Selling on sites like Craigslist, OfferUp, or even Facebook groups can be a great way to get rid of larger items quickly, without having to pay a commission. It can also be a huge pain.
If you are selling something that will be in high demand, and it’s priced well, the whole selling process will be easier. Buyers will want to pick up the item quickly so they don’t lose out on it, and you will probably have multiple offers to choose from.
If you’re selling something that is NOT in high demand, selling will be more of a chore for you. Buyers know that they have the upper hand. They will make appointments to pick up items, and then cancel at the last minute, or not show. They will ask for obnoxious discounts. They will ask a lot of very specific questions about measurement, quality, etc, and will only consider purchasing your items if you respond to them in detail.
You will have to be very patient.
{Even though you will have to pay a commission, I always recommend selling items on eBay or Amazon Marketplace first, because you don’t have to coordinate with the buyer. Yes, you do pay a fee, and you have to ship the item, but it takes so much less of your time.}
But, sometimes, you’ve just got stuff that you can’t ship. And it needs to go.
I’ve found that the key to successful Craigslist-type selling is to be flexible, but not to change your schedule because of your buyers. Don’t be a pushover.
When I receive a response to a Craigslist-type ad, this is what I do:
- I respond by telling the person my mobile number.(If you aren’t comfortable with this, you can create a fake Google Voice phone number for your selling transactions)
- I tell them the approximate location of my home (or wherever it is that they’re going to pick up), and tell them to call me when they’re on their way, and I’ll give them the exact address.
- I also tell them that I will sell the item to the first person to pick up the item.
- If the buyer texts me when they’re on their way, I call them right back to tell them the address. I want to talk to them on the phone to get an idea of whether they’re a “safe” buyer or not. I don’t give out a pickup address unless I can talk to a real person on the phone.
- I have the item ready outside, or by the front door for easy pickup. I never let anyone I don’t know come into our house.
This creates a small sense of urgency for the buyer, and it give you some flexibility. If you decide to sell the item to someone else, you can. If you’re not home when the buyer calls, you can ask them to come when it works for your schedule. If they never call, no big loss. If they call and they seem super creepy, you can tell them that the item already sold.
Never, ever meet someone that sounds creepy, by the way. Even if someone gives you a weird feeling, don’t meet them. Don’t worry about being nice, or potentially disappointing someone. Another buyer will always come along. Trust your instincts and be safe!
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