Introduction to Craigslist
It goes without saying that before posting to any online service, you should familiarize yourself with the format and etiquette for that system. Craigslist, which started in San Francisco, California, now has local sites for cities on six continents. It is bare-bones, graphically, but does what it set out to do: serves as a way for a community to buy/sell and trade goods and services and to share information. Since most of the site is free to use, people get pretty creative. Here are some guidelines for a safe and happy Craigslist experience.
1. How to post a classified ad:
a. From the homepage, simply click on the "post to classifieds" link in the upper left column. Within each classified section (for sale, jobs, housing, etc.) the post link is at the top right of the screen.
b. Select the section and/or subsection where you would like your item to appear. Make sure you choose carefully as readers can mark posts as "miscategorized" -- if you do this too often you risk being banned as a spammer.
c. This will take you to a WYSIWYG page where you will be prompted for a title, specific location (usually your neighbourhood or municipality), the body of your post, and your email. Note that your email will not appear on Craigslist -- this is one of the wonders of Craigslist -- any replies will go to a randomly-generated temporary email that will forward to your real email address. You may also choose to include your phone number in the post instead of, or in addition to the email option.
In the body of your post be brief but descriptive; give the reader as much information as you can in as few words as possible while still making sense. Avoid using all caps (except for abbreviations), or extra symbols e.g. "Mint in Package" or even "MIP" is preferred to "----+++++MINT IN PACKAGE+++++-----". Let the reader know if they must pick up the item(s) or if delivery is available. You should also include any restrictions (e.g. "must be picked up by Friday" or "please call evenings only.")
Similar items may be posted together, but try to avoid posting an "everything must go" ad with a long list of household goods. You will get better responses with several ads in their correct categories. Or multiple ads with 5 items or fewer per post.
Next, you have the option of adding up to 4 photos; while almost any item will sell faster with a photo, remember that people are usually looking for a photo of the item as is. Don't be tempted to use a photo of "a similar model" you grabbed from an internet image search.
To finish the WYSIWYG form, you have the option of checking a check-box which states it is "ok for others to contact you about other services, products or commercial interests" which I have never checked. When it looks right, click continue.
d. Next you will see a preview of your ad and you will be asked to type in a verification code; click continue again and you are almost done.
e. Finally you will receive an email, confirming your ad. Follow the link as directed and there you'll be able to publish, edit or delete. Once you click publish, you'll still have the other options and your posting will automatically expire after a set time (usually 45 days). Keep this email on file until your item is sold and you have deleted the ad.
2. How to reply to requests:
a. Be prompt. While you don't need to reply immediately on receipt of a request, try to reply within a couple of hours. If you know ahead of time that you will be available during a specifictimeframe or on certain days (e.g. weekends only), include that information in the ad.
b. Be courteous. Reply to every request; even if people have asked after you've sold the item. It is customary to sell items on a first come first served basis, but you may specify "early pick up preferred", or similar. A good rule of thumb is to let the person know whether the item is still available, and if so, to let them know when and where it can be picked up (or delivered if that was offered). If you get multiple requests, it is OK to offer the item to one person and let the others know that someone has expressed interest and you will contact them if the item is not picked up within a reasonabletimeframe.
c. Be straightforward and truthful. No one likes a weasel. If the potential buyer has asked for the condition of the item, let them know if there is regular wear or if the item has any faults/flaws.
d. Remove your ad after the item has sold. Don't wait for the ad to expire unless you want to continue replying to requests. As long as you kept your original confirmation email, you can follow that link again and delete the ad.
