Who uses Craigslist?

I've never had a negative experience. I would say give yourself a bit of wiggle room, but not $125.

Maybe post it for $10-15 more than you are willing to take, and add in something like "All reasonable offers considered" or "Best Offer".

And, you're right- the economy means that big ticket items (I'd consider it big ticket if the person was looking to offer $125 less than asking- that's an expensive item) aren't worth what people want. More and more people are trying to unload expensive items to make some quick cash, and less and less are able to meet the costs.

If you are absolutely unwilling to go less on the item, be sure that it IS worth it. Do a search on the site for the same or similar items. If it's a collectible type item, you won't be selling it at the price you want any time soon. Collectibles are NOT selling, anywhere, until they are steeply discounted.

You either have to have patience, and set your terms up right from the get go, or remove it and wait a while. I make sure to list specifics when I post things, like-

"Cash only" (checks bounce, and fake money orders have been HUGE around here over the past few years)
"Best Offer Considered"
"Firm" if I don't want to go lower on the price
"Pick up only" so I'm not meeting people, or delivering items
"Pick up only after 6pm, M-Th, or all day Sat or Sun" to make sure my husband is home when they come


You might also want to see if there are other semi-local Craigslists- lists for towns an hour or two away, and advertise it on those ones as well.

I haven't yet, but know lots of people who use it. Just be careful and it should be a very positive experience for you.

I have not sold anything on craigs list but have purchased things all the time.. All of my experiences have been good, I also only buy things if I can call them with a phone number that they provide directly on the add; I will not even look at those who wont me to contact them any other way.

I'm the opposite of April, sort of. I won't give out my phone number, or respond to people who will only take phone calls. I don't want my phone number posted online, for starters, and I don't want people to have my number just because they want to look at something. It's also way too easy to track an address through a phone number.

I've never sold using Craigslist, but I bought a used car last year through it. I know my sister in law has had fairly good luck selling various stuff on it, but I just don't want to deal with people directly because I know they'll never be happy with price, etc. If I want to sell something, I use eBay just so I don't have to talk to anyone or deal with them trying to get me to change my price.

Thanks Heather. The item I have listed 5.00 cheaper then the cheapest price I found. The same items sells for 230.00 to 275.00 on average and a few places I've seen it listed at 299.00. It's a nice Fire pit. I want at least 200.00 for it since it's brand new and in the box yet. I want to be able to equal out the cost of the grill I'm planning on buying. I rather cook out then watch fire.It's a nice fire pit but our yard isn't large enough to sit and watch fire on.

I will only allow someone to pick it up if someone is with me..mainly my hubby.I'm overly cautious I guess.

I also refuse to post my personal email for everyone.I get enough spam without chancing adding more to it. I also wont give out my personal number to anyone.I only buy or respond to offers if a picture is available or they're willing to send one.

Vicki...a used car...that is great that it worked out well with that. I can understand not dealing with the people on that. They can't give sob stories either and "barter" which does make it harder.

CL is usually a big hit or miss. I have only listed a few things to sell on there, but all have gone smoothly. You should be ready for a lot of emails, but few actually committed to buying whatever it is you have since there is no rating system or honor code or anything like eBay has.

That said, I sold our old washer and dryer set within an hour-- they came and got them minutes after I called too. An art deco dresser set took a little longer to sell though but it was worth the wait as an antiques dealer saw it and paid what I wanted.

I've never used craigslist but uncle randy and some other people in my family have and they told me that you either get good offers/deals or you don't, so i guess it's hit or miss. I hope you sell the fire pit though!

I have only used Craigslist a couple of times...to find an apartment, which ended up being through a legitimate real estate office posting what they had for rent...and to seek a volunteer to help me with just a couple things when I first got home from the hospital a year ago. I only found a couple people seeking cash compensation for 'volunteer' work and one who sounded too suspicious to even want in my home. I've never sold or bought anything because so much on CL sounds shady and like a scam.

I use it to get free stuff or to buy inexpensive things. Art bought his tires and wheels from an ad there and it was a positive sale. We listed the tires and wheels that he replaced and ended up selling just the tires. I would really like to get the darn rims out of the garage!

I always check out the animals section too. The people there can get REALLY catty. (pun not intended) They go after anyone that doesn't have their pet spayed or neutered and offering to breed your pure breed just makes them go ape!

I wish that you were closer, we have been fire pit browsing:)

CyberGwen- I wish you were closer too. Then we could meet and you could have my fire pit for 25.00 less then listed too.

I've had great experiences with Craigslist... but mainly after I learned to sell and ad in my listing that it was for "local pickup only". That way, I don't have to worry about the money order schemes, etc. Right before I moved out here, we sold a house full of stuff. As soon as I listed something, I had like thirty-plus people wanting it! Guess maybe I was selling too cheap?! lol

I cant complain too much. I have always found really cool free things, the stuff for sale is always good.
I bought my camera off a guy on craigslist for 400 dollars cheaper than I would have paid in the store -- AND he still gave me the 5 year nikon warrenty with it!!
My husband got his (life changing) job from putting an application on craigslist.

All in all craigslist to me is great!!

Awesome Cheri. Spread some luck my way! I can't sell my firepit let alone a new pack of unopened pulls up that I'm asking less then 1/2 price for. =/

Just for the people who buy things off craigs list I learned if ur looking for a car watch what they say. My dad taught me that if they talk all about the front end and engine and what not chances are it was in an accident and was rebuilt but some times its done half ass to just make it run. Other then that I never bought anything or sold anything so all I have is the info from when I needed a car.

I tried for a while but I decided not to waste my time with them. Never had good results.

I've heard way too many bad things about this place......so I totally avoid it.