Craigslist Tips

For the past few years Ive been doing a lot of buying and selling on craigslist. I've sold Ipods, Video Games, Movies, CDs, you name it I probably sold it. Craigslist is basically an online advertisement. You can post jobs, sales, rants, and other useless stuff. Its pretty cool to go through when your bored or to find cheap deals.

But in order to use craigslist, theirs a few unmentioned rules. Well not really rules, more like common sense things. This isn't Ebay where you pay through paypal and the seller ships out the package. Nope. Its usually done with CASH ONLY (Paypal at your discretion) and in person. Below Im going to mention a few rules, and terminology people should know and be aware about when using craigslist.

Terminology:
OBO - Or Best Offer
BNIB - Brand New In Box (NIB, same thing)

1) Know what you selling: At least have a general description of what the product is. Saying "10 dvds for sale" and thats it. in the post (which I have really seen before) doesnt really tell me anything. Are they 10 dvds of your personal sextapes or what? At least take the time to say what the dvds are and maybe the format and the condition

2) Know the difference between "brand new" and "like new": I cannot emphasize this even more, its important to know that BRAND NEW means never used in the box. When you go to target and buy your underwear its BRAND NEW. Like New is opened and maybe used once. Close to new you can say, but its not BRAND NEW. Would you like the BRAND NEW boxers or the Like New boxers? come on just be honest. I hate it when I read "Brand New video game" then it goes on and it says "It was opened and played ONCE so its brand new." Thats not Brand New thats LIKE NEW. Know the difference.

3) When posting a want ad, make sure you really want it!: This one I just added on the top of my mind since recently some woman posted on craigslist she wanted a cheap router asap. I responded and I told her I had one. Gave her ALL the info about it. Then she calls me and says she really interested and blah blah. Gave her more info. Then she tells me she doesn't need it and buys a new one at Best Buy. I mean WTF? Don't waste my time on this crap. I did this all for $25.

4) On the note of wasting time. Don't waste people time: Craigslist is for people who want to make a quick few dollars off old things. No one likes email tag. So send a number right when you respond so that person can call you back. For me I check my email once and hour when Im home or so. Some people don't have internet access and check it once a day. Understandable, so just leave a number so they can call you. It will make the process go faster. You can work out all the details then set up a place to meet. Also don't FLAKE. No one likes a flaker. Don't say you want to buy it, set up a meeting then call them 20 min before you guys are set to meet and tell them you don't want it. I hate flakers, no one likes a flake.

5) Finally, be fair and reasonable on everything: Be fair on everything going on in the deal. Be fair with the price. Most of the shit your selling is probably going to be used, don't ask for retail prices. And if your the buyer and your going to bargain, don't lowball. Its hard to sell and buy on craigslist. The buyer always wants the most money and the seller always wants the lowest price. Its hard to be in the middle. Just how life is. So be reasonable. Also be fair on the meeting place. Don;t always ask people to come to your house. I don't give a flying hoot if your a doctor and you cant get out of your job. I had people tell me they are super busy that they cant meet up with me outside of their house. Thats a load of bullshit. What are you trying to say? I don't have a life either? The world doesn't revolve around you. Meet up in a public place to be safe. And if someone is coming from far away, meet up half way. Don't be a douche.

So these 5 tips should really help you on your next Craigslist's deal. Craigslist is great if your not a moron. Just be safe and find the deals!