Ask the Readers: Do You Use Craigslist?

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Bill G., @smanukonda, and Lori Hanisko for winning this week's contest!

Chances are you have heard of Craigslist and (more than likely) you have perused its for sale section, used it for an apartment search, or even used it to sell items. Personally, I have used Craigslist to successfully find an apartment as well as buy and sell everything from TV's to surfboards. However, I know there are many people out there who have gotten ripped off when using Craigslist.

Do you use Craigslist? Why or why not? What is the best deal you found on Craigslist? What about the worst? How do you avoid getting ripped off when using Craigslist?

Tell us about your Craigslist experiences and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.

Enter 1 of 3 Ways:

  • Post your answer in the comments below, or
  • Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, then "Like" the update mentioning this giveaway (you can comment, as well — but you don't have to for entry), or
  • Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Monday, March 14th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after March 14th on the original post and via Twitter. Winners will also be contacted via email, Facebook, and Twitter Direct Message.
  • You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
  • You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

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Guest's picture
Joel

I've used Craigslist and know there're good deals available; we got one great deal. However, personal experience and friends' experience also highlights the importance of buyer caution.

Guest's picture
Carson M.

Best Deal(s): all the odd jobs helping people relocate or helping with landscaping work has helped me earn some serious "windfall" cash to put toward an engagement ring for the lady :)

Worst Deal: I got scammed once while hunting for an apt to rent, someone wanted me to pay the security deposit on a home they didn't own. I searched for the home through a real estate agent, visited and learned it wasn't for rent and the REAL owner still lived there. My tip: the advice given on Craigslist is there for a reason, so just be careful.

Guest's picture
SarahB

I've bought two bird cages from craigslist in anticipation of the bird we'rewanting to buy soon.

I'm also selling my husband's car on there right now since we don't use it now that we live in a city with great public transit.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Be careful and sell the car locally! I remember watching Teen Mom about a year ago and one of the girls got scammed out of $3000 on shipping charges when she tried to sell her car long distance via Craigslist. Yikes!

Guest's picture
Amy

Yes I use Craigslist. I have only used it for baby items so far. The way I don't get ripped off is by extensively researching what I'm buying. There are two deals that jump out to me as really great finds. The first is my Bugaboo stroller. It retails for around 900$ Hubs and I found one for 300 on Craigslist. I LOVE this stroller. The only thing wrong with it is a little wear and tear. No biggie. The second deal was actually gotten for us by a friend. Babies-R-Us was having their trade in event. The jist is you trade in an old piece of baby equipment for a discount on a new one. This wonderful friend found us a free pack and play on Craigslist and we traded that in on a very nice discount for the car seat. We saved around 50$ for turning it in.

Guest's picture
Keith

I use craigslist to find random things in the local area. I built a smoker and needed wood for the actual smoke. Hardware stores were selling the wood chips for $7-8 for a small bag. I found a guy on craigslist who was selling 50lb bags of wood for $10. yay internet

Guest's picture
Brian

ALL THE TIME. We just got married, and instead of spending loads of money buying new furniture, we've been trying to find pieces on craigslist that we can tweak and make our own. Love it!

Guest's picture
Christie Struck

I have used it once, to sell something. The buyer was happy, and as the seller, I was happy, and it worked very well. I would only do it for something local, I think.

Guest's picture
Angie

Yup, I love Craigslist!

Guest's picture
Heather

I use CL to buy and sell all the time. Whenever I have something we no longer need, I list it on CL. I recently bought a vintage sewing machine for our household for $20. It was a steal.

Guest's picture
Shevonne

I used to use Craigslist for everything, like buying things, looking at real estate, posting a missed connection. ;) Now, I use it mainly for work. I posted for writers for a blog that I started, and I just posted for finding actors for a PSA video that I am creating for my non-profit. Craigslist still works for many things.

Guest's picture
Mtastik

For the most part, I like Craig's List. I've successfully found an apartment to rent, sold a ton of stuff, bought a ton of stuff, and found and posted a job through Craig's List. It's also great because there's one for most major cities - I recently moved across the country and was able to get myself set-up without too much hassle, predominately because of Craig's List posts.
BUT, I've also run into a lot of scams and can say with confidence that if it sounds too good to be true, it is - which seems like an obvious thing to say, but sometimes those posts seem really normal and unscamlike. If anyone puts any pressure on you to fill out a form, give personal details or send money, you've been had.
Craig's List requires common sense and patience. If at any point you think "hey, wait a minute..." stop what you're doing and re-think.

Guest's picture

I often browse but hardly ever buy or sell on craigslist.

Guest's picture
stormy ranew

I've used Craigslist to sell some. We also used it to find a few things when we moved in our apartment. We've been pretty lucky so far and haven't gotten ripped off. =

Guest's picture

I always go to the free section of Craigslist. I'm usually looking for construction & landscape materials. The best deal I've found free is enough concrete blocks to build raised flowerbeds around the two trees in the back yard..It's filled with mostly free plants. If I had enough room in the house I'd take advantage of all the free beautiful furniture people are giving away for various reasons. I love the free section of Craigslist!!!

Guest's picture
Bellen

We have used Craigslist successfully to buy a refrigerator, curtains & rods and 2 mirrors from someone in our neighborhood who was moving.

On the other hand we traveled across town, a 30 minute drive, to look at a beige leather recliner. Photo looked good, seller assured us the chair was perfect - no rips, no stains. Got there and it had numerous cat scratches on the back (but it wouldn't show according to the seller), seams coming apart at the head (it's not ripped said the seller), and imbedded dirt in the creases of the seat and back (it's not stained, like I said). Listing was still up a month later.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

I had that happen once when I was looking for a futon. I drove about 30 minutes to look at what seemed to be a nice futon based on the pictures only to get there and see that it was in really bad condition. It's amazing how just the right lighting and angles can make something look really nice even when it's complete junk!

Guest's picture
Dana V.

I LOVE Craigslist. I have used it numerous times for both buying and selling items with no issue. The best thing I sold was the 8 foot Brunswick pool table I had taking up space in our bonus room. I was worried I'd have to help move it but the person who ended up buying it hired professional pool table movers to come and get it. They did all the work.

Guest's picture
Sharonnna

I just used Craigslist in KC two weeks ago and was very happy with the experience! I was looking for a certain type of lamp from the 70's and thought "no way am I going to find what I had in mind". Well, it took some patience, but sure enough someone posted EXACTLY what I was looking for.

The next week I thought I'd give it a try and sell something. I had a brand new stair stepper, so posted it for the same amount that I paid for the lamp...figured I'd come out a wash. Sure enough, in a couple of days it was sold!

Patience Willow....and the sale will go down.

Guest's picture
Geoff

I have sold several things on craisglist and all went off without any negative inceident.

Guest's picture
Olivia

We've used Craigslist to get free stuff and sell larger items. Our experience has been positive on both ends.

Guest's picture
Guest

I usually enjoy craigslist though I've had some interesting experiences. When buying something I always start with an email asking if the item still is for sale. My biggest pet peeve is people not taking advertisements off of craigslist. I always work in cash and inspect the item first. I only bargain on-site if something is defective. Most of my bargaining is over email. I always show up on time to meet people because I really hate when others are late.

The weirdest sale I ever had on craigslist was to a guy who insisted on telling me that he was late because the police raided his house. He then asked if he could pay me $5 less now and send me the rest over mail. I agreed because I just wanted him gone. He ended up sending the money.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Haha, that's quite a story! That's pretty amazing that he sent you the rest of the money. It seems like most people today wouldn't do that.

Guest's picture
Ann

I have used it before to buy & sell. haven't had any issues yet.

Guest's picture
Ken F

I had a nightmare experience on Craig's list once.

I had an old riding lawn tractor that required too much maintenance to get running. I figured I'd offer it up for free to the first taker who could haul it out of my backyard. I was surprised to see that as soon as I posted it I had about 20 replies in the first hour looking to get it. I never imagined that a non-working, 15-year old tractor would be in such demand.

I began to wonder if I shouldn't have asked for a small amount of cash in return. And then I noticed that the third e-mail response I got said "How about $100?" I figured this was perfect. This was one of the first responders and this person obviously realized it would be in high demand so was offering up a little sweetener to make sure they got the tractor. I replied back that $100 sounded good and after a few e-mails the pickup was set for tomorrow. The last e-mail I got back was "Great, make sure you have the cash ready tomorrow."

Um, what? I replied back that it was I who was getting the cash... at which time the respondent started to become threatening. I got replies back that basically said "No, you are paying me $100. I already got 3 big friends to come help me move it and we'll be there tomorrow morning. You'd better have the cash ready."

I tried to reason with this person... asking obvious questions like "Why would I pay you to take my mower when I have another 50+ looking to haul it out for free?" (and that was true, as I kept getting more and more e-mail responses to my posting).

This logic approach didn't work as the person kept threatening that I'd better have the cash ready. At this point I realized that this person is really just pulling a scam. The "How about $100" offer at the beginning was intentionally vague and was meant to pull me into this argument. Clearly this person is hoping that some bullying would work. It didn't. I returned his threats with some of my own and told him that my friends and myself would be ready for his crew the next day.

The next morning I got an e-mail stating that his friends had a conflict and I was lucky to be off the hook.

I have to believe that I'm not the only one who has gotten that scam along with some bullying. Hopefully nobody ended up offering the cash.

I ended up giving the mower away for free to the first person who had responded. That person was a landscaper who ran his own small business who was very pleasant, easy to work with and who was thrilled to get the mower. So I guess the story had a happy ending.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Wow! That is crazy! I'm glad it all worked out in the end!

Guest's picture
Darla

I’ve purchased a dog kennel, 12 Guinea Fowl, AKC registered Doberman, apartment sized dishwasher, Kitchen Aid stand mixer, assortments of Partylite Candles (twice) , Jack LaLane juicer, double Patio Doors, banana trees, 1998 Bonneville and a turkey fryer. Those are the items I can recall. I do not like rummaging through piles of junk at yard sales and Craigslist eliminates the need. I type in keywords and look at the item from the privacy of my own home. Like anything, use caution. But when utilized properly the savings and possibilities are endless.

Guest's picture
KDB

Yes, I use craigslist quite a bit, both to buy and sell (personal stuff, not as a business model). It is great how easy it can be to find good deal, or get rid of stuff you don't use. But sometimes it is frustrating when selling because often people no-show and don't tell you. But, it sure beats driving around to tag sales.

Guest's picture
Toni

I love Craigslist. After two years of being laid off, I found a temp job that I am still working 9 months later. I found a ton of free boxes for an upcoming move. Best of all, I found my best friend in the Platonic section.

Guest's picture
Chara

I have searched Craigslist before, but have never purchased anything. There are lots of scams so buyer beware. I was apartment hunting and there were many fake postings. They would respond to inquiries asking for credit score and other information.

Guest's picture
Guest

I've posted several things for sale and even for free. The only ones that were taken were the freebies. Maybe my metro area is too small but it could be that I'm asking too much. I don't like that my ad gets buried under other ads so quickly and reposting is necessary.

Guest's picture
Guest

We used Craig's list to get rid of stuff we did not need in our attic and garage.

Guest's picture
Arthur

We sold a student desk once, as well as other items we could not sell in a yard sale.

Guest's picture
Priscilla

I cruise almost daily for local things in our neighborhood only. I am middle aged and married, we live in a fairly affluent neighborhood in Seattle and have met some interesting people on CL. Generally there's a fairly high entertainment factor even if we don't buy.

We have, after four years never been burned, and often encourage others to give it a go. A friend in Chicago brought up the fact that we love the chase and that CL takes time and that has to be factored into the price. Indeed. I have been stood up only twice, when I appeared as agreed and the seller wasn't there.

We answer ads early, if we are lukewarm about the price we contact the seller and leave our number to call if they haven't sold it in a week. We always research what the price should be on E-Bay or on line for the price new. Your ability to bargain and willingness to walk away is important too.

I put something on CL yesterday with a price that was double what I wanted to get for it thinking if I priced it too low I might not get calls, I got a call right away and hope to sell it tonight.

I just got done eating on our CL dining room table, slept on our CL bed, sat on our CL couch, drove in our CL car (sold and car and bought a car same day on CL), and walked out on our porch build with CL materials. We have a vacation rental that we book several times a year to people who found us on CL and we have hired many caregivers for my disabled relative that way too. Hired one just last week for another job. CL rocks!

If you are unsure, meet at a neutral place like a bank where there are plenty of cameras, we tested a vacuum cleaner at Staples office supply as the buyer was apprehensive about having us come to his home. Cash only. Don't be afraid to bargain but also be fair. I don't bargain with people who are expecting their first child or young people who obviously need the money more than we do.

Arrive on time, call if you aren't coming, and make it a win-win. I had someone tell me that when someone e-mails instead of calling she takes them less seriously and from that point onward always call. I mention I live in the same neighborhood and ask them to suggest the time we meet. Happy hunting!

Ashley Jacobs's picture

That's awesome Craigslist has worked out so well for you! Thanks for the advice!!!

Guest's picture
Emily

I'll use it for things that I don't care too much about, like dorm room furniture or things like that. I've heard it's great for housing and apartment hunting though!

Guest's picture
Alex

I find old bikes on Craigslist. It has been great. I always deal locally to avoid scams.

Guest's picture
Roxanne

Yes I use Craigslist, I haven't purchased anything yet as I'm very picky and will not call after furniture that doesn't have a picture listed with it. However, I've sold a few things and all has been okay with that end of things.

Guest's picture
Sweta

A few years back, I bought a 61" Samsung HDtv for 950$ it retailed for over $2000.

Guest's picture
Kristy T

I use it sometimes. I have better luck selling on it than buying on it.

Guest's picture
Amanda

I use it all the time! Mostly selling, occasional buying. Best deal I ever got was a $10 old printer that lasted me about 6 years.

Guest's picture
seemless

I've used it once to buy, twice to sell. Haven't made money- more like 'well, at least I'm not totally screwed.' Took a while for the sales to go through. Mostly because I wanted to get *something* for the item. If I wanted to give it away, I'd have listed it under 'Free' or on freecycle.

Guest's picture
LauraW

I've used it for quite a few things. I've sold a few items but mostly tracked down oddities that I wouldn't be able to find on my own without lots of lost searching time. (I do an elaborate Halloween display every year for my neighborhood, and building supplies and things like store mannequins are some of my scores off of Craigslist)

Guest's picture
Colleen

I've had good success buying things off Craigslist, rain barrels, light fixtures, tools, an old buffet that I had refinished and now looks gorgeous in my diningroom. Where I haven't had much luck is in selling items. I think that side requires a *lot* of patience.

Guest's picture
AJ

Absolutely! I used craigslist to find the phone that I'm posting this comment from, for 25% less than what i could find if for on ebay. :) The best way to avoid getting ripped off, in my opinion, is to always meet someone in a public place for inspection of products, if possible, before making any offers or decisions.

Also, Craigslist was MADE for haggling. Unless the post says 'price firm' (or even if it does), you can name your own price and see what happens. I got a very nice refrigerator for a grand total of $100, when it was listed for $140. Then, I turned around and sold my old one for $140!

Guest's picture
Stephanie

I do use Craigslist and I scored big on two leather chairs for my new apartment. Jen was very sweet and held them until I was able to come get them, some five days later. I landed a job I found on Craigslist and I met a nice guy on there, too.

Of course, be careful when doing anything online, but trust your instincts, too.

Guest's picture
Jessica

I browse Craigslist often for items to use in various craft projects and for tickets to local concerts. The best deal I've found, however, is my current job. :) I was about to give up hope and found a promising ad. Two years later, I'm still going strong.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

That's fantastic! :)

Guest's picture
Sandra

So far I have not been successful using Craignslist.

In my current job search, I have run into quite a few employment scams on Craigslist, including identity theft scams. My college-age daughter was nearly a scam victim when she replied to a Craigslist job posting for part time office work for a law firm. The firm actually existed, but the person who contacted her gave a phone number that was not connected to the firm. My daughter was smart to schedule the "interview" at a Starbucks. The guy never showed. I wonder what he was really up to.

I tried to sell a car on Craigslist. The only response I got was from somebody named "Svetlana" who wanted to engage in some hanky panky. I passed on that.

I have been looking for a Leclerc table loom on Craigslist, but when I find one offered I either don't get a reply from the seller or else I'm too late. Or not worthy; one poster wanted an essay on why I wanted the loom and she would pick the best one.

I am happy to see that others have had success. My friend found a good job on Craigslist. Maybe I won't give up on it just yet.

Guest's picture
Keri

I used Craigslist to find my current apartment, which I've been living in for a year and a half. It was actually the first place I called. My landlady is super nice and the maintenance company is great. I love it =)

Guest's picture
Missy S

I have used Craigslist to find an apartment: success! To buy a used dryer: rip off! To buy numerous sizes and gender of children's clothing: mixed results. Also have purchased baby food: great deal! And a glider & ottoman: ok deal. So, I've really only been scammed once for $60 for the dryer. Not too bad results

Guest's picture
Guest

I've never used craigslist so I have no experience with it
mkzellmer at yahoo dot com

Guest's picture
KarenJ

I've bought and sold furniture on Craigslist during my last move. I'm happy to say I've never been scammed and I do try to be very, very careful, only dealing with people in my general area. I've also searched for (and continue to search) for jobs. Last year my daughter starting picking up promotional "gigs" on CL which led to pretty steady work during the festival season (summer and fall here in NJ). She's now moved into her first real apartment, so I will be searching CL for good deals on furniture and other things she needs. I think it's a great resource, but you do have to use caution and good sense.

Guest's picture
Holly F

I check it almost every day - I'm looking for 3 Full or Queen size beds for the kids. I have gotten one of the toddler beds there and the Thomas train table set there, and I have sold some strollers and other large Little Tykes things there.

Guest's picture
Jennifer D.

I have used Craigslist to sell mostly. I had a city coupon book & sold the golf coupons from it. I had won carpet tiles at a sustainability fair & don't think I'd have been able to sell them otherwise. I rent so I had no need for them. But what do you know? My buyer was a landlord.

Guest's picture
Nichole Patrick

I have used Craigslist for buying and selling. None of my listings on there have sold but I have purchased many items on there. My hubby uses it often to find discounted items for his business (construction and bio-fuels). I have purchased homeschool curriculum on it at a fraction of the retail price.

My brother-in-law has great sucess with Craigslist. He buys and sells with great ease. He has purchased items, refurbished them, then sold them back for profit on Craigslist.

Guest's picture
KarenJ

OH I forgot to share this in my earlier post. My husband and I were looking for a used dishwasher for a rental property. The guy who we bought it from on Craigslist said he could install it for an extra $50. Turns out he was an amazing handyman, who we hired to help us get the house in condition after a tenant trashed it. I don't know what we would do without him. He just installed a new stove for us. So, I guess you could say the handyman came with the dishwasher!

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Guest's picture
Eric

Yes, I use Craigslist all the time, for gigs, job searches, and selling and buying used stuff on the net. Even personals occasionally. It's a mixed bag, but mostly positive experiences.

Guest's picture
Eric

Oh forgot to post best and worst deals - worst would be my apartment in Providence, RI, which I looked at and found out about a shooting at later before I moved in, thankfully. Best would be my selling my Wii balance board for $100 which I was no longer using!

Guest's picture
Gina

I have used craigslist to buy a treadmill--got a great deal too!

Guest's picture
Guest

I found my future wife on CL. We happened to meet by chance when I posted an ad on a rainy Friday night three years ago. I was new to the city and looking to meet some new friends. We ended up chatting online and things progressed from there -- we were married this past September!

So aside from the usual home furnishing dealings (all of which I've had no problems with), I'd say CL has been pretty good to me.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

That is so cool! Congrats! :)

Guest's picture
LaurenY.

I've used Craigslist several times in the past. My most successful times have been when I sold all of the furniture in my old apartment. I made enought to pay off some of my debt. The most recent time is to find my current housemate. I was moving to a new city and wanted to find somewhere to live while I figured out the city. It turned out great! I like where I live and my housemate and I just renewed our lease.

Guest's picture
JW

Great way to sell unwanted items and get some cash. You just have to be careful!

Guest's picture
Larry L

I have sold a number of items over the last year or so. A down jacket, a fleece jacket, and an ipod speaker system. Love me some Craigslist!

Guest's picture
Laura Brown

I found my husband on craigslist! I know, what are the odds?! I posted an ad in the personals section, we emailed a bit, met up, and five years later are happily married.

I have used craigslist to sell things, and have the typical words of wisdom for buyers: meet in a public place, take someone with you, and listen to your gut. If something seems like a scam or a rip off, walk away.

Thankfully my husband wasn't a scam or a rip off! He just turned out to be an amazing and wonderful guy!

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Awww, that's awesome that Craigslist helped you meet your husband! Too cool!

Guest's picture
peg

Craigslist is a wonderful concept. Too bad the craigslist for my area is about 99% spammers. I've listed items for sale and always always get about 10+ "replies" that sound suspiciously like spammers ("I'm interested in your item!") and very few legit replies. Ok, maybe that means nobody wants my stuff =) Anyways, another big minus is the tons of people who are selling fake LV, North Face, Chanel, etc on Craigslist. so anyway, no, I no longer use Craigslist.

Guest's picture
RJ

My mom (a principal) found a really good teacher through craigslist. I've got a tutoring job and some furniture that way. Just be careful to meet in public places or with a companion.

I also once bought a hair iron through craigslist (with paypal) which turned out to be defective. After a couple of phone calls to paypal, I got most of my money back.

Guest's picture
Alissa

I was one of the first to get hit by the car scams. Thank goodness I didn't actually ship my car to Nigeria. I've found some great roommates, and also plenty of potential roommates that suggested "clothing optional" living situations. Currently, I'm using Craigslist to try to dig up sentimental items stolen from my grandmother's house. The site has it's pros and cons, but it is the best living newspaper to date.

Guest's picture
Brad Carlson

I love Craigslist. I use it all the time. I do some buying, but mostly I sell stuff. If I have something I don't use, or has lost usefulness and sat around for a year. It will end up on Craigslist. I'm very careful about buying and selling. So luckily I haven't come across any bad deals.

Guest's picture
Lowy

I've no idea about Craigslist before, but I feel interested in it now. Anyway, I will have a try.

Guest's picture
Ryan

I use craigslist all the time, have gotten furniture and other assorted goods on there at wonderful prices, but i would have to say the best deal i got is my girlfriend of now 5 months. i know there are many horror stories about personal ads on CL but i was forced into doing it by a friend of mine after my 3 year relationship with my ex ended and i was doing nothing but sitting around. luckily my lovely new girl was on at just the right time and we have been together ever since.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

That's awesome!

Guest's picture
T

Appreciate your site... and a gift card would be cool, too.

Guest's picture
Susie

Unfortunately, I live so far from a large city that there are few relevant, nearby Craigslist listings. I look forward to moving somewhere where I can make better use of it.

Guest's picture
Anita G

I LOVE Craigslist I've bought a lot of good furniture CHEAP!!

Guest's picture
Susan O

I have bought numerous household items on Craigslist, as well as
finding our beloved dog, whose previous owners had to give up. I have also sold
items on Craigslist.
I have had a few instances of potential buyers not showing up as
promised, but all in all, it has been successful.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

I found my dog on Craigslist too! :)

Guest's picture
Nicholas

I haven't been interested in using craigslist because of all the horror stories I have heard. I guess if you just use common sense then it would eliminate a lot of the potential bad sales. I am just not 100% sure that it is worth buying something expensive through craigslist.

Guest's picture
Kristi

I have bought furniture off of Craigslist, sold my washer and dryer there, found a couple of babysitters AND my current home.

Of course, during the rental searches, there were a couple of definite scams, but all in all it has been a positive experience.

Guest's picture
Marsha

I have sold a couple of things on Craig's List and also purchased from the list. The most enjoyable purchase was to find a local couple who sell fresh eggs for $1.50/dozen and they are less than 5 miles from my house! That's the beauty of shopping in your local area. If you don't like strangers coming to your house to view something you are selling on Craig's List, you might do what I did - I sold a set of car tires and arranged to meet the buyer at my rental house in town. It was more convenient for the buyer and I didn't have to give away my home address. Just think things through before you post something for sale. Use the email reply method to read inquiries and answer questions. The best part of using Craig's List is that it is FREE!

Guest's picture
Ruby22

I have only really used it to find a desk and to find my current roomie on a cross-country move....I've attempted to find adoptable dogs on it, (as that's how I found one doggie from a family who didn't want to send their dog to a shelter first), but ended up finding the right little guy at a rescue :)

I like it...sometimes.

Guest's picture
mdem78

I've used Craigsilst to sell numerous items, mostly baby items we no longer need. I meet at a local place with people around instead of my my house though. Never know who is coming to purchase your item...

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Very good idea to meet people in public places!

Guest's picture
Guest

Yes, I have tried using craigslist for buying stuff and selling stuff. What about you?

Ashley Jacobs's picture

I've tried and succeeded to buy and sell stuff on Craigslist! :) Did you have success or did things not quite work out the way you wanted?

Guest's picture
Sandy

I haven't had a bad experience selling items on Craigslist (so far). I sold my car with 12 hours of listing it and sold my dad's pickup within 2 days. I check on various items throughout the week for things I am looking for to furnish our house (went from 1 bedroom to 4 bedroom). I figure it's better than using gas going to yard sales, second hand shops, etc. looking for pieces I can refurbish.

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Keri Ritenour

I have browsed the site, but never used it. Truth be told, with all the bad publicity surrounding Craigslist, I am skeptical that the posts are legitimate.

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Zach

I stopped using craigslist soon after someone tried to rip me off for 3 grand for a car, soon after a local man was shot by people who found him on craigslist and tried to rob him.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Those are some crazy Craigslist horror stories! Definitely watch out for scams and meet people in public places so nothing bad happens!

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kristina wittchen

I haven't used it yet, but have thought about it.

Guest's picture

I sell items on Craigslist to make extra money and declutter. Usually it will be something big or bulky that I don't want to sell on ebay because of high shipping costs.

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Phyllis

I love Craigslist!! Whenever I have something we no longer need, I list it!
Everyone is right though, Buyer beware. I only sell things for cash, and only have someone come to my home daylight hours.

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Bill G.

Yes, I use Craigslist to buy and sell. I like not having to fool around with shipping. However, I have had items sold out from under me after a deal had been struck. Usually, more money is offered. A deal isn't necessarily a deal until you have it in your possession I have found.

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Knvles

I use Craigslist occasionally. It helped me get my first motorcycle, which has served me well since.

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Matthew

My family loves craigslist! My father bought a pop up camper using craigslist, my brother bought a very nice $2k for around $1-1.5K, and I got a great deal on a bike. As long as you are a smart consumer, craigslist can be very helpful. Just remember, if the deal is too good to be true, don't buy!

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Phil

I sure do. I'm listing half a dozen things this weekend. From furniture, tents, all the way down to laptop bag!