Craigslist to start charging?

[SnoopyCool]

I posted an ad today, and there was a column that said something like

Total Charged
$0.00.
Amount Due
$0.00

I've not seen this before. Just makes me wonder why it is there.

[SnoopyCool]

...and I just posted a second ad in a different catergory and the aforementioned column wasn't present for that ad. Hmmm... what's that about?

[sweeps]

They do charge for some ads. They probably always display the amount due even if it is usually zero.

If CL started charging for all ads, usage would go way, way down. I don't think it will happen.

[momof1in150]

If you look on their terms of use page they can charge for certain types of postings:

"10. PAID POSTINGS

We may charge a fee to post Content in some areas of the Service. The fee
is an access fee permitting Content to be posted in a designated area.
Each party posting Content to the Service is responsible for said Content
and compliance with the TOU. All fees paid will be non-refundable in the
event that Content is removed from the Service for violating the TOU."

[creditcardfree]

Do they charge for car dealer listings? I bet sweeps is right. I wouldn't use them if they started charging.

[ksluis62]

I just used them to rent out a house I own. I also advertised on Rentals.com for $50. I got about 60% of my leads from the free CL listing. I guess I'd have to say that I could absorb a small payment, given how effective it is. I wouldn't want to, of course, but they seem to get more people looking for rentals.

[brandini25]

I'm pretty sure that Craigslist will resort to advertising before charging people to post

[Goldy1]

how do they profit with no fes and no ads? odd. I have sold old furniture etc on there and it was great!!

[tulsa_sr5]

how do they profit with no fes and no ads? odd. I have sold old furniture etc on there and it was great!!

I think they charge for help wanted ads, not sure what if anything else. As I understand it "Craig" has a bit of the hippy mentality & just likes running his business. I think he's turned down some really large offers to sell it.

"Incorporated in 1999, Craigslist today serves over 550 cities in 50 countries. Despite this, it operates under the guidance of only 25 employees, part of what Newmark described as a humble business model.

“We have a model that really works effectively: Do well by doing what works for people. It’s not anything altruistic or noble; we just do what feels right,” he said."

Craigslist Creator Aims for Quality of Service | The Hoya

[snowboardebater]

Certain categories they do charge for. It was probably a message in error though.