Sometimes you need to sell things. Other times, you need to buy things. If you are trying to become Debt Free, you probably don’t want to pay full price, and you don’t want to pay Stupid Tax. Craigslist can be a great place to purchase items below the retail price, but there are some tips you want to keep in mind.
The Red Flags
There are sellers and resellers on Craigslist. Be sure you know which one you are dealing with online. A seller’s ad will usually have a detailed description and several close-up photos of the items. Additionally, you may see a local number or a typical email address. A reseller’s ad may have a vague description and a stock photo of the item. The phone number may have an out-of-town area code, an odd email address, or shady instructions for payment (PayPal Scam).
The Deal
- Be patient. If you are searching for the perfect item, it may take a little while to find it. Take your time. When I searched for the perfect bike, it took a while. When I searched for an elliptical machine, I found it quickly.
- Trust your instincts. If something on a posting seems odd, take note. It’s okay to call or email for information about the item. If something doesn’t seem right, pay attention to your gut and move on.
- Check reviews. If you see a good deal, follow up on the item, and then check out reviews on various sites. It is helpful to have the brand and model number of the item when you are doing your research to compare apples to apples.
- Compare prices. See if you are really getting a good deal by comparing the Craigslist price to prices on other sites such as Amazon, Overstock, Ebay, and other resale sites.
- Test the item. Try to stay local so that you can arrange to test the item. If you’re not an expert on the item, bring a friend who knows how to test it. When I purchased an iPhone on Craigslist, I took a techie with me who knew how to work the phone.
- Negotiate. Learn the difference between “Firm” vs. “OBO” and find out if they are selling other items that can be bundled.
- Pay with cash. Craigslist deals are usually final and cash brings quick closure. Besides, you don’t want your check account number or debit card number floating around.
The Scam
- “If it sounds too good to be true…” If you have heard the saying, then you have been warned.
- Don’t feel obligated to buy the item. Even if you communicate with the seller, research the item, and see the item in person, you shouldn’t feel compelled to purchase the item.
- Safety in numbers. Whenever you are meeting with a seller, always take a friend. There are cases of “robbery by appointment” across the country.
- Meet and exchange in public places. Coffee shops, bookstores, and police stations are very popular places to meet. If you are dealing with large sums of cash, a branch of your bank could also be an option. If you are dealing with Apple products, you could meet at an Apple store and have the Genius Bar run a check on the item.
Protect Yourself
- Cell Phone Numbers. You can use Google Voice to create a temporary number if you are uncomfortable using your own.
- Email Addresses. When I found a lost dog and attempted to find its owner, I created an email address specifically for that purpose on Craigslist. After weeks of no news, we shifted gears to find a home for the dog using the same email address on Craigslist.
Debt Free Family Tree 