Selling on Craigslist - Do's and Do Not's

Actual craigslist photo and an example of a good photo. The condition of the pieces is very clear and the setting is uncluttered and the lighting is good!

My daughter is having a garage sale over the weekend and asked me for some craigslist tips for her listing. It reminded me of the do's and don't I have adopted over the years for my own listings (and even more for judging sellers).  I have written about this in the past but thought a refresher might be useful.

Craigslist is an amazing medium for buying and selling almost anything and it is FREE so what's the big deal about fine-tuning the listing itself? After all, there is no-one judging your submission, no word limits to manage and no template to follow. In my judgement, however, it is even more important to do this right in order to secure sales and responses. There is so much activity that only well written and illustrated ads can even be really seen in the clutter.

Here are some do's and don't

• Be brief and concise but provide critical details about your location and your items for sale (e.g., age, condition, materials).
• ALWAYS provide some photos of items for sale taken in a clutter-free, well-lit environment (I have gotten to the point of only clicking on ads that have photos - using the thumb-nail versions to quickly go through many ads).
• Include an electronic way to communicate either using your own email address or (preferably) enabling individuals with questions to communicate through craigslist itself - I only very rarely respond/ask questions if I am required to make a phone call - it is too inconvenient!
• Include price - do not use a "bidding" or "best offer" process with no mention of your asked for price.
• Provide enough information about your location to inform potential buyers of how far they will be traveling - but don't give full address in ad. 
• Clearly describe condition of item being sold so that there are no surprises when person comes out to look at it (e.g., broken/repaired, in need of reupholstering, 

Here are some don't:

• Do not provide photographs that are too small or poorly-lit or show too many items in the same photograph - photograph each primary item separately (it's free)!
• Do not combine items in the same ad (the exception of this would be a garage or estate sale or where pieces are sold together such as dining table and chairs and sometimes a living room set). 
• Do not use "stock" photos - photos copied from a catalog for example with note that this item is exactly the same.

  

  Example of poor photo - too many items in photo - not well positioned 

  

  Example of poor photo - neither a good photo of item for sale or neat and clean and free of clutter

  
  

Craigslist Buying - Redux

I have previously written about using craigslist as a source for finding and buying "refurbish-able" fine upholstered furniture. I continue to be an avid user and am sometimes amazed (shocked) by how people post their items for sale. I thought it was time for a refresher.

I  check out the craigslist "furniture by owner" section - I try to check it at least 2-3 times a day.  In the Atlanta metropolitan area, it is widely used and updates are constant.  Really great and reasonable items go fast so it is good to be the first to see it and respond.

Actual craigslist posting - trying to sell these two "designer" chairs.

First, I never (or almost never) respond to:

• furniture descriptions without photos - with the volume online and even for "free items", a photo needs to accompany any ad to provide at least a clue as to what the item looks like and whether further inquiry is worth it 
• postings with photos that are not helpful (too small or dark), not flattering (messy surroundings) or that show the piece in a larger setting with other items (whole living room or space).

Actual craigslist posting photo - trying to sell this sofa underneath sheet/cover.

• postings that do not allow me to send an email with questions (requires a phone call or sometimes text) - I always have questions and actually do not want this level of engagement at this point 
• postings that are not straight forward (e.g., go into lengthy detail about why owner is selling or how very beautiful and desirable the item is ...)
• postings with prices that are WAY too high or even just a little high but with a statement that price if firm - I have found that these people are easily insulted when I offer less so I don't bother

I use the following search criteria when scanning large numbers of listings to make sure I didn't miss anything:

• desirable labels - Sherrill, Hickory Chair, Baker, Henredon
• categories - settees, bergere chairs, chaises, French chairs

As you can see from the above "after" pieces, shopping craigslist can be a great source as well as an adventure. Despite my homework, I probably reject at least a third of the items once I get in the car and actually go to the location. The workmanship/quality is just not there and not worth redoing.  

Well, I am off today to see a pair of Sam Moore Country French style chairs - wish me luck!

Craigslist Selling - My Fabrics

Bolts For Sale

The downside of buying as many fabrics as I do is that every now and then I do have to decide if I'm going to use each and every one and get rid of those that just never seem to be selected.  Fabrics take up a lot of space and are very heavy so this is an important task.  Following my internal clock (spring cleaning), I start sorting fabrics at least annually.  I have a staging area that grows and grows.  One benefit of this exercise is that, not infrequently, I "discover" a fabric long forgotten and develop a whole new excitement around it.  I probably do end up using at least 33% of these fabrics and get rid of the rest.

I have found that fabrics are very hard to sell since most people (who are not like me) do not want fabrics sitting around waiting for that right project to come along.  I try selling through the local craigslist and also during my own annual garage sale (some will be listed on eBay as well).  Finding the right listing category on craigslist is kind of tricky so I have listed the pieces I am currently selling in different areas of the list:

• Furniture - By Owner
• Materials
• Arts and Crafts
• Clothing and Accessories

If not sold through craigslist, I plan to donate to Goodwill!

Craigslist Listing Tips - A Good Source!

I have been using Craigslist (Atlanta) for several years as a major source of "heirloom-quality" furniture in need of refurbishing.   The ads are free and there are a lot viewers/users - so there is no down side.  Here are some suggestions for listing - later I'll be adding buying tips.

Listing Suggestions:

• Describe VERY briefly what you are selling in header - avoid all caps - and include price (e.g., Pair - Sherrill Club Chairs - $200) - the key words are important here to make sure buyers find you!
• Use separate ad for each item - do not mix together (see note above - the ads are free) - items that are hidden are harder to find!
• For furniture, always include at least one clear photo - no exceptions!  More are helpful! 
• Do indicate where you are located with enough specificity to help people figure out whether they are willing and able to get to you (e.g, NOT Atlanta but Buckhead).
• Always list price - do not ask for offers - do indicate whether you are firm or negotiable on price.
• For furniture - include dimensions and brand name if you have it - these are the questions most people ask.  
• Do not include phone number in ad - you can always provide that to legitimate potential buyers when they respond via email.
• Respond first come - first serve to all legitimate sounding inquiries - you'll know them when you see them.
• Inform all who inquire about piece when it is sold.
• Take ad down immediately when it is sold.

GOOD LUCK SELLING!!