Are you a craigslist shopper? Have you ever thought about buying something, that one thing you were looking to purchase but for a great price? Or how about making a little money and selling that "stuff" that's been sitting in the garage? I love craigslist. I look on the site almost daily, but only on their "free" section. You never know what people will put up there and are willing to part with- for free! I love buying furniture on craigslist too. Let me show you all my latest craigslist find.
We have been looking for a leather chair for Mr. Lewisville for over a year. Yes, over ONE year. I wanted real leather, not bonded or bicast, R-E-A-L. The problem with real leather is that it's much more expensive. Ok, the real problem is that I'm not willing to spend "that much" on a leather chair, but I really wanted to bless the mr. so I came up with a plan...save up a little and start searching craigslist. The Mr. and I have very different decor and furniture styles, so when I found something I liked, he didn't. Then he'd find something and I didn't like it.
We looked at several leather chairs, some bonded even (we were getting desperate), but none "spoke" to us. That's the thing about craigslist. You have to be patient, and when you see something you may like, you have to be quick to call or email the seller right away! When I saw this chair, I was sure Mr. Lewisville wouldn't like it because of the nail head trim. I LOVE the trim by the way. I didn't care for the color though. I wanted something darker- espresso brown. Mr. Lewisville liked the color and he even liked the trim. We called and since the sellers were in our city (bonus!) we went to take a look!
You know how couples can look at each other and know what the other one is thinking? Well, after 18 years of marriage (next month will be 19!) we have the facial cues down when we go to see a piece of furniture; Cues such as "no way; we are not buying that thing" or "maybe". This time, I gave him the "it's up to you, but I like it" face. The sellers posted the chair for....$90! Being the frugal family we are, we offered $70. We made a deal at $80! A real leather chair for $80- Yes. Yes, I think I'll take that deal. It's worn in some areas and it needs to be cleaned and conditioned, but we love the chair.
You want to know what else we've bought on craigslist? Well, it just so happens that last year I was shopping for a "new" sofa. I LOVE Potter Barn, but I don't love Pottery Barn prices. I searched for a few months for two different Pottery Barn Sofa's that I particularly liked. Here's what I found!
I picked up my Pottery Barn Greenwich Sofa for just $350! It was originally listed for $400, but again, we negotiated. This is a $1700 sofa that the sellers wanted to get rid of because they were remodeling. We gladly helped them out and took it home.
I love beautiful and well made furniture, but sometimes it's just not in the budget. In that case, I consider my friend Craigslist. Even now, I'm looking for a few pieces that I need around the house.
If you are considering buying or selling on Craigslist, but are a little apprehensive about the process, let me tell you about a few of our rules when we work on craigslist. We have bought and sold several items, but we're strict about making sure everything works out best for both parties.
Buying:
1. Be specific in your own mind about what you want and don't deviate or settle. Consider things like size, color, price you're willing to spend, etc. Right now I'm looking for a coffee table for around $20 or a set for $50. I want real wood (there's that REAL word again) in a rectangle shape. No oval, round, etc. You can also look up key words like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, etc.
2. Call or email right away. Early bird gets the worm when it come to craigslist.
3. When you go to see an item, take someone with you always! And tell someone where you are going.
4. If you don't like the item, you are not obligated to buy it. Just thank them for their time and let them know it's not what you're looking for. We looked at several chairs before we bought one.
5. Always negotiate the price unless their post says the price is firm. I hate that by the way.
Selling:
1. You must take a picture(s) and post it on your craigslist add. No one wants to go to someone's home to look at something they haven't seen. I don't even look at any "selling" post unless there is a picture.
2. Describe it. Tell us the color, size, and be honest about knicks, scratches, and tears. Take a picture of those too.
3. Give the price and inflate it slightly because people (like me) will want to negotiate. So if you want to sell a dresser for $75, list it for $85 or $90. Some people don't ask for a lower price so you may get a higher price anyway. By the way, check out how much your item is selling for on craigslist. Don't overprice your 1980's bedroom decor because you bought it for 1,000s of dollars back then. Be careful not to underprice your items too. You may be surprised how much people are willing to pay for your gently used stuff. Do your homework.
4. If you're single, don't give out your number, just set up one of those craigslist emails. You can ask the buyer to include a number to arrange a viewing.
5. If the items is small enough, meet at a neutral location like a nearby Starbucks. We've done this several times and most buyers are fine with it.
6. If the item is too large to transport, take it into your garage or just outside your door for the prospective buyers to view. We don't have people enter the home for obvious safety reasons and make sure someone (a male -husband, brother, friend) is with you.
7. Accept cash only. Don't take any other form of payment, just cash. There are a lot of scams out there, so minimize being taken by only taking cash.
Craigslist is like Pinterest to me. I love looking through at all the new items and dreaming how I could paint or change them. It's like shopping at a virtual thrift store without leaving the comfort of your Pottery Barn Greenwich sofa...sorry, I just had to!
Hope you found this post helpful and useful. If you have something to add to the rules, please leave a comment so we can all benefit. Craigslist can be a great way to earn some extra cash and buy some items you couldn't regularly afford.
We have been looking for a leather chair for Mr. Lewisville for over a year. Yes, over ONE year. I wanted real leather, not bonded or bicast, R-E-A-L. The problem with real leather is that it's much more expensive. Ok, the real problem is that I'm not willing to spend "that much" on a leather chair, but I really wanted to bless the mr. so I came up with a plan...save up a little and start searching craigslist. The Mr. and I have very different decor and furniture styles, so when I found something I liked, he didn't. Then he'd find something and I didn't like it.
We looked at several leather chairs, some bonded even (we were getting desperate), but none "spoke" to us. That's the thing about craigslist. You have to be patient, and when you see something you may like, you have to be quick to call or email the seller right away! When I saw this chair, I was sure Mr. Lewisville wouldn't like it because of the nail head trim. I LOVE the trim by the way. I didn't care for the color though. I wanted something darker- espresso brown. Mr. Lewisville liked the color and he even liked the trim. We called and since the sellers were in our city (bonus!) we went to take a look!
You know how couples can look at each other and know what the other one is thinking? Well, after 18 years of marriage (next month will be 19!) we have the facial cues down when we go to see a piece of furniture; Cues such as "no way; we are not buying that thing" or "maybe". This time, I gave him the "it's up to you, but I like it" face. The sellers posted the chair for....$90! Being the frugal family we are, we offered $70. We made a deal at $80! A real leather chair for $80- Yes. Yes, I think I'll take that deal. It's worn in some areas and it needs to be cleaned and conditioned, but we love the chair.
You want to know what else we've bought on craigslist? Well, it just so happens that last year I was shopping for a "new" sofa. I LOVE Potter Barn, but I don't love Pottery Barn prices. I searched for a few months for two different Pottery Barn Sofa's that I particularly liked. Here's what I found!
I picked up my Pottery Barn Greenwich Sofa for just $350! It was originally listed for $400, but again, we negotiated. This is a $1700 sofa that the sellers wanted to get rid of because they were remodeling. We gladly helped them out and took it home.
I love beautiful and well made furniture, but sometimes it's just not in the budget. In that case, I consider my friend Craigslist. Even now, I'm looking for a few pieces that I need around the house.
If you are considering buying or selling on Craigslist, but are a little apprehensive about the process, let me tell you about a few of our rules when we work on craigslist. We have bought and sold several items, but we're strict about making sure everything works out best for both parties.
Buying:
1. Be specific in your own mind about what you want and don't deviate or settle. Consider things like size, color, price you're willing to spend, etc. Right now I'm looking for a coffee table for around $20 or a set for $50. I want real wood (there's that REAL word again) in a rectangle shape. No oval, round, etc. You can also look up key words like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, etc.
2. Call or email right away. Early bird gets the worm when it come to craigslist.
3. When you go to see an item, take someone with you always! And tell someone where you are going.
4. If you don't like the item, you are not obligated to buy it. Just thank them for their time and let them know it's not what you're looking for. We looked at several chairs before we bought one.
5. Always negotiate the price unless their post says the price is firm. I hate that by the way.
Selling:
1. You must take a picture(s) and post it on your craigslist add. No one wants to go to someone's home to look at something they haven't seen. I don't even look at any "selling" post unless there is a picture.
2. Describe it. Tell us the color, size, and be honest about knicks, scratches, and tears. Take a picture of those too.
3. Give the price and inflate it slightly because people (like me) will want to negotiate. So if you want to sell a dresser for $75, list it for $85 or $90. Some people don't ask for a lower price so you may get a higher price anyway. By the way, check out how much your item is selling for on craigslist. Don't overprice your 1980's bedroom decor because you bought it for 1,000s of dollars back then. Be careful not to underprice your items too. You may be surprised how much people are willing to pay for your gently used stuff. Do your homework.
4. If you're single, don't give out your number, just set up one of those craigslist emails. You can ask the buyer to include a number to arrange a viewing.
5. If the items is small enough, meet at a neutral location like a nearby Starbucks. We've done this several times and most buyers are fine with it.
6. If the item is too large to transport, take it into your garage or just outside your door for the prospective buyers to view. We don't have people enter the home for obvious safety reasons and make sure someone (a male -husband, brother, friend) is with you.
7. Accept cash only. Don't take any other form of payment, just cash. There are a lot of scams out there, so minimize being taken by only taking cash.
Craigslist is like Pinterest to me. I love looking through at all the new items and dreaming how I could paint or change them. It's like shopping at a virtual thrift store without leaving the comfort of your Pottery Barn Greenwich sofa...sorry, I just had to!
Hope you found this post helpful and useful. If you have something to add to the rules, please leave a comment so we can all benefit. Craigslist can be a great way to earn some extra cash and buy some items you couldn't regularly afford.
Blessings,
Lisa
*Oh by the way, I did some research and found out you can darken real leather! I see a DIY furniture project in the future!
Blessings,
Lisa
I link all my projects with some wonderful blogs. To visit them, go to
the {Link Party Love} page found at the top of this page on the {Home}
bar.
Also linking to:
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
No Minimalist Here
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Saved by Love Creations
Miss Mustard Seed
Funky Junk Interiors
Coastal Charm
Restore Interiors
Tip Junkie
Also linking to:
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
No Minimalist Here
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Saved by Love Creations
Miss Mustard Seed
Funky Junk Interiors
Coastal Charm
Restore Interiors
Tip Junkie
Wow, GREAT deals!!! As far as the safety issues, I have never actually used most of those, ugh! We live in New Brunswick, Canada, and I'm guessing we live in a fairly safe city? At least I hope so!
ReplyDeleteI live in a very safe city too, but we've always been extra cautious since we come from Los Angeles.
DeleteAnother GREAT place to look is the "Buy-Sell-Trade" pages on Facebook. Search for a local one in your area - they are great for buyers and sellers and yes - traders!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, great tip! Thanks.
DeleteIt's really important to keep safe. I always tell someone where I'm going. It's not always possible to take someone with me so I do the best I can. I always try to meet at a public place, too. We don't want to be the one they read about in the paper!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Craigslist! I buy and sell on there all the time! These are great tips! Awesome find on the leather chair!
ReplyDeleteJenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com
Staying safe is also super important! I made my first real Craigslist experience in December when my husband and I sold our bedroom furniture, because we were moving cross country! It was pretty scary having strangers come to my house...I was so freaked out I actually had a neighbor get their license plate and kept a pocket knife on me LOL!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great points made in here ! Pining this for my followers to enjoy!
~Cathy~
ourminifamily.blogspot.com
Efficient as well. Im one of the people benefiting from your blog.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! We have a bunch of stuff we need to get rid of and I know this will help. Pinning!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your tips. I can't imagine anyone who would bother with something listed without a picture.
ReplyDeleteVery good safety tips! Great tips for selling, too. I have bought off CL, but would like to sell a few pieces of furniture. I'm afraid to do it!
ReplyDeleteI was a little nervous when I sold our first piece too, but it really is a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. You'll start selling everything you don't use!
DeleteHey Lisa - nice to read another post by you (haven't been here in a while). Great ideas - I am contemplating doing some selling on craigslist, so it's timely that I read this. I do enough buying - so now it's time to do some selling! At least my husband is home now - so it would be a little less scary when people come over here.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your Pottery Barn find. Great job.
How is everything going? You are doing a lot of advertising (my new thing I want to do!!). I just sent my daughter to your site to link on the Michael's wedding contest. After 6 years, moving clear across the country for him (but now they are all back here 5 minutes away from me) and a 9 month old baby girl (I know - but it seems more people are doing this without getting married first!)So he finally popped the question two weeks ago and now she has a 2.5 carat diamond on her finger! I told him that he could have bought a smaller diamond had he asked her earlier! I also told him that he probably felt like he really needed to pop the question because he couldn't go through another Christmas without his mother or me badgering him!!!
Take crae - hope you visit my blog as well.
Linda
Hi Linda, I'm doing well; thanks for asking. I did start advertising since it's so easy to add a code to the template. Not sure if I'm keeping everything as it is, but as the blog grows, I'm looking to make the most of the opportunity. Congratulations on your son getting married. I'll definitely be visiting your blog also.
DeleteBlessings,
Lisa
Awesome tips! These are so helpful. I hope you will consider linking this up to the Pinworthy Projects Party over at my blog, Just Us Four.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips -- especially about not "settling". I am amazed at what comes across our Craigslist if one is willing to wait it out. Wonderful finds -- love that sofa. It would look sooo good in my living room :-) Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday!
ReplyDeleteNewest follower here! I found you through the six sisters' stuff blog hop :) You have a super cute blog, I can't wait to read more. You can find me at meandmr.com
ReplyDelete-Melanie @meandmr.com
I sure appreciate any advice, just started advertising on Craigslist. We have an old Suburban and hubs has tool boxes and tools to sell.
ReplyDeleteI learned about the not letting anybody in your house deal. We were trying to sell our house in country in KY. A couple came to look at it supposedly, not. They were casing the place. I was alone. Boy did I breathe a sigh of relief after they left. No more leaving front door/screen unlocked. I was really paranoid. My hubs was on road and we were only house with country around us, I was quite alone. They could have knocked me out or murdered me and nobody would have known. No more of that. I pulled the ad and wrote another one; call, see house by appt. Much better to be safe. DUH!
Good stuff..keep updating such Good information...thanks for writing such a post...sale24...keep posting.
ReplyDelete