How to Make Deals on Craigslist: Our Complete Guide

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Learn the do’s and don’ts of buying and selling on Craigslist
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Have you considered buying from Craigslist ? From getting a job to reconnecting with the stranger you rode the bus with yesterday to getting free items and purchasing others, Craigslist has it all. Read on to learn the straightforward steps to buying something from Craigslist and get some tips so you make smart purchases.

Safely Buying on Craigslist

Be safe on Craigslist by using the provided email address to communicate in writing, meeting your seller in a public place with friends or family, and paying the agreed-upon price with cash. Craigslist offers sellers and buyers email or chat as a default communication method, which can easily be referred to avoid confusion.

Section 1 of 2:

Purchase on Craigslist

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  1. Go to Craigslist at http://www.craigslist.com . By default, your city or the closest metro area should be displayed, but, if not, select the city you prefer.
  2. 2
    Click an option under the "for sale" header. You'll see everything from "antique" to "wheels + tires."
    • If you can't find what you're looking for, search for the item and use the drop-down menu at the top of the results page to select "for sale."
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  3. 3
    Click an item's tile that you want to purchase. The page will open in a new tab or window with more information about the item.
    • Hover your mouse over the photo and you'll see arrows appear on the left or right so you can see more photos.
    • Read the ad description carefully. An ad should include the condition of the item, price, seller's area location, and, possibly, a phone number.
    • Follow the seller's instructions to the buyer such as instructing you to use the secure Craigslist email inquiry, or to call a phone number.
    • Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Be aware that there are a lot of scammers.
  4. 4
    Click Reply . You'll see this button in the top left corner of your browser window; another menu will pop down and ask you if you want to send an email or chat with the seller.
    • An email reply through Craigslist is the safest way to communicate with strangers on Craigslist. Your email addresses are masked and having a record of written communication helps you avoid issues with spoken terms.
  5. 5
    Agree on a price and transaction type. If the item is physical, be aware that you'll most likely need to meet with the seller to get the item; if the item you're purchasing is digital, you can simply take care of the transaction over your computer.
    • There are a few tips here to protect yourself and your privacy:
      • Don't give your exact location to anyone you don't trust. You can often meet at a coffee shop, library, gas station, or another public location to finalize the transaction.
      • Meet in a public space during daylight hours and bring a friend or family member if possible. #** If you're sending money digitally, like you're using PayPal , Venmo , or Cash App [1] , don't send the funds until you have the item in your hands. Some scammers promise you an item, get your money, and never give you what you paid for.
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Section 2 of 2:

Tips for Buying on Craigslist

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  1. 1
    Be persistent with your search. Maybe the specific item you're looking for isn't available in the city closest to you; but what about a different city that's 15 minutes further?
    • You can also change the keywords you're searching or search again later in the week.
  2. 2
    Do your research. Once you've found the item for sale on Craigslist, look around for more of that same item so you can compare the listing amount. This research might help you get a better deal on an overpriced item or avoid paying too much if the price is listed as "OBO" (best offer).
  3. 3
    Ask detailed questions. If the condition is missing from the listing, don't hesitate to ask about it! You need to know about any potential imperfections before giving money away.
    • If the seller doesn't want to answer this question, you should move on to another seller with that item. Not including the item's condition is a red flag.
  4. 4
    Use email over a phone call. Written communication gives you a log that you can refer to if you need to see the details again, including the price that you both agreed to.
  5. 5
    Stay calm and confident. Remember, you can easily decide that you don't want to make the purchase if you don't feel like you're getting a good deal. Be prepared to walk away if the seller increases the selling price or if the item's condition is not what you are expecting.
    • Don't be pressured or coerced into buying anything.
  6. 6
    Avoid scammers by learning the common scams. This includes:
    • asking for advanced payments
    • offering shipping (if you pay first, then the item ships. You don't want to give money without having the item first)
    • pressure to use payment methods you're not familiar with.
  7. 7
    Craigslist is "first come, first served." Guarantees of sales are most likely scams or used stuff stores using this as a way to entice you to purchase from them.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How does the buyer get the purchased item?
    Community Answer
    They have to pick it up, or the seller will drop it off. It depends on how the buyer and seller deal it out.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Will the person I buy from send me the item?
    Community Answer
    Not usually. Typically, he or she will set up a time and place with you to meet up. During this time, you will pay for the product, and he or she will give you the product.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Where do I get the seller's phone number?
    Community Answer
    Click "reply" at the top of the page the item is on. If the seller has provided a phone number, it will appear on the list. If not, you can always email the person and ask them for their phone number.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Gzwt32IZM

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