So we are in the midst of a massive Craig's List sell-off in order to raise funds for our "stick of dynamite". I've managed to off-load a handful of baby items and a couple of other things so far. I like Craig's List - it is very efficient. It can be a pain to get stuff posted on there, but it is worth it because things typically disappear within 24 hours.
Here are some tricks...
* Take a picture. Nothing is better than having an actual picture to look at. Make it as flattering a picture as possible. Keep in mind of what is in the background. Nobody wants to see a messy room behind what it is you are selling - it is distracting. I have taken to creating a 'staging' area on my kitchen table. I spread out a light yellow table cloth on the table. I remove all of the chairs and shut the blinds. It makes for a wonderful neutral backdrop. If it is big, I move the kitchen table out, make sure the floor is clean, and put the item on the floor.
* Include as much information as you can in your post. I have no shame - I'll admit it - I copy and paste like a demon when it comes to giving information. I'll steal descriptions from Amazon, eBay, other Craig's List posts - all in the name of saving time. Since a lot of what I am selling is brand name - like Fisher Price, I can find product descriptions pretty easily. Give accurate dimensions, descriptions of any defects and so forth.
* Include bonus info like that it came from a non-smoking home, that you have owner's manuals, and stuff like that...
* CLEAN IT! Vacuum it out, wash it, scrub it, dust it...anything to remove any and all traces that suggest use. You want it to look pristine. - Same goes if you are holding a garage sale instead.
* Include your phone number. When people see something they want, they typically want it NOW. If you give your phone number, that says (at least to me anyway) that I will be much more likely to get what I want - and quicker too.
* Give your first name with the phone number, and also include your husband's. If you don't have a husband, invent one. Ex: If interested, please contact Kirsten or Dean at xxx-xxxx.
* Use your best judgment when inviting someone over to view or purchase the item. I've only had female customers so far, with the exception of when we sold our stove and our W&D. For all of the females, I went with my gut. I've haven't had a bad experience yet of getting an 'off' feeling. Mostly it is just mom-to-mom kind of stuff, and that always makes me feel good. We chat about our kids, exchange money and goods and we're done. Any other time, I arrange a pick-up in the evening, when Dean is home.
* If you are selling a lot, keep a spreadsheet. That way you can keep track of when you listed it, how much you are selling it for, when you sold it and how much you made. Kind of cool to look at it over time.
* Always check current listings before you put your item up. No one will be interested in your bouncy seat if there are five others currently available too. Best to wait a couple of weeks and try again.
* If you are patient, dedicate a safe place to keep stuff while you are selling it. That way, if you have to wait to post something, it will stay clean and in one piece.
* Immediately delete a posting after you sell something. It's only courteous.
* Wait until the right season. Choose September/early October to sell that Halloween costume. Don't try to sell inflatable pool toys in January.
*Wait a few days, and if there are no bites, go back and choose the option to renew your posting. This is a new feature - and you can move your item back to the top of the stack.
*If you can, post your stuff late on a Friday night or at the crack of dawn on Saturday. Early Saturday morning Craig's List addicts will start calling!
Lastly - don't blow your money that you make selling the stuff. Take it directly to the bank, and put it towards your debt snowball. Buying all the crap you just sold is how you got there in the first place!!
