslist a lot, to buy and sell. The freaks/wierdos are not the norm! It is good to be cautious, and do have your husband home when dealing with strangers. If possible, meet at a nearby neutral spot, like a busy parking lot or a store. Also, don't post your address or phone number. Craigslist allows for an anonymous e-mail link so no one can get your information unless you give it to them. You may also consider putting in your post "e-mail me your phone number if you are interested" - that way you can cross check it with the whlte pages and ensure they are legit. Then you have just as much information about them as they do about you. Oh, and one more thing, if you take the time to post pictures, you will weed out other-than-serious inquiries. Good luck. By the way, how much are you selling the eliptical for?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.J.

answers from Kansas City on

I have not listed anything, although we have bought a couple of things on there. The hardest part is when someone says they will buy your item and you take it off Craigslist, and then the deal falls through. Not sure how to get a guarantee? This happened to the seller of an item I ended up purchasing, and I know it was very frustrating for them. See if you can get the person to pay by paypal, so you don't ship the item and never get paid (of course this is erroneous if they come to pick the item up). Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.J.

answers from Kansas City on

Hello, I am an AVID seller/buyer of Craigslist, and just wanted to let you know my experiences. Although, I have never had any bad experiences, that isn't to say some people haven't. As far as selling goes, with Craigslist, it routes through your e-mail, and some people even create a separate e-mail account just for Craigslist so they don't have to put too much information out there right away. So, you decide how much information to put into the ad, and then when you get responses it goes through the e-mail account of your choice. As people respond some people give phone numbers, and then you are able to call them ahead of time before any other information is exchanged. I usually just try to feel people out, as in how serious are they about buying what I'm selling, and/or are they just coming to look. Usually you can tell by the e-mail how serious they are. So, I just usually go with the people who REALLY want to buy something. After talking on the phone, then you can decide to tell them where you live or not, and yes, I ALWAYS have my husband home when people come by to look. The great thing about it is, you can tell the buyer what time is available for you, so that you make sure you're comfortable. My caution is that I would narrow down who I really talk to, so that I don't have more than 2-3 people coming to my house to look at the stuff, that's just my comfort. If it doesn't look like anybody's buying, then perhaps consider a lower price or something, so that you're not giving your address to alot of people. When people do come by, I usually just try to have the item(s) by the door or close by, so they aren't coming too much into my home. Like I said, I haven't had a bad experience, just trust your intuition, and I think you'll come to LOVE craigslist as much as I do. Good Luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,

I have used Craigslist to buy and sell. It reallys help if you can post pictures. Best of luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I have used craigslist to buy and sell things and have had really good luck. If you make sure your husband is home, I think you will be fine. Could you put the things in your garage so that people are not going through your house? Also I would not put your address on the listing itself…make the person email you through Craigslist (don’t put your own email address on the ad) and then respond to them as you wish and give out your address that way. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Kansas City on

S., I have bought and sold things on craigslist and have never had a problem. BUT, that's not to say that there aren't wierdo people out there to beware of. I would be overly cautious during this time of year because presents are under the tree and people seem more vulnerable and don't pay attention as much. But generally speaking, craigslist is a great place to sell items and you can find a lot of great things there too!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from St. Louis on

I have sold quite a few things on Craigslist and everything has been fine. If you have a garage, put the items for sale in the garage so that they do not have to come into your house to see the item. Also, if you can meet the person at a public location to view the item that is also a good idea.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Rockford on

My brother and I have both sold items on Craig's list
It worked really easy.
There is just one thing to look out for this guy did it to both of us He emails and says he wants the item but at a lower price and he will send a cashiers check because he is out of town but please hold it for him it is very odd his wording in his e-mail is strange also. So just watch out for him.
I always made the appointment when my husband was home.
I also did not give out my phone number I asked for theirs and called them. Try it out, Use your best judgment.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Kansas City on

Hey S.. I have sold and bought from Craigslist. Few suggestions, try to keep it as Cash, if you must take a check get info like they would at the store(DL # etc.). If you do not want to open your home set the things you want to sell outside or in the garage for pickup when they make the appointment with you. It usually is pretty simple. You post a title of what it is, how much you want to sell it for and where it is located. Then in the subject area write only a few short sentences. Like the condition, how old it is, need to be included. You will sometimes get people who say they will come and then get your directions and never show up so make sure you are in visible eye because some don't come to the door. Thats all for now. I do not do anything in any other cities but the kC area.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.R.

answers from St. Louis on

I have used craiglist a few times, never to sell anything though. I have used freecycle a TON and have never had any problems. The best thing about freecycle is well the stuff is free so you really don't have to make contact with someone unless you want to. I would just make sure that someone is home with you if you feel a little strange. How sad is it that we have to even think about things like that.
Goodluck.
N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.Y.

answers from St. Louis on

I also have bought and sold through craigslist...more selling than buying...i think its great!...i have sold everything from baby items/kitchen housewares, to an old car...the only advice is to state clearly on your ads that you do not put items on hold for people who "say" they r going to come pick something up on the weekend...i always state that the first person to show up with cash is the new owner of it...people say, "well, i'll come by after work tomorrow"...i just tell them to give me a call when the r leaving and i will let them know for sure if it is still available...they understand your time is precious...but then you are upfront and no one gets offended...otherwise you really can end up wasting so much of your own time because in my dealings about 50 percent of those who say they will be there at a certain time actually show...not that they r bad people but we all get busy i guess...good luck!

M.A.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,

My husband sold a few leftover sky lift tickets there, it worked fine but the people that call and want to sell is as scare as you are :) So it help a lot to make clear rules, like cash only or cash and carry or something like that. Inspect the merchandise and pay it. Usually if it is localy is a lot easier since it might end up being someone that live close by. If they don't want to carry the cash, you can ask them to hand you the check and call the bank to make sure that it is legit. The guy that bought the ticket was complicated but everything end up being fine.
Best of luck!
Mariana Abadie
www.MyKidsFirst.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from St. Louis on

MOMS Club-St. Louis City Chapter used it in conjunction with a garage sale. We sold about $300 worth of furniture, a vacuum, etc. Even though we had one member creating the craigslist ads they items were still at the other members homes. I think they all set up appointments when husbands were home and talked extensively on the phone with the prospective buyers beforehand. I think generally there aren't too many wackos responding and I think it helps to weed out the nonserious offers by phone. I'm getting ready to try and sell an old dinette set that we inherited and is just sitting in my basement. I've also had friends sell baby furniture and even rent apartments.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.N.

answers from St. Louis on

My husband and I have used craigslist many times. It's a great way to sell something quickly or get rid of something you don't want for free without having the hassle of keeping up with sites like freecycle. (we gave some used lawn mowers away for free to a man who uses them for parts) We have also sold a dryer.
I would recommend that you only accept cash and there is always the chance that you will have someone tell you they will be there and then not show up. It is a free board so if you do have a bad experience with a particular user, you can post your complaint so others will be cautious when dealing with them as well.
The only bad experiences i have seen is with the job board. There are a few people who won't pay after you have done the work, however I have not yet had that problem. My company has built a few websites and done some in home networking and has had no problems as of yet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Tulsa on

We used it to sell a boat; however, we had the boat stored away from the home so we would just meet prospective buyers there. The final buyer did come to our house to pick it up and that transaction went smoothly. Now, if they had to come to my house each time, well, I guess I would ask alot of questions of them before giving out my address to make sure they are interested in my items. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Memphis on

I've used Craiglist to buy and sell a lot-from toys to our mini van. I've always had good luck. I was very nervous the first few times, but you kind of get a feel for people when you talk to them on the phone. I never let people in my home when my husband's not home. I usually have the items in my garage for them to look at. Definately ask for cash only. Good luck-it's a great way to sell stuff and a wonderful way to find good stuff inexpensively.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi. I was also worried about selling things on Craigs list. I was going to have a garage sale and I put on there that I would have a preveiw. I sold over 400$ Worth Just in toys . I also sold two lawn mowers in on day. It has worked great for me. But yes have your husband there. You never know who they are. I had people the were in the neighbrohoods next to us respond though.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

We have sold several things on craigslist, a deepfreeze and lawnmower and bought several bikes. Like everyone else....I always have my husband home, only during normal hours..nothing late at night. I will not hold it for pickup later without them paying me cash to hold it until they can get a truck to pick it up. Take down numbers of people other than the first person just in case the first person doesn't show up (that happened once). Don't list your address on the posting, wait to talk to the person and I would put up pictures if you can that helps people. Best of luck. C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Omaha on

Hello! I have not bought anything off of Craigslist, but I did find my daycare provider through them. I thought it was very easy to use, and safe. I also have friends who have purchased baby furniture from Craigslist and they felt it was safe and easy. Hope that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

I absolutely love craigslist. I have sold probably 20-30 things on there anywhere from excersize equipment, baby things, and now that we are moving pretty much all of our furniture, and my old car. I would say it is the fastest way to sell anything and it's totally free. The people I have dealt with so far have been great people. Some do offer to meet somewhere other than your house. I am a craigslist addict and think you would be just fine listing your items on there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.T.

answers from Springfield on

Hi S.,
We've used Craigslist quite a bit.
We haven't had any problems with it so far. some Friends of mine actually have their interested person meet them at a public place for small items. If they are looking at furniture they will have to come to your home so just make sure your husband is there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi S.,

I use Craigslist a lot. But you are definitely smart to be wary of having strangers over to your home. Always make sure your husband is home. As far as I'm concerned, if you are smart about it, it's not much worse than having strangers in your garage for a garage sale. Just be careful. My husband is with the KCPD, so he is paranoid about it sometimes. I have found that there are some people that are very sincere, nice people (like myself :)) and then there are others that will waste your time. Don't delete your ad until your item is sold and gone from your home. Sometimes people do no-shows which is annoying. Always ask for cash only. Oh, and a BIG scam on craigslist is that people will email you and say they want to buy your item. They will offer to send you a cashier's check or something for OVER the asking price of your item. They will then want you to cash the check and send them the money back that was extra. You will do this and then 10 or so days later find out that the check was fraudulent..but by then it's too late. My husband is a fraud detective and he says that there is nothing they can do. So NEVER fall for this! Good luck!

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I use Craiglist for baby stuff and trading. I love it. I've never had a bad experience. I'm leary of opening up my home also so I always meet the person at a neutral place, however if you're selling big stuff and don't want to mess with loading it then it would be best for them to come to your home unfortunatly. I think that you'll be happy with it. Good luck on saling.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I totally agree with what the other lady wrote. I have sold several things on craigslist using the guidelines that she wrote. If you follow those, you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.R.

answers from St. Louis on

i haven't sold anything, but I have bought a few things, and I am currently checking it often looking for an upright piano.
I have had really good luck w/ it. I have bought mostly furniture, and a jogging stroller. I had a lot of contact w/ the person before hand through email and phone. That helped me feel more comfortable. Just talk to the person a lot and trust your gut.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.R.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I just recently sold some furniture using Craigslist, and would do it again. I put pictures of the furniture in the ad, so that narrowed down perspective buyers. I included a contact phone number and email address and used them as a way to screen potential buyers...only calling those back that I had a good instinct about. My one piece of advice is to only accept cash payment. This will ensure that you actually receive payment for the furniture and won't be taken advantage of.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Springfield on

I haven't used craigslist to sell anything per say but have responded to odd jobs(gigs) for house cleaning and such and have had very good results...Had a friend place an add for a rental house he had and he had wonderful results as well. I would be leary though..and use common sense. The same as you would if you put the add in the newpaper...anyone can answer there as well...good luck:)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches