Tips for Common Courtesy when Buying or Selling on Craigslist

When I discovered Craigslist about a year ago, I thought it was interesting, but did not really get into it. Then we wanted to buy a desk, and lo and behold my husband found one on Craigslist. Then I decided I wanted an armoire-style entertainment unit, and needed end tables to match, all of which I found on Craigslist. Then I had to sell off the replaced furniture. Suddenly, I was hooked. Now I love buying and selling on Craigslist, but it seems like every time I do, I end up annoyed, frustrated by people who cannot or will not follow some simple models of common decency:

Be honest about the condition of the item-I hate going to pick up items and finding obvious flaws that should have been mentioned in the initial post. Chances are I would still buy it, and still pay the requested amount, but I would like to know about any problems before I drive all the way to pick it up.

Be honest about your ability to pick up the item-It is one thing to respond quickly to try and be the first to express interest in a posted item, but if you are not going to be able to pick it up for a week, it is not fair to the seller. Tell the seller your availability, and if they do not mind the wait, good for you. If they do mind, then be gracious and let it go. Do not keep stringing the seller along.

Check your email often-People will respond to you quickly when you post, and will be looking for an answer, or at least acknowledgement, with some speed. They may be looking to get the item as soon as possible, and if you only check your email once a day, it could be too late. If you are they buyer, you are going to have a better chance of getting the item if your pay attention to your email, and respond quickly to the sellers' inquiries about when you can pick it up.

Always respond-This is my number one pet peeve on Craigslist. I feel that everyone deserves some response, whether it be to sat the item is already taken, or to say you are no longer interested in buying an item you expressed interest in. It is quite rude to leave people hanging when they are hoping for a quick answer, or at least some answer.

Just one of my successful sales on Craigslist--it did take three tries, though.

Credit: Kate F.

Copyright: Kate F.