Yes, it’s true. You can make a pretty penny using Craigslist. Other than a job listing, posting on the site is free to do, unlike eBay or Amazon. Depending on your strategy, you can create a stream of revenue on the side using this webpage as long as you have an internet connection.
In addition to the free listings, another advantage of selling on Craigslist is the fact that you also don’t have to share your profit with a third party nor do you have to worry as often that you’ll be paying for shipping without the payment coming through from the buyer. The most successful individuals who use Craigslist are buying and selling quickly, don’t keep many items on stock, and accept cash-only payments.
As with anything, this activity does take some dedication, but the following tips will show how you can make money using Craigslist:
- Research and know the products. Whether you are selling something you already own or you are preparing to purchase something, look into the product, its typical resale value and customer feedback. You are not going to see much success by trying to sell a used Ikea desk for more than or equal to what you can get at the store itself (or even a center like Walmart). A good starting point of how to price your items is to look what it’s going for used in other locations. Conversely, knowing your product will also help you as you begin purchasing from Craigslist vendors.
- Flip and restore items. If you have a bit of a handy talent fixing things up, this is a great option for you to make some
extra cash. Craigslist is full of valuable items that are discounted due to damages or simply because they are covered in filth. Choose items to flip in which you have experience, such as appliances or furniture. These items can also be found at yard sales without going through the hassle of browsing online. And with yard sale season coming up, it’s a great time to start learning how to re-purpose old couches and tables. - Find and sell free listings. Some individuals are looking to just get rid of what they deem as old junk because they are tired of it taking up space in their home. You cam find these gems both online and offline. The items often have simple fixes or are just old living room pieces that they don’t want to take the time to sell. So, next time you see that “Free Couch” sign, take it and sell it on Craiglist. Anything you sell it for is a straight profit.
- Focus on a niche or specific group. You can create a little side business of strictly selling on Craigslist, but if this is the route you choose to take, you may want to think about specializing in a particular group of products. This creates a focal point for your sales and research while also helping you pick out a prime deal quickly.
- Furthermore, expand your strategies by selling to businesses who are always buying to help put fast cash in your pocket. An example would be selling bits and pieces of metal to scrap dealers.
- Make an engaging title and post. Your title should draw in the online consumers and the content of the listing should match. It is best not to say “OBO” (or best offer) after your price to avoid low-ball inquiries off the bat. Be willing to negotiate, but don’t advertise that you will. Address all the questions a buyer may have about your product and include high-quality images. Answer e-mails about your post quickly, and don’t be afraid to let the potential shopper know that someone provided you a better rate for your item (if this is true). If your listing does not get any attention, re-post it within a week to help keep it relevant.
Signing up for Craigslist is the easy part, but mastering it as a regular revenue stream can take some work. If nothing else, it’s still a great way to get rid of the junk you also don’t want or no longer need. Just remember to always meet in public, accept cash only and conquer those negotiating skills. You’re going to need them.
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