Many people are now selling on Craigslist and on Facebook swap sites. I can't get over how many of the photo ads show the item for sale covered in dust and in a filthy setting. If you are selling an item and it looks like this, people are going to naturally assume that you didn't take good care of it, and will not want to give you top dollar.
Clean the item before taking the picture and make sure it is in a clean setting. If I want to buy a TV, I want to buy a clean one, not one covered with dust and with a dirty litter box beside it and a diaper on top of it in the picture. If you are selling electronics, make sure the item is clean, with no dust between keys or in air vents. If the item is fabric (clothing, curtains, or bedding) make sure it is clean and well aired out, not smelling musty, or smelling like animals or smoke.
When you go to meet your buyer, don't have them come to your home unless you know them. Instead, meet them in a public place, such as Walmart or McDonalds in the parking lot. Women, take a man with you, even if it is the neighbor, for safety reasons. Specify to the seller you are selling for cash only, no checks, and that you will not have change, so they will have the correct amount.
By mom-from-missouri from NW, MO
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I couldn't agree more. I sell things on CL all the time, and I use the same quality photos as I do on eBay. I look for craft supplies all the time, and have passed up sales with horrible shots of yarn and other things. Jewelry is a real thorny subject, too. If you can't get a clear shot of it, don't bother.
And yes, do meet people in another local then your home.
Then, sit back and wait for all the scammers and spammers who don't have anything better to do than pretend to be buyers then offer to link you to their site. I have done everything short of reporting them to the local news crews, but there is nothing you can do except ignore them.
Good luck, great advice all around.
PBP
Great advise! I would also like to add that its also good if you put in your email address too. I have had to pass up so many great deals on C.L. because I am unable to use the link they use on there. I have talked to others that have same problem. It's easy to set up free email and use it strictly for your business purposes too.
I am shocked by how many people don't post photos at all in their Craigslist ads. I don't even look at an ad without one.
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