Guest Post: Craig’s List Tips for your After-Christmas Shopping

After Christmas is a great time to check out you local Craig’s List listings for lots of great deals. People get rid of the old to make room for or pay for the new. Christmas credit card bills arrive in mid January and some people need to find a way to pay those bills.

Personally I love Craig’s List. Over the past few years we have purchased the following items:

• Upright freezer – FREE
• Side tables – $20
• Wood Desk -$50

• Large Wooden Bookcase- $75
• Bunk Beds – $125
• Kitchen Table, 2 Benches, 2 Chairs – $125

• Ethan Allen Trundle Bed – $200
• Living Room Set – $250

Before I buy anything new I always scan the Craig’s List classifieds to see if the item I want is available for less. I am proud to say that most of the furniture in my home has been purchased for pennies on the dollar by using the following Craig’s List tips.

Check the free section first: Many times people don’t want to mess with selling and item, they would rather give it away. Check the listings for a “curb alert.” A curb alert is when people put things on their curb and place their address on Craig’s List. First come, first served.

Check the listings often: Listings are updated in real time, which means each time someone adds a listing it is updated. Great deals and big ticket items priced right are usually sold within hours after they are listed. If you are interested contact the seller immediately.

Deal only with people you can meet in person: As with everything in this world there are people who want to make a dishonest dollar. Don’t agree to mail money or have something shipped. Pay with cash and never give out your bank account information.

Stay safe by meeting in a public place or bringing a friend: I realize you can’t pick up a bed at Starbucks, but you can pick up a blue ray player or a set of books. Remember to tell a friend where you are going (including the address) and take a cell phone just in case. I have bought and sold numerous items on Craig’s List over the past few years and I have never had an incident, but it pays to be safe.

Have a price point before you start shopping: Know the average price of the item you are looking for before you scan the listings. There are plenty of people selling used items at almost new prices on Craig’s list. It is not a deal if you pay too much. A few months ago I started looking for a couch, I knew I didn’t want to pay more than $250. It took me a few months but I finally found and entire living room set for $250. Patience and persistence saves you money.

Negotiate: If you find an item that you love, but is priced higher than you would like to pay, negotiate. Most of the time people just want to get rid of their stuff and are willing to take a lower (but fair) amount.

Ask for pictures: Craig’s List allows you to post pictures on your listing, but unfortunately there are still people who can’t figure out how to do it. If you are interested in an item that does not have a picture, email the seller and ask if they can send you a few pictures.
Show up with cash and a way to haul it: When you go to look at an item be prepared to buy it on the spot. Don’t show up in a Honda Civic if you are planning on buying a piano. Always have the exact amount of cash needed to purchase the item. If you negotiated a bed down to $90 don’t ask the seller to make change for $100.

Be polite: Even if it is the ugliest sofa you have ever seen in your entire life, you don’t need to tell the seller. A simple no thank-you or I’m not interested will suffice. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Toni is a military wife and homeschooling mom to her seven beautiful children. She loves to read, sew, bake, recycle, and bargain hunt. Visit The Happy Housewife and take some time to poke around her site ~ you’ll be glad you did!

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