How to Win at Cragslist 101

I definitely wouldn't call myself an expert, but after using Craigslist a few times successfully (and unsuccessfully), I thought I would share my two cents on how to get what you really want out of Craigslist. Warning: do not follow my advice unless you really want the item. All of these treasures are a result of Craigslist: (cue oooohs and ahhhs)

microwave

couch

piano

computer chair (not my husband)

LoveSac

1. Be patient. Don't shop for things on Craigslist that you need right away . . . you might end up paying too much for it.

2. When you are in the market to buy or sell, look at the other ads for that same product to make sure you know what to expect to pay for or sell the item. You'll be able to recognize a good deal better if you now the average price for the item.

3. When contacting the seller, pay attention to how they want to be contacted. Some use their personal email, some put their phone number on there, some want you to respond to the ad itself with email. If you email the person, include a phone number so they can contact you either way. If possible, include a number that can receive text messages. (My phone does not, so I put Kevin's number on my request for the LoveSac. Had I not done this, we wouldn't have gotten it. We arrived minutes before another couple that wanted it and the early bird got the worm. Kevin offered to sell it to them for five times the price we bought it, but they didn't go for it. Hmmm. Wonder why?)

4. Be on time when you go to look at the item. See Number 3.

5. Have manners. Unless there is a valid reason for you to suggest a lower price, don't plan on paying less than what was asked for the item. 6. Free things are awesome! Have an open mind. We went to look at a free couch and ended up not liking the couch. The guy was also giving away a microwave for free. We had no idea if it worked and it was very dirty, but we took our chances and it worked out! We also got a free printer once that didn't work, so we threw it away, but we did keep the USB cable, which we currently use.

7. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! We originally found our duplex on Craigslist, but "weren't selected" to be the new tenants. We were frantically searching for a different place for a week or so when the duplex was put back on Craigslist because the other people backed out!

8. Use heycraigapp.com to sort through the postings for you. You just enter in what you're looking for in whichever city, and you will get an email with every new and relevant post.

9. Some items are sold right away, but if you browse in past postings, you might find something that you want that hasn't been sold. The only way to know for sure is if you contact the seller. That's how we found our computer chair.

10. When selling something, include a picture. I rarely look at ads without pictures.

There you have it. If you feel so inclined to help me on my list, any and all Craigslist triumphs (and failures) would be most appreciated!