Craig List...I don't really understand it

16 years ago

I have read on here that some former e-bay sellers have now gone to listing things on Craigslist. I recently sold a pile of books on EBAY, and went to pay my fees and it was over $52.00. Plus paypal fees. I just think that was high. Anyway, that is not what I was wanting to discuss, just thought I would throw that out.:) Do you necessarily have to deal with people in your area? Do you have to meet them or can you send money and set up accounts? Will someone explain all that? As a seller and buyer. I am terribly afraid of being scammed, are my feeling justified, and what do I need to avoid that? I am very interested in selling and buying on Craigslist, but how? Will someone that has had experience or knows of someone who has, help me by explaining your experience and knowledge?

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Comments (4)

lydia1959
16 years ago
It is very easy to sell on Craigslist and it is free to do so. You can put up to 4 pictures on your listing too, I don't get people trying to sell antiques and cars with no pictures. It's super easy to upload them right from your computer. Craigslist will have emails forwarded to you - so people won't have your email address unless you email them back. You do need to meet the buyers in person, items are not shipped, just like if you had placed an ad in the newspaper. Do not accept checks or any payment except for cash, have a friend or your DH there when people show up if possible. My DH is usually at work, so I keep the item in the garage and I always let my dog out when someone is here looking.

I haven't had any problems with people and have sold or given away a lot of things. I've also furnished my new room addition with furniture I bought on CL and we also found my DD a car there.
rthummer
Original Author
16 years ago
Lydia, Thank a Bunch!! Yeah, when you mentioned it is like a newspaper advertisement, it clicked in my brain. I still had the e-bay mentality. I will take your advice. Thanks again!!
alisande
16 years ago
To sell book, though, I would check out Amazon. I switched to Amazon after selling books on eBay for several years. They do take a commission, but the listing process is super-quick and no photos are involved. They direct-deposit the net proceeds in my bank account.

I don't know about anyone else's Craigslist, but my Craigslist's booksellers are out of touch with reality.
alisande
16 years ago
PS: If you list an item on Craigslist, you may find it gets noticed by someone out of your area, who could ask if you'd ship it. This was the case when I sold rototiller tines on Craigslist. They ended up being bought by someone in Utah (I'm in Pennsylvania), who was happy to pay the steep shipping charge. We did the transaction via Paypal.