The Number One Rule For Sellers

Whether you are selling for profit or just to get rid of your unwanted stuff, you will need to follow the number one rule of selling on Craigslist.  Communication is key.  Keep this rule in mind, and you should be able to sell nearly any item with successful results. 

Communication when selling on CL starts with your ad, and continues all the way through arranging pickup of the item being sold.  Follow these tips to ensure you are communicating effectively throughout your sale.

1. Describe your item accurately and completely.  If you are selling a camera, don't just write "Camera" on the title and expect people to buy it.  That's lame, unhelpful, and will lead to tons of e-mail questions about the basic item info. if you end up with any responses at all.  Use the full item name, model number, and condition to describe the item.  For the camera, you could put the title as "Kodak Easyshare C330 Digital Camera, like new." 

2. Include tons of details in your ad description.  The box under the title is mean to be written in.  Don't just copy and paste the ad title, and expect good results.  A good description includes details about the item specifics (4 megapixel, silver, zoom speed, camera settings, etc.), the item condition (used for a year, new in box, broken- use for parts, etc.), and maybe a brief personal note about the item like why you are getting rid of it, the item's history (if relevant). 

3. Respond accurately and timely to buyer's questions.  When someone e-mails you about your item, you should write back as quickly and thoroughly as your schedule allows.  If you don't respond quickly enough, they may decide to buy from someone else.  Even if you did a great job on writing a descriptive title and ad, you may still have buyer's who want more information about the item, it's condition, etc.  Write back thoroughly, and if you get a lot of similar questions, you should probably edit your ad to reflect the information so that you can focus more on setting up sales, and not answering questions all day and night. 

Speaking of setting up sales, when a buyer e-mails you to purchase the item that you have for sale, it will often go like this, "Hi, I am interested in buying your camera. Is it still available?"  Instead of simply replying "Yes" and moving on with life, I suggest that you say something like, "Yes, what day and time would you like to pick it up."  Try to get the sale moving as soon as possible to cut down on the b.s. buyers who want to shop around, but don't know for sure if they want to buy anything, ever.  Try to schedule the sale for the soonest day and time possible to lessen the problem of buyers changing their mind or deciding to buy from someone else then cancelling at the last minute.  If you do end up having to set the sale time for a couple of days from the date you are talking with the buyer, send a follow up e-mail on the day of the sale at least 2 hours prior to meeting saying something like "Hi, it's Heather with the Kodak Easyshare C330 on Craigslist, and I just wanted to follow up with you that we are meeting at such and such place at 3pm today."

When you communicate effectively, you will have more sales, less hassle, and happier buyers.  Also, don't forget to use spell check!  People can't find your stuff to buy if you list your camera as kamera.  Happy selling!