Whether you want to launch an e-commerce venture or want to clear out your garage; you can consider Craigslist. If the thought has crossed your mind, you are not alone on the path; millions of people are eager to discover Craigslist.
We are here to help you get a track. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to discuss why we should consider Craigslist for selling, what you can sell on Craigslist, what problems you may face in selling on Craigslist, and how to sell on Craigslist.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why you should consider selling on Craigslist:
There are various reasons why you can consider the Craigslist platform for selling. Here are the following:
1. It’s free:
The first and foremost reason to consider the Craigslist platform for selling as it comes almost free. That includes you may require to pay a small amount while listing your products while selling on Craigslist.
2. It enables you to do deep research:
As with all e-commerce platforms, a major key advantage of using Craigslist is the higher level of exposure that you will get for the products you have listed.
The local platforms only show your products to a certain range of customers while Craigslist allows you to reach a larger audience.
3. It is easy to access:
Another perk of using Craigslist is the platform is very easier to handle and it is super simple. You don’t have to spend time learning how to access the forum.
4. It allows you to track exposure:
When you post a listing, craigslist automatically assigns the list a unique posting ID. So, through the ID you can check the number of views your list has gotten.
If you find the listing view is below the average then you can make some changes to the listing and make it attractive.
What you can sell on Craigslist:
Here, we are enlisting some famous product categories that you should strongly consider selling on Craigslist:
- Cars:
Used cars are one of the most performing product categories on Craigslist. If you want to boost your chances of selling used cars on Craigslist, you need to post clear, high-quality photos of them. Also, you must include the full history of the car in the description and sell at a consistent price to the Blue Book value of the car.
- Power tools:
Power tools are another good choice for selling products on Craigslist. Before preparing the list, you must deeply research the product’s price at various stores such as Walmart or Home Depot to ensure that your offerings are competitive.
- Maternity clothing:
Maternity clothing is also another excellent product that you can sell on platforms like Craigslist. If your maternity clothing is in good condition then it can surely make a decent chunk of money on Craigslist.
How to sell on Craigslist:
Other than that Craigslist comes for free, another perk of using Craigslist is it is very simple to use this platform. Craigslist makes it very easier for anyone to set up a post of their products and make them sell using this platform. To create your post you will not be required to have a Craigslist account.
Here are the few steps that you need to follow to get your Craigslist sell revenue:
Step 1. Decide the product category that you want to sell on Craigslist:
The first measure that you need to take is determining which type of product you are going to sell on this platform.
This step is very essential if you want to make more revenue on this platform. If you simply want to get rid of the clutter in your basement and want to make some money then you can skip this step.
Otherwise, you need to decide whether a product will be a good money-maker, you must look at its profit margin. Products with high-profit margins are the way to go.
Step 2: Set up your Craigslist Account:
Although Craigslist doesn’t require the sellers to have a Craigslist account, if you desire to run a business on this platform then you must create one anyway.
Having a Craigslist account facilitates several perks. These include discount fees on listing and you can manage all the listings in one place.
You can create a Craigslist account by:
- You have to visit the Craigslist website
- Click on my account
- Click on Sign Up
- Enter your email address
- Create your Craigslist password
If it automatically doesn’t recognize your city, you can go to the right side of the page and select your city, state, and country.
Then click on “Create a posting” in the top left corner. Finally, you can choose the city, region, or country you will like to sell your products.
Step 3: Post your listings:
You need to provide all the necessary item details in this section that will help the buyer to make an informed decision. You must include a clear and concise title of the product with a good description that truly describes the item.
You can add a detailed description of the products where you must including features, conditions, and specifications. Also, define any flaws or dispute the product have.
While the detailed description is important you also use as few words as you can use to describe the product to avoid turning off potential buyers. No one is interested to read a lengthy description.
Step 4: Post a high-quality picture of the item:
You should post high-quality photos of the items that will help the potential buyers a concrete idea of the product. You can use natural light, and take clear, and well-lit photos of each item that you are going to sell on Craigslist.
Doing so helps you to acquire buyers’ trust as they can see the actual condition of the item. They can make an informed decision before purchasing.
Step 5: Set a fair price:
You need to research the market and the current market value of the product you sell on Craigslist. While setting the price the price should be very competitive. And you must also consider the features, condition, and value of your item.
Step 6: require a prompt response to the buyers:
When your listing is live, you will start to get messages and queries from the buyers. You need to respond as early as possible, and you should be professional and provide adequate information.
Step 7: You can meet with buyers at a safe location:
If it is required to set a meeting with the buyers then you must choose a public place like a coffee shop, grocery store, etc. You can skip set meetings at your residence area, and also you can consider bringing someone with you to keep the meeting safe.
Step 8: Accept secure payment options:
It will be good to use cash payments. If there is a need to accept the payment via check, money order, or online transfer; then you must ensure the payment is cleared before handover the item to the buyer.
Step 9: Follow up with buyers:
After completing the transaction, you can follow up with the buyer asking them about their satisfaction with the product. It will help you to achieve various positive reviews in the future and lead to an increase in your sales.
What problems you may face in selling items on Craigslist:
Selling on Craigslist can be easier and more convenient but it also has some downside. Here are some of the primary issues that you will likely face while selling on Craigslist.
- Your listing can get lost in the shuffle:
When you post your listing on Craigslist, it automatically says on the platform for 30 days. But there are several sellers from your location. So, your listing can get below and the newer ones will quickly be popped up if you don’t repost it consistently.
That means you need to put in some additional effort.
- It can be difficult to obtain serious buyers:
You can get a handful of fake buyers. So, it will be difficult to find out someone genuinely interested in your item. Fake buyers will take your time in making a discussion about the item but they are not serious to make the purchase.
- You have to meet buyers in person:
Another drawback of Craigslist is that you will typically need to meet the buyers in person for completing the transaction. This exposes you to the risk of scammers or fraud people.
FAQ:
Do people make money selling on Craigslist?
Ans: Making money by selling products on Craigslist is cost-effective and comfortable. Throughout few years, people are more interested to use this platform for selling products and to make huge revenue.
Does Craigslist take any percentage of what you sell?
Ans: Craigslist doesn’t charge any fees for selling most of the products. You may need to pay a small amount on listings for categories such as apartment rentals or cars.
Wrap Up:
If you are looking for ways to earn some extra money, selling items on Craigslist is a great way to do so. Here, we have covered all the relevant aspects that you need to know before going ahead into the platform.
If you can follow the tips and the guidelines then these will significantly raise the probability of your Craigslist venture to be a fruitful one.
