– Ways You Can Sell on Craigslist Safely –
Craigslist is all about no-frills buying and selling. However, as with any internet service, especially one used by millions of people, caution and common sense are essential
Craigslist provides reliable services to those wishing to sell anything ranging from antiques to video games. It has more than sixty million users with an average of fifty million page views per month.
In case you have recently moved and you realize how much stuff you have or you just need extra cash and have rounded up a few things to sell, Craigslist is the best site for selling stuff you don’t want.
With that type of frequency, you can sell all your unwanted items in no time.
If you are looking for how you can sell on Craigslist, below are 10 tips on how to sell on Craigslist safely and effectively:
1. Make your Research
Before listing your item on Craigslist, do a little research to see what the same or similar item is going for.
Research both the item’s price, new and used, and then compare your item to the used variety being sold.
A simple quick Google search will result in a decent estimate of prices for a new item. Note that, you’re not going to be able to sell your used item at a new price.
You can also check how much your item is going for on other shopping sites, such as eBay or Amazon.
This will give you an idea of how much other people are asking or paying for the same or similar item.
Doing the research will give you a better idea of how much to price your item so that it will sell as fast as possible, which is definitely what you want.
2. Price on the High Side
Once you’ve done your research, you can better price your item to sell.
Of course, you want to get the most for your item, but pricing too high can turn people away and setting your price too low will lead buyers to assume there’s something wrong with it.
Knowing how much to price an item for is half the selling; you need just the right price.
That being said, price your item about ten to thirty percent higher than the lowest price you’ll take.
Remember that those who shop on Craigslist are not afraid of making very low offers, so don’t be surprised when it happens to you.
However, when you do get those who offer less, you have room to negotiate.
You can ask for a specific price if you’ve decided exactly what you want for it by saying “firm” or “final price”, but it’s Craigslist; people expect to negotiate.
You should let them. Every once in a while you may even get someone who will pay what you’re asking, but don’t count on it.
3. Clean your Item
Ensure that your item is in good shape. Unless the item can’t be cleaned for whatever purpose, clean it up, wash it, wipe it, and do whatever you can to make it look the best it can.
Think of it this way; you want your item to look as attractive as it can to a potential buyer, so do what you can to make it look better.
4. Take Pictures of the Item
Whenever listing something for sale on Craigslist, always include pictures because not only does this help to show potential buyers exactly what they’re getting, it makes them even consider those posts.
First, ensure to check your background before taking pictures; you’d be surprised at what ends up in images on Craigslist.
Plus, you want your item to show up well, so, when possible, choose a background that will help to highlight your item, not blend in with it.
You also need to make sure there’s plenty of light when you take your pictures, you want potential buyers to be able to see what you’re offering.
Lastly, be sure to get pictures from every angle, take close-ups of special features. The better the presentation, the quicker it will sell.
5. Include any Extras
Include any extra pieces, batteries, replaceable parts, and other extras in at least one of the pictures. This may make a difference.
If you’re trying to sell a phone and you have an extra charger, battery, and casing for it, lay them out around the phone for an all-in-one picture or take a picture of them separately from the phone.
One way or the other, be sure to include anything that comes extra with the item you are selling.
6. Find the Right One
This is actually very important when it comes to selling anything on Craigslist.
Craigslist is divided into smaller areas, such as a few close cities or by state, for example, which will include the areas closest to where you live.
Obviously, you don’t want to sell to someone across the region unless you’d rather pay for postage and handling.
However, most Craigslist items are of the “meet and pay/trade” variety, so you want to reach those who are closer to where you actually reside.
7. Create an Account
The next step is to create an account. To get started, click the button labelled “my account” on the upper left-hand corner of the page.
This is important because you may not sell your item immediately, especially if it’s expensive or from a limited place.
You don’t want to have to recreate your listing each time it needs refreshing.
By creating an account, you can simply re-post your ad, add to, or edit directly from your own email, even if your ad has been deleted.
This makes keeping up with your ad much easier.
In addition, your dashboard will keep track of all your items. You don’t have to make an account, but it’s most certainly recommended to make selling your stuff even easier.
Once you’ve created an account, click on “post to classifieds”, also in the upper left corner.
From there you can choose either “for sale by owner” or “for sale by dealer”, choose the one that describes you.
You will then be given a list of categories to pick, which will make finding your item easier for potential buyers.
8. Write a Clear Headline
When beginning your post to sell something, it all starts with a clear headline. This is the way most potential buyers shop for what they’re looking for, so be sure to put all important details in the headline.
If you have upgraded your phone and want to sell your old one, your headline could be “Used iPhone 6S in Excellent Condition”. Clearly define what you are selling in your headline.
9. Be Descriptive
Start your ad by explaining exactly what your item is and what condition it is in. Make a note of anything that’s wrong with the item; any damages, anything missing, no matter how small it seems to you.
This type of thing may be more important to buyers.
If you’re selling an electronic gadget, be sure to include technical specs. If you don’t know them, check out the manufacturer’s website.
The more clear information you can add, the better your item will sell.
10. List Price and Contact Information
At the end of your ad, repeat the price you’re selling for. This helps to ensure potential buyers are aware of the price.
There’s a separate section for pricing, but it’s still good to include it in the ad as well.
If you’re willing to accept offers, include that as well. An example of this would be $100 OBO (Or Best Offer).
You will also need to include your contact information. You can have them email you, if that’s what you prefer, for questions and/or offers or you can list your cell phone or home phone numbers.
Be sure to list which way you prefer to be contacted, such as “Text Edixy at (234)555-5555 for more information.” If you have specific hours you want them to contact you, include that as well.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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