Selling on Criagslist

Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org) is an online classifieds service that is basically free for everyone. Craigslist does generate some income by charging fees for businesses and related listing in certain areas. I first started using Craigslist when I was looking for used cars or boats. However, the potential of Craigslist should not be overlooked. Anyone who isn't locked in a cave underground will have heard of the huge auction site eBay.

Ebay is an online giant and attracts millions of visitors in traffic which makes it look very attractive to sellers. However, you should keep in mind that eBay charges sellers not just to list an item, but they also take a percentage of your final winning bid. Therefore some may find eBay's fee cut too far in to their profits that listing items there may not be worth it. That's where Craigslist comes to rescue.

Although Craigslist does not generate the kind of traffic eBay does, it is gaining popularity around the world. If you have things at home you are trying to get rid of, such as furniture or baby clothes or even tupperware, you can list it all for free on Craigslist. My mother has also done well for herself selling her crafts she sews at home. Craigslist has great categories and search option that make finding your item easier than you think. Also, Craigslist sorts listing by area or region, therefore you will target local customers that will most likely be able to pick up your item, alleviating the need to ship you item. (However, this also limits your customer base.) Craigslist is great for larger items especially like furniture that would otherwise be unpractical to sell online due to the enormous cost of shipping such a large item.

Craigslist PROS
-Absolutely free
-Good for listing large, unshippable items
-Listings by category
-No registration or sign-up
-No need to give financial information

Craigslist CONS
-Local listing only
-Limited traffic
-No online order form

Craigslist TIPS
-Add at least one picture to every listing
-Use an email rather than a phone number for contact
-If you are unsure about a category do a search for your item on Craigslist and see where everyone else is listing similar items.
-People are looking for bargains, put up a reasonable price but be willing to negotiate by placing "or offer" next to your price.
-List similar items in one listing, this may help you sell a bunch of items to one person.