Craigslist is an excellent platform for procuring used items. Following Erika’s insightful article on selling goods on Craigslist, I as a regular seller, am motivated to guide potential buyers through a simple and efficient buying process, from my experience of witnessing buyers’ often unappealing conduct. These straightforward tips will help you swiftly acquire your desired items at your preferred price and negotiate effectively, thereby building a good rapport with the seller, which could even result in freebies.
1. Professional Communication Over Casual Conversations: After spotting a desired item, initiate a formal conversation. Avoid generic emails asking, “Is this item still available?” as they merely indicate laziness. Similarly, unsolicited requests for calls can be equally off-putting. Instead, write a precise, detailed email stating your interest, location, and availability, propose a meeting time and place, and provide an alternate means of contact like texting/calling on your provided number. Such a proactive approach simplifies the interaction, minimizes endless email exchanges, and increases the chances of getting a response from the seller, even if the product is off the market.
2. Reasonable Bargaining: Bidding too low, a tendency infamously termed “low-balling” could make sellers disregard your request. However, remember that their price can often be negotiated down. Frame your proposition as, “Are you open to accepting $X for the item?” The sellers might be ready to settle somewhere in between. Sellers who stick to their price are seldom worth the effort, unless you absolutely need the item.
To optimize your purchase, look for sellers marketing multiple items concurrently. I once encountered a well-off lady selling her baby products collectively, which allowed me to leverage my interest in multiple items to negotiate a package deal. By demonstrating interest in several items, you may receive additional things for a nominal price or even for free.
3. Be Willing to Travel: Expecting the seller to bring the product to your location is an unreasonable expectation. If an item truly interests you, be prepared to travel towards the seller’s central location. Remember, you can always suggest meeting in a convenient neutral location near the seller’s spot if the product is conveniently portable.
4. Conduct Prior Research: Before confirming a purchase, thoroughly vet the product’s suitability. For instance, I had a potential buyer for a Canon DSLR lens who owned a non-interchangeable camera, rendering our product completely unsuitable for their needs. To avoid such scenarios, do your homework. If unsure, ask the seller directly or employ Google to help you verify the product’s compatibility.
Craigslist is a fantastic marketplace to spend less and gain more when buying goods. By following the tips mentioned above, not only will you secure your chosen items and save money/time, but you will also become a buyer-of-choice for your sellers, rather than a perceived hinderance they would rather avoid.
