Your experience selling items on Craigslist here in SA? (Austin: sale, mattress)

[DigginHouseVibez]

I was just wondering how many of you have sold items on Craigslist and if you have, how would you rate the experience?

I was talking to my brother yesterday and I have a TON of stuff to get rid of. I asked him if he'd used it before and he said yes but that it was always a little creepy when you roll up to a Valero, pop open your trunk, hand a guy a box and he hands you a wad of cash. He said he's gotten people who wanted to chat forever, a couple of times they wouldn't stop emailing afterward (lesson learned. . . no posting email addresses in the ad now!) - he's a guy and he's pretty thick skinned so it doesn't really bother him but with the stories he gave me in mind, I was wondering if some of you would chime in and let me know what your experiences SELLING items there have been like. I know as buyers NONE of you would be creepy (whatevzzz! ) so if possible I wanted to keep this to selling experiences only.

I did search and I found wCats post from late last year(great post, btw!). I just wanted to see if I could solicit a few more opinions that were not with regards to anyone's personal feelings toward the site in general but were based on actual experiences selling.

I've already had one bad experience with someone "buggin me" on (and off, eventually) the internet and while it doesn't stop me from utilizing it, I do my best to be careful.

Yeah, I'm a little paranoid.

[achtungpv]

I sell stuff on Craigslist in Austin all the time.

Some tips:
Price it to sell quickly.
List it on a Sat or Sun morning and be home for pick up the same day.
Include pictures.

For example, I had a hand-me-down queen size metal bed frame that was taking up space in the garage. I posted it for $20 and it was gone from my property within 30 minutes. Sure, I could have got $75-100 probably but is the hassle of dealing with fewer interested buyers and potential haggling worth it? Not really since it didn't cost me anything.

This Sat I'm selling a 4 mo. old gas grill and 2 full propane tanks for $150. It's worth more than that but it's just taking up space since my wife unexpectedly agreed to let me get my dream smoker. I want it gone within an hour and it will be.

[DigginHouseVibez]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

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it's just taking up space since my wife unexpectedly agreed to let me get my dream smoker.

Congratulations!!!

I took the information you posted to heart. I agree about pricing items to sell quickly. Most of my stuff is clothing because my husband and I are clothesmongers and we have several closets full of stuff that was worn once or twice and from very nice stores. When you're going through your closet and you find SIX blazers and the only difference in each one is a half shade of blue, it's time to get rid of some stuff! We don't do that anymore (as of about a year ago) but man, I think I had a PROBLEM!

[SATX56]

Well, I guess I have a decent opinion of it. Whatever you put in it you can alter or delete at any time( via a url they send to your e-mail). I believe you can keep your info private. You don't have to give a phone # for example. I think you can keep your e-mail address hidden by them forwarding any responses. If some one is bugging you delete your post and I assume that would put an end to it. My experience has been it's about the same as putting your ad in a small community paper such as the Southside Reporter or Northside Recorder. You won't be inundated with replies and you might get an occasional jerk that just wants to pull your chain. But it's free! I've had a few responses and have sold on it. My daughter uses it regularly! Hope this helps .

[SnappyBob]

I sold a dark room setup on Craigslist to a nice couple from southtown. I don't put my phone number in the ad. That way I can pick who I want to go to the next step with. Usually responders will include their phone numbers. If not I email my number to them for further discussion.
When the engine blew in my truck a few months ago I got rid of it on Craigslist. I had a response in 2 hrs of posting and less than 24 hrs later all that was left of my truck was an oil spot on the driveway. And they paid the full asking price.

Selling cloths may be a little more tricky. Are you selling the whole lot at one time? If not you may want to consider a yard sale or Goodwill donation. Sometimes clothes don't hold their value that well unless they are really expensive designer pieces or vintage clothing.

[pobre]

I've sold several items on CL. Generally, it's larger toys or household appliances. Many times, I'll list something, and have it sold in 5 minutes!!

Yes, list on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. I generally offer to meet people at a Target near my house. I give them my husband's cell #. Never had a problem yet...

[rd2007]

I sold a sofa and loveseat on CL and it went quick. I think I underpriced it because there were so many responses. Definitely take a good quality picture (more than one is usually better) and watch out for the scammers. Of the 20 or so responses I received, three were from another state or country. Obvious scams and instantly deleted. The only other potential problem is having people at your house. I'm not scared nor small and would actually invite the opportunity to eliminate some scum from the Earth, but not everybody is in that situation, so be careful. If it's small, it's best to meet somewhere public. I bought my Wii that way and it looked like a drug deal, but oh well, it wasn't..

BTW, thanks for reminding me that I had planned on selling a mattress and computer desk on there this weekend. I almost forgot.

[quest51210]

bought a car from CL about 5 years ago along with other items but it is become a cesspool of higher priced sellers and stolen items lately

[DigginHouseVibez]

Wow. . . all great responses, thank you!

SnappyBob, the stuff I have I've pretty much put together in smaller lots. I had considered a yard sale or something of that nature but lately it's HOT and in my area of town more will get stolen than will sell! :P

Anyway I wouldn't post t-shirts or really worn stuff. I literally went into two of our closets and came away with enough stuff from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic and other similar places for someone to be able to redo their OWN wardrobe. We tend to drift toward more classic colors and styles too so I figured with good photos and the indication that they were hardly or never worn (truthfully) that I would be able to get more than the "two for a dollar" offer people extend here (not that I blame anyone for tryin!)! Oh and I found two pair of kids Armani Junior pants (legit) with TAGS and everything that some relatives bought for my daughter in Mexico City. I had forgotten about them since they visited last summer and when I pulled those out, tags and all I just thought "This is absolutely RIDICULOUS"! She never wore them because they were boys (oops). Ebay takes so much in fees and I've researched items similar to what we have. It seems very "hit or miss". I don't want to get stuck paying for a listing that didn't sell and even if it does then there are the additional paypal fees. Blechh. I don't currently have an account on Ebay. I think selling some of this stuff with zero feedback looks like it could potentially yield less than just selling them for one set price somewhere like Craigslist. I dunno. . I guess it's worth a shot!

[Mister]

I've never bought or sold anything from CL, but I'd recommend reading this page before you do:

craigslist | avoiding scams and fraud

I usually just give my stuff to Goodwill so I don't have to bother with weirdos and scams.