10 Shopping Tips From a Craigslist Queen

“How do you find good deals on Craigslist? I never have any luck when I look for something.” I’ve had several friends and family members ask me that recently. I guess they ask me because I’m the Craigslist Queen. I know it’s not official, but if you toured my home and I showed you all the good deals I’ve scored on Craigslist, I’m sure I’d get your vote for Queen. So, how do I get these amazing deals, you ask? Let me tell you!

Yes, I admit that I’ve furnished most of my home with furniture I’ve purchased off of Craigslist.   Some of it needed a little TLC before I put it to use, some just needed a new paint job, and others needed nothing other than a general cleaning.  Right now I have two sofas, three armchairs, two entertainment centers, a dining room table, an ottoman, a coffee table, a desk, and two bookcases in my home courtesy of Craigslist. What can I say? I love a good bargain!

Would you like to find great deals on items for your home, from the convenience of your own home? Then Craigslist is definitely for you. Let me share some tips with you on how you can score when shopping on Craigslist.

Tip #1:
We all know the early bird gets the worm, so if you want to get the good deals you need to check often and act quickly. When I’m looking for a specific item, I’ll check the Craigslist App on my phone a few times a day to see if any new items have been added. Remember that thousands of items are posted on Craigslist daily, at various times throughout the day, so you must be on watch and be ready to make contact when you see an item you want.

Tip #2: 
Once you know you’re interested in an item, respond quickly. If there is a phone number listed, call or text the seller instead of emailing for a quicker response. If you decide you want the item, arrange for a pick up quickly or you may lose out. If the seller notifies you that someone wants the item, ask them to contact you if the deal falls through. Believe me, it happens sometimes!

Tip #3:
Search for items by looking at the pictures. Use the “Show Images” option to view a thumbnail picture of items as you search. Personally, I don’t even look at items without a picture. I filter my search for items with pictures only. When I scroll through and see a picture that interests me, I then look at the details and decide if I should contact the seller.

Tip #4:
Remember you’re not shopping at the furniture store, so look for the potential in items. Yes, the buffet may be a hideous shade of yellow right now, but a new coat of paint could turn it into the beauty you’d love.

Tip #5:
Search for items using multiple keywords. I recently was searching for a buffet on Craigslist, but I didn’t just search for “buffet”. I also searched for “sideboard” and “server”. It’s important to check for variations in wording and spellings, too. When looking for a daybed, I searched for “daybed” and “day bed” and got different results. Don’t forget to search for common misspellings, too!

Tip #6: 
If you’re looking for a really good deal, chances are you won’t find it at an antique or retail furniture store. Make sure you are looking at items not sold by dealers by using the filter “Furniture by Owner.”

Tip #7: 
If you don’t mind taking a little drive, expand your search to surrounding areas. I’ve definitely been known to drive an hour in order to save $200!

Tip #8: 
Do your research. I recently saw an item listed for more than what I could buy the item brand new at IKEA. It’s important to know the item’s value or common selling price when it’s time to negotiate.

Tip #9:
Yes, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of an item. As long as you’re respectful and don’t offer a price ridiculously low that offends the seller, the least they can do is say no or give you a counteroffer. Unless the ad says “Price Firm”, that is. Oh, and don’t forget to leave the Michaels Kors handbag at home if you plan to negotiate the price of an item. It’s hard to get the seller to negotiate the price when you look wealthy.

Tip #10:
Play it safe and take someone with you when you go to someone’s home to see an item. I have only driven to pick up a Craigslist item alone once. Let’s just say I really wanted the item, it wasn’t the smartest decision I’ve ever made, and I probably wouldn’t do it again. Everyone I’ve met through Craigslist has been super nice so far, but it’s always best to be cautious.

There you have it! Tips from the Craigslist Queen herself.  I hope they help you find the perfect items you need for your home. Oops, it’s time to go check my Craigslist App now for the new steals…good luck shopping!