Is Craigslist a viable “option” for bargain-hunters? How does it compare to yard sales?
I would put Craigslist in a similar category to “online yard sale groups on facebook”. The one advantage of the facebook groups is you can sort them by your town, while often Craigslist ads encompass a MUCH larger area.
Advantages of Craigslist:
1. You can search for JUST WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR with their search box!
2. Lots of ads and options to choose from.
3. Broken down into categories (for searching).
4. Reasonable prices, and the option to “haggle” for a lower price when you contact the seller.
Drawbacks of Craigslist:
1. Important to meet in a safe location. NEVER, ever, ever meet someone at your home to purchase something. If you are meeting someone to buy something, make sure it is in a public place and that someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Better to be safe than sorry.
2. If you are selling on Craigslist, you typically get a lot of spam emails.
3. Some sellers do not put photographs, so you may be “surprised” when you actually see what you are purchasing—I recommend asking them to email you pictures before you drive to buy something.
4. You may have to drive further to purchase something (which means you must factor in the price of gasoline into your “bargain price”).
5. Prices still tend to be higher than traditional “in person” yard sales.
I have and will continue to use Craigslist. Tomorrow, I will post some of my recent Craigslist bargain finds! Craigslist is a wonderful resource for bargain hunters, for job hunting, and for selling your own items! It is not a substitute for “real” yard sales, but it has its own niche, and is not intended to be a “yard sale”, per se. Enjoy hunting for bargains (or jobs or other things) on Craigslist!
Yard Sale Mom 